Easy Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce Recipe | Creamy & Flavorful Dinner
Rich, creamy, and full of Irish charm — this Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce features tender chicken simmered in a luscious cream sauce infused with smooth Irish whiskey, garlic, and herbs. A comforting yet elegant dish perfect for cozy dinners or festive occasions.
Equipment
- Heavy skillet (cast iron or stainless steel)
- Wooden spoon
- Instant-read thermometer
- Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter (divided)
- 1 shallot (or ½ onion), finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup Irish whiskey (smooth blended style)
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Optional: mushrooms, bacon lardons, spinach, Parmesan
Instructions
- Prep: Pat chicken dry; season with salt & pepper. Optional: lightly dust with flour.
- Sear: Heat olive oil + 1 tbsp butter in skillet. Sear chicken 4–6 minutes per side until golden. Remove.
- Aromatics: Add remaining butter, sauté shallot and garlic until fragrant.
- Deglaze: Pour in whiskey, reduce by half while scraping browned bits.
- Build sauce: Add stock + Dijon. Simmer 2–3 minutes. Stir in cream; reduce until glossy.
- Return chicken: Nestle chicken back, simmer 3–6 minutes until cooked through (74°C/165°F).
- Finish: Whisk in cold butter, add lemon juice, fold in herbs. Adjust seasoning.
- Serve: Spoon sauce over chicken, garnish with herbs and lemon zest.
Notes
- Make-ahead: Sauce can be made 1 day ahead; thin with stock when reheating.
- Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat gently with stock.
- Freezing: Freeze chicken + whiskey-stock base only; add cream after reheating.
- Variations: Add mushrooms, bacon, or mustard for depth.
- Pairings: Serve with mashed potatoes, colcannon, or crusty bread; pair with Irish cider or Sauvignon Blanc.
- Tip: Always simmer cream gently—never boil—to prevent splitting.