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### **Instructions:**
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**
1. **Tenderize the chicken breasts**: Begin by tenderizing the chicken breasts with a meat mallet or rolling pin. This step helps the chicken cook evenly and become more tender. If the breasts are thick, you can cut them in half horizontally to create thinner pieces.
2. **Dredge the chicken**: In a shallow dish, season **flour** with salt and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, coating both sides evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
#### **Step 2: Sear the Chicken**
1. Heat **olive oil** in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
2. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
#### **Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic**
1. In the same skillet, melt **butter** over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them for 5-7 minutes, or until they are soft and golden brown. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
#### **Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce**
1. Add **heavy cream** to the skillet and stir to combine. Let the cream simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
2. Pour in the **chicken broth** (or white wine), and stir the sauce to combine. Let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Stir in the **Parmesan cheese** and continue to cook until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Season with **salt** and **black pepper** to taste.
#### **Step 5: Assemble the Dish**
1. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to ensure it’s well-coated.
2. Sprinkle the **shredded mozzarella cheese** on top of each chicken breast.
3. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the cheese to melt, about 3-5 minutes.
#### **Step 6: Garnish and Serve**
1. Once the cheese is melted, garnish the chicken with fresh **parsley**.
2. Serve the Chicken Lombardy with your choice of sides. This dish pairs well with **pasta**, **mashed potatoes**, or **roasted vegetables**.
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## **Variations of Chicken Lombardy**
While the classic Chicken Lombardy recipe is a crowd-pleaser, there are many ways to customize the dish to suit your preferences. Below are a few variations to consider:
### **1. Add Spinach**
For an added boost of nutrition and flavor, you can stir in some **fresh spinach** into the sauce before adding the chicken. The spinach wilts down and blends beautifully with the creamy sauce.
### **2. Use Different Mushrooms**
While the recipe calls for button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms, you can experiment with other varieties of mushrooms like **shiitake**, **portobello**, or **oyster mushrooms**. Each type of mushroom has its own unique flavor and texture that can add a new dimension to the dish.
### **3. Make It Spicy**
If you enjoy a little heat, add **red pepper flakes** or a splash of **hot sauce** to the sauce. This will give the dish a spicy kick that balances well with the creamy sauce.
### **4. Add Fresh Herbs**
Fresh herbs like **thyme**, **rosemary**, or **basil** can add an aromatic element to Chicken Lombardy. Try adding these herbs to the sauce or sprinkling them on top as a garnish.
### **5. Make It Gluten-Free**
For a gluten-free version, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or **almond flour** for dredging the chicken.
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## **Conclusion**
Chicken Lombardy is an indulgent, comforting dish that brings the rich flavors of Italian-American cuisine into your home. With tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a creamy sauce made with mushrooms, garlic, and cheese, this dish is sure to impress your family and guests. The beauty of Chicken Lombardy lies in its simplicity, but the combination of flavors makes it feel like a special, restaurant-quality meal.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily recreate Chicken Lombardy in your own kitchen, customizing the recipe to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer a bit of spice, extra vegetables, or different cheese, the variations are endless. Pair it with your favorite side dishes, and you’ll have a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.
So, roll up your sleeves and start cooking! Your taste buds will thank you for making Chicken Lombardy – a dish that is as flavorful as it is comforting.
