The Chicken Chesapeake is a delicious chicken recipe that combines tender, savory chicken with a full-flavored imperial crab. This easy chicken Chesapeake with imperial sauce recipe combines juicy chicken and rich flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the East Coast.
Prepare to impress your family and friends while enjoying every delicious bite. Whether you’re new to cooking or looking to refine your skills, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.
What is chicken Chesapeake?
Chicken Chesapeake is a delightful twist on classic chicken dishes. Originating from Maryland, this dish showcases the region’s love for seafood combined with poultry.
There are different variations of this dish, but Chicken Chesapeake usually features tender chicken breasts topped with rich crabmeat and imperial sauce. This luxurious combination of flavors elevates the humble chicken into something extraordinary.
The imperial sauce typically consists of butter, cream, and seasonings that create a velvety texture. It brings out the best in both ingredients when paired with succulent crabmeat.
It is traditionally served as an elegant entrée at gatherings or special occasions. It’s not just about taste. It’s also about celebrating local culinary traditions steeped in coastal influences.
How to make easy chicken Chesapeake with imperial sauce recipe
The easy chicken Chesapeake with imperial sauce recipe is like uncovering a hidden gem in the culinary world. This dish captures the essence of Maryland’s coastal cuisine, showcasing the perfect marriage of flavors.
With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this restaurant-worthy dish is ready in no time. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions like more talk. Let’s dive into the recipe.
Since Chicken Chesapeake traditionally uses crab (a popular ingredient in Maryland), to know about local crabbing and seafood industry you can check out : Maryland.gov Crabbing and Seafood
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1/2 lb Phillips Lump Crab Meat
- 2 tablespoons of bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon of parsley
- ¼ cup of mayonnaise
- 1 knob of butter
- Imperial sauce
- Old Bay
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Paper
Imperial sauce
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- lemon juice
- Worcestershire sauce
- Old Bay
If you want to buy Old Bay check out : McCormick – Old Bay Seasoning
Instruction :
- If you’re using the oven method, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using an air fryer, set it to 360°F (182°C).
- Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add butter or olive oil. Once hot, sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the imperial sauce. Mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning until well combined.
- Once seared, transfer the chicken to a baking dish or air fryer basket. Generously spoon the prepared imperial sauce over each piece of chicken.
- Bake in the oven for around 20-25 minutes or cook in the air fryer for about 15 minutes. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C). Remove and let rest before serving with your favorite sides.
Variations
This chicken and crab recipe has slight variations depending on where you order it or who makes it. The good thing is that you can make changes based on your tastes.
Here are some varieties:
- Stuffed chicken Chesapeake
One delightful variation is the stuffed chicken Chesapeake. To add an extra layer of flavor, simply fill your chicken breasts with crab meat and cream cheese before baking.
- chicken Chesapeake pasta
If you’re a pasta lover, consider making chicken Chesapeake pasta. Toss pieces of sautéed chicken in a creamy imperial sauce over your favorite noodles. It’s comforting and indulgent.
- Grilled chicken Chesapeake
For lighter options, try grilling the chicken instead of baking. A smoky twist can elevate the dish while keeping it healthy.
- Old Bay Chicken Chesapeake
If you want to experiment with spices, add some Old Bay seasoning for an authentic Maryland touch in every bite!
- Maryland chicken Chesapeake
Don’t forget about seafood lovers! Combining shrimp or scallops with your classic recipe can create a luxurious surf-and-turf experience that pleases any palate.
- Phillips chicken Chesapeake
Phillips Seafood is a beloved name in Maryland cuisine, and their Chicken Chesapeake recipe stands out. This dish combines tender chicken with rich crabmeat, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.
The creamy imperial sauce elevates the entire meal and makes Phillips’s version unique. It features butter, mayonnaise, and a hint of Old Bay seasoning—a true nod to its coastal roots.
What to Serve with Chicken Chesapeake
When serving Chicken Chesapeake, the right accompaniments can elevate your meal. To make it more attractive, you need to serve it perfectly. Some easy tips to serve perfectly are:
- Start with a fresh garden salad. Crisp greens and colorful veggies add a delightful crunch that balances the dish’s richness. If you want to enjoy it with casual salad you can try Arlington Chicken Salad.
- Consider pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice pilaf. These sides absorb the luscious imperial sauce beautifully, enhancing every bite.
- Roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans provide a vibrant contrast for something lighter.
- Don’t forget about bread! A warm baguette or garlic knots make great choices for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.
- Why not serve a glass of chilled white wine? A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or buttery Chardonnay pairs remarkably well with the flavors of chicken and crabmeat in this dish.
Enjoying these combinations will genuinely enhance your dining experience.
Nutritional Information & Health Benefits
Chicken Chesapeake is delicious and packs a punch for nutrition. This dish is moderately high in calories and fat, especially if prepared with butter, cream, or cheese in the sauce. But it also provides essential nutrients.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the nutritional benefits of this fantastic dish.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Fat | 27 g |
| Calcium | 120mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
The table breakdown shows that Hotel Chicken Chesapeake is delicious and nutritious. It provides good protein and healthy fats without being too heavy on carbohydrates.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Chesapeake
Chicken Chesapeake is a delicious dish. To make it delicious, you need to cook it perfectly. Perfectly cooked chicken Chesapeake can increase your taste even more.
To achieve the perfect Chicken Chesapeake, here are some tips are ;
- start with high-quality chicken. Look for boneless, skinless breasts that are fresh and plump. This will ensure a tender result.
- Marination is key. Consider marinating your chicken in a blend of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for at least an hour. This adds flavor and juiciness to the meat.
- When cooking methods, opt for baking or air frying over pan-frying for a healthier version. Bake until golden brown to lock in those flavors.
- For the imperial sauce, use real crab meat if possible; it elevates your dish significantly. Don’t skimp on seasoning either – a pinch of Old Bay can bring out that Maryland flair.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking before slicing it. This simple step helps retain moisture and enhances overall taste.
Conclusion:
There’s something extraordinary about easy chicken Chesapeake with imperial sauce. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, anyone can make this Maryland classic in their kitchen.
Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this recipe will surely be a hit. The variations you can explore allow for creativity while keeping the essence of Chicken Chesapeake intact. From pasta to stuffed versions, there’s no limit to how you can enjoy this dish.
Remember that cooking is an art. Feel free to tweak recipes according to your personal preference. Explore this recipe and more on Top Food Recipe for your next favorite dish.
Discover Easy Chicken Chesapeake With Imperial Sauce Recipe
4
servings15
minutes35
minutes450
kcal50
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
4 boneless chicken breasts
1/2 lb Phillips Lump Crab Meat
2 tablespoons of bread crumbs
1 tablespoon of parsley
¼ cup of mayonnaise
1 knob of butter
Imperial sauce
Old Bay
Olive oil
Salt
Paper
Directions
- If you’re using the oven method, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using an air fryer, set it to 360°F (182°C).
- Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add butter or olive oil. Once hot, sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the imperial sauce. Mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning until well combined.
- Once seared, transfer the chicken to a baking dish or air fryer basket. Generously spoon the prepared imperial sauce over each piece of chicken.
- Bake in the oven for around 20-25 minutes or cook in the air fryer for about 15 minutes. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C). Remove and let rest before serving with your favorite sides.
Notes
- start with high-quality chicken. Look for boneless, skinless breasts that are fresh and plump. This will ensure a tender result.
- Marination is key. Consider marinating your chicken in a blend of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for at least an hour. This adds flavor and juiciness to the meat.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking before slicing it. This simple step helps retain moisture and enhances overall taste.
