Chicken Chesapeake Sauce
Chesapeake sauce is a rich, creamy sauce made with ingredients like butter, heavy cream, Old Bay seasoning, garlic, lemon juice, and sometimes a splash of white wine.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5–2 lbs total)
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning to season the chicken
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter for pan-searing or baking
For the Chesapeake Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter for sautéing
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning for the sauce
- ¼ cup white wine optional, for added depth of flavor
- 1 cup heavy cream to create the creamy base
- 1 cup lump crab meat fresh or canned, drained
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice optional, to brighten the sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste adjust based on preference and the saltiness of the crab and Old Bay seasoning
Optional Garnishes and Additions
- Fresh parsley: chopped for garnish
- Paprika or cayenne pepper: a pinch for a touch of heat or extra color
Instructions
- Making this creamy sauce for this dish is straightforward but requires some attention to detail to make it properly. Here’s a basic step-by-step process:
- Cook the Chicken: Begin by cooking the chicken. You can either pan-sear the chicken breasts or thighs in a hot skillet or bake them in the oven. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a bit of Old Bay seasoning to set the flavor base.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add Old Bay seasoning, a splash of white wine (optional), and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Add Crab Meat: Once the sauce has thickened, fold in lump crab meat, being careful not to break up the chunks too much. The crab should be added towards the end of cooking to warm through, not overcook.
- Combine and Serve: Spoon the creamy Chesapeake sauce generously over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Notes
Season Gradually: Old Bay seasoning is potent, so start with a small amount and taste as you go. This helps you achieve the desired flavor profile without overwhelming the sauce.
Balance with Fresh Ingredients: Adding a splash of lemon juice, a small pinch of sugar, or a dash of white wine can help balance the richness of the sauce, ensuring it doesn’t taste too heavy.
Use Cream Wisely: Heavy cream creates a rich sauce, but if it becomes too thick or rich, you can add a little bit of chicken broth or milk to thin it out while still maintaining its creamy texture.