Ultimate Country Club Chicken and Pasta: A Melt-in-Your-Mouth Comfort Food Recipe
This Country Club Chicken and Pasta recipe holds a special place in my culinary journey. It was one of the very first recipes I ever “pinned” on Pinterest, an image that immediately captivated me with its promise of creamy, savory goodness. And honestly, they had me completely hooked at the mention of mushrooms!
You know how it is – sometimes you stumble upon a recipe that looks absolutely divine, yet for one reason or another, it takes forever to finally make it into your kitchen. For me, with this delectable Country Club Chicken, it was always a matter of missing just one crucial ingredient when the craving struck. But last week, I decided enough was enough. I meticulously planned my grocery list, ensuring every item was acquired, and finally, this long-awaited dish came to life in my home.
The original inspiration for this incredible meal comes from the wonderful Kayotic Kitchen. I followed her recipe almost to perfection, making only slight adjustments to accommodate our family of six hungry individuals. What resulted was nothing short of culinary magic. The chicken was unbelievably tender – so tender, in fact, that you barely needed a knife to cut into it. It simply melted in your mouth, infused with a rich, flavorful sauce that had everyone at the table asking for seconds. This Country Club Chicken and Pasta quickly became a new family favorite, a dish we’ll be enjoying for years to come.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Country Club Chicken Recipe
This isn’t just another chicken dinner; it’s an experience. Here’s why this Country Club Chicken and Pasta is destined to become a staple in your meal rotation:
- Unrivaled Tenderness: The slow baking process combined with the rich, creamy sauce ensures that your chicken breasts are incredibly moist and fork-tender. Say goodbye to dry, tough chicken!
- Rich & Savory Flavor Profile: A harmonious blend of sautéed bacon, onions, apples, and mushrooms creates a depth of flavor that is truly exquisite. The dry white wine and sharp cheddar cheese elevate the sauce to gourmet status.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Served over a bed of al dente spaghetti, this dish is the epitome of hearty, warming comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or simply when you need a little culinary hug.
- Impressive Yet Simple: While the results are incredibly impressive, the preparation is surprisingly straightforward. It’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will be won over by the creamy sauce and tender chicken. It’s a dish that appeals to all ages.
A Deep Dive into the Delicious Ingredients
Every ingredient in this Country Club Chicken and Pasta recipe plays a crucial role in building its incredible flavor and texture. Let’s explore some of the key components:
- Chicken Breasts: We recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease of preparation. For best results and even cooking, you can lightly pound them to a uniform thickness. Chicken thighs are also a fantastic alternative if you prefer dark meat, offering even more moisture.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon bits not only add a wonderful salty crunch but also infuse the initial cooking oil with a savory depth that forms the foundation of our sauce.
- Onion & Apple: The minced onion provides a savory aromatic base, while the small chopped apple introduces a subtle sweetness and acidity that perfectly balances the richness of the dish. Don’t skip the apple – it’s a secret weapon!
- Fresh White Mushrooms: Ah, the star that first caught my eye! Sliced fresh white mushrooms add an earthy, umami richness that is indispensable. Feel free to use cremini (baby bella) mushrooms for an even deeper flavor.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This classic pantry staple forms the creamy backbone of our sauce, providing a silky texture and a familiar, comforting flavor.
- Dry White Wine: A splash of dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) deglazes the pan, adding a layer of sophisticated flavor and helping to tenderize the chicken. If you prefer not to use alcohol, chicken broth can be a suitable substitute, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
- Extra Sharp White Cheddar Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully into the sauce, contributing a tangy, robust flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Grate it yourself for the best melting consistency.
- Spaghetti: Serving this creamy chicken over a bed of al dente spaghetti is traditional and utterly delicious. The pasta soaks up the glorious sauce, making every bite a delight. Other pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, or even penne would also work wonderfully.
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Print Recipe
Country Club Chicken and Pasta
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- salt and pepper to taste
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1 medium sized onion minced
- 1 small apple chopped (such as Fuji or Gala)
- 1 8 ounce container sliced fresh white mushrooms (or cremini mushrooms)
- 1 10.75 ounce can Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or chicken broth for alcohol-free)
- 2/3 cup extra sharp white cheddar cheese grated
- 1 pound spaghetti cooked al dente, for serving
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish by spraying it generously with non-stick cooking spray. Set this aside.
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In a large, heavy-bottomed frying pan or skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it is deliciously crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon slices to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. Set the crispy bacon aside for later. Importantly, do not drain the bacon grease from the pan; we will use it for the next step.
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Season your chicken breasts liberally with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Sear the chicken on both sides until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms. This step helps to lock in the juices and add flavor.
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Once seared, transfer the chicken breasts from the skillet into your prepared baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.
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Now, drain most of the bacon grease from the skillet, leaving just about a tablespoon or two for sautéing. Do not wash the pan. Return the pan to medium heat and add the minced onion. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Next, add the chopped apple and continue to sauté for another couple of minutes, allowing it to soften slightly. Finally, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they have released their moisture and are heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
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Pour the dry white wine into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Let it simmer and cook for a couple of minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – this is where all the flavor is! Then, stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup, the grated extra sharp white cheddar cheese, and the crumbled crispy bacon. Mix everything well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and combined.
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Generously pour this rich, creamy, and flavorful sauce over the chicken breasts in the baking dish, ensuring they are well coated.
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Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and incredibly tender.
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While the chicken is baking, cook your spaghetti according to package directions until it’s al dente. Drain well. Serve the succulent Country Club Chicken hot, spooned generously over the cooked pasta, ensuring plenty of that amazing sauce is included. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Tips for Crafting the Perfect Country Club Chicken and Pasta
To ensure your Country Club Chicken turns out as perfect as possible, keep these tips in mind:
- Evenly Searing: Don’t overcrowd your pan when searing the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure a golden-brown crust, which adds a wonderful layer of flavor.
- Bacon Grease is Gold: That leftover bacon grease is packed with flavor! Using it to sauté your onions, apples, and mushrooms ensures maximum taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your spaghetti only until al dente, as it will absorb some of the sauce and continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot chicken and sauce.
- Cover for Tenderness: Baking the chicken covered helps to steam it gently, keeping it incredibly moist and tender.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect how smoothly they melt. Grating your own sharp white cheddar will result in a creamier, more luxurious sauce.
Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Meal
While Country Club Chicken and Pasta is a complete meal on its own, here are some ideas to make it even more special:
- Fresh Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken and pasta.
- Garlic Bread or Crusty Ciabatta: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that amazing creamy sauce.
- Roasted Asparagus or Broccoli: Adds a healthy, vibrant side dish that complements the flavors without overpowering them.
- Wine Pairing: Continue with the dry white wine you used in the recipe, like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Grigio, for a delightful pairing.
Variations & Customizations for Your Taste
This Country Club Chicken recipe is quite adaptable! Feel free to experiment with these variations:
- Cheese Swap: Try Gruyere cheese for a nutty flavor, or a blend of white cheddar and mozzarella for extra stretchiness.
- Add More Veggies: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or frozen peas with the mushroom soup for added nutrients and color.
- Different Protein: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for even richer flavor and moisture.
- Herb Boost: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives over the top before serving adds a lovely fresh finish.
- Pasta Alternatives: Any medium-sized pasta shape like penne, rigatoni, or even egg noodles would work well if spaghetti isn’t your preference.
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
This dish is fantastic for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers!
- Refrigeration: Leftover Country Club Chicken and Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
- Freezing: The chicken and sauce freeze well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that pasta can sometimes become a bit softer after freezing and reheating, so you might prefer to freeze the chicken and sauce separately and cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.
This Country Club Chicken and Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined with care, can create something truly extraordinary. The tender chicken, the rich, creamy mushroom and bacon sauce, and the satisfying pasta make for an unforgettable dining experience. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe, adjust it to your family’s liking, and savor every mouthwatering bite. Don’t forget to share your experience and thoughts in the comments below!