Savory Baked Chicken with Creamy Horseradish Sauce
This Savory Baked Chicken with Creamy Horseradish Sauce elevates the humble chicken breast with a zesty and rich topping that combines the bite of prepared horseradish with creamy sour cream and Dijon mustard. Ideal for a cozy dinner, this dish will impress your family and friends with its delightful flavors and appealing presentation. Serve it alongside your favorite sides for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and full of character.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
flour
2 tablespoons (all-purpose)
milk
1 cup (whole or 2%)
prepared horseradish
3 tablespoons (white)
sour cream
2 tablespoons (regular or light)
sugar
1 teaspoon (granulated)
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon (prepared)
white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon (for flavoring)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
chicken breast halves
2 (with skin and bone)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it is bubbling gently.
3
Add the flour to the melted butter, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux, being careful not to let it brown.
4
Gradually whisk in the milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Continue stirring for about 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
5
Stir in the prepared horseradish, sour cream, sugar, Dijon mustard, and white wine vinegar. Mix well and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Place the chicken breast halves, skin side up, in a greased baking dish.
7
Pour half of the horseradish cream sauce over the chicken breasts evenly.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
9
For an added touch of flavor, broil the chicken for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a lovely golden-brown crust.
10
While the chicken is broiling, reheat the remaining horseradish cream sauce on the stove or in a microwave.
11
Once the chicken is done, serve it hot with the reheated sauce drizzled over the top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Baked Chicken with Creamy Horseradish Sauce?
It is a dish featuring chicken breasts baked with a rich topping made from a roux-based sauce, horseradish, sour cream, and Dijon mustard.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using two chicken breast halves with the skin and bone intact for the best flavor and juiciness.
How do I prepare the creamy horseradish sauce?
Create a roux with butter and flour, whisk in milk until thickened, then stir in horseradish, sour cream, sugar, Dijon mustard, and white wine vinegar.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the chicken.
How long does the chicken need to bake?
The chicken should bake for approximately 45 minutes or until it is cooked through and tender.
Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead?
Yes, you can use boneless breasts, but you may need to reduce the baking time slightly as they cook faster than bone-in chicken.
What is a roux and how is it used here?
A roux is a mixture of equal parts fat and flour used as a thickener; here, butter and flour are cooked for one minute to thicken the milk base.
Can I substitute the Dijon mustard?
Yes, you can use spicy brown mustard or yellow mustard if Dijon is not available, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
What kind of horseradish should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for prepared white horseradish for its signature zesty bite.
Is there a substitute for sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for sour cream if you prefer a tangier taste or higher protein content.
Why is sugar included in the sauce?
A small amount of granulated sugar is used to balance the heat of the horseradish and the acidity of the vinegar.
What is the purpose of the white wine vinegar?
The vinegar adds a necessary acidity that brightens the sauce and cuts through the richness of the dairy ingredients.
Why should the chicken be placed skin side up?
Placing it skin side up allows the skin to brown and crisp slightly, especially if you choose to broil it at the end.
How much sauce goes on the chicken before baking?
You should pour exactly half of the prepared horseradish cream sauce over the chicken before placing it in the oven.
What should I do with the remaining sauce?
The remaining half of the sauce should be reheated and drizzled over the chicken just before serving for extra flavor.
How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Is broiling the chicken necessary?
Broiling for an additional 5 minutes is optional but recommended to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust.
What sides pair well with this dish?
This chicken pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can use a dairy-free butter alternative, unsweetened nut milk, and a vegan sour cream substitute.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, it contains all-purpose flour. To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this cooked chicken?
Yes, though the cream sauce may change texture slightly upon thawing; it is best enjoyed fresh.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the texture of the chicken and sauce.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, bone-in thighs are a great alternative; ensure they are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
What if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick after simmering, simply whisk in a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
What if the sauce is too thin?
Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken naturally.
Can I add fresh herbs?
Absolutely; fresh chopped parsley or chives make a great garnish and add a fresh element to the dish.
How spicy is the horseradish sauce?
The horseradish provides a zesty heat, but it is mellowed out significantly by the sour cream and milk.
Can I use skim milk for the sauce?
Yes, you can use skim milk, though the sauce will be slightly less creamy and rich than if using whole or 2% milk.
How many people does this recipe serve?
Based on using two chicken breast halves, this recipe serves approximately two people.