Hasselback Portobello Chicken 

Not only does this unusual presentation look beautiful, but what better way to infuse that intense mushroom flavor into the chicken than to actually insert the portobello slices inside? Juicy and succulent, it’s sure to have those mushroom lovers coming back for more! 

SERVES 6 

• 2 Tbsp oil
• 3 leeks, diced, white parts only
• 6–7 shallots, diced
• 8 oz (225 g) baby bella mushrooms,cleaned and thinly sliced
• ³⁄₄ cup chicken soup
• ¹⁄₄ cup white wine
• ¹⁄₈ tsp thyme
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 6 whole chicken breasts
• garlic powder, to taste
• 4 large portobello mushroom caps,cleaned and thinly sliced into 15 slices each
• ¹⁄₄ cup flour
• 2 Tbsp nondairy creamer
• 3 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Heat oil in a large saucepan. Add leeks and shallots and saute for about 15 minutes, until soft and golden. Add baby bella mushrooms and saute an additional 10 minutes until soft. Add chicken soup, wine, and thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir and bring to a low simmer.

Meanwhile, wash and clean chicken breasts and pat dry. Using a sharp knife, slice each piece about three-quarters of the way through, making 8–10 horizontal slits about half an inch (1 cm) apart. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Working with one chicken breast at a time, place a portobello mushroom slice into each slit, pressing them all the way to the bottom of the cut so that they won’t slide out during cooking.

Match the size of the mushroom slices to the width of the chicken by placing the wider slices in the center of the chicken and the shorter ones towards the ends. Place chicken gently into the simmering sauce. Cover pan and cook over low heat for 20–25 minutes, or until done. Remove chicken from pan. Cover to keep warm and set aside. Using a strainer, strain the sauce from the pan over a bowl and return the leeks, shallots, and mushrooms to the pan. Be sure to reserve the liquid. Add the flour to the pan and mix into the mushrooms and onions until thickened and flour disappears. Pour 1 cup of the reserved liquid back into the pan, along with the nondairy creamer.

Mix well. Cook for 2–3 minutes until smooth and creamy. To serve, spoon several tablespoons of sauce onto a plate. Place a piece of chicken in the center and top with freshly chopped parsley.

(Originally featured in Family Table, Issue 682)