Chicken Madeira (Copycat Cheesecake Factory Recipe!)

Indulge in restaurant-quality flavors at home with this Chicken Madeira recipe — a delicious take on the famous Cheesecake Factory dish. Juicy chicken breasts are smothered in a rich, velvety Madeira wine sauce, topped with tender asparagus, earthy mushrooms, and gooey melted mozzarella. Every bite is bursting with flavor, making it the perfect dish for family dinners, date nights, or impressing guests without leaving your kitchen.

This easy homemade Chicken Madeira is even better than the restaurant version, with a deep, concentrated sauce, perfectly cooked chicken, and cheesy, savory goodness on top. It’s elegant, comforting, and surprisingly straightforward to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Cheesecake Factory dish made easy at home
• Rich, flavorful Madeira wine sauce with mushrooms and asparagus
• Juicy, tender chicken breasts with a cheesy, golden finish
• Perfect for special dinners, cozy nights, or entertaining
• Pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or rice

Ingredients

Sauce Ingredients

• Chicken broth – Forms the savory base of the sauce
• Beef broth – Adds depth and richness
• Chicken bouillon cube – Enhances overall flavor
• Heavy cream (optional) – Adds a touch of creaminess
• Worcestershire sauce – Brings umami and complexity
• Onion powder & mustard powder – Subtle aromatic seasoning

Chicken Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Tender protein for the dish
• Salt & pepper – Essential seasoning
• Garlic powder – Adds savory depth
• Flour – Helps create a light crust on the chicken
• Olive oil – For searing the chicken to golden perfection

Mushrooms, Asparagus & Cheese

• Asparagus spears – Tender and fresh vegetable element
• Butter – Adds richness to the sauce
• Garlic – Aromatic base flavor
• Madeira wine – Signature ingredient; adds sweetness and depth
• Cremini mushrooms – Adds umami and texture
• Flour – Thickens the sauce
• Parmesan cheese – Adds umami and richness
• Mozzarella cheese – Melty, gooey topping

How to Make Chicken Madeira

Step 1: Prep Work

Combine the sauce ingredients in a measuring cup and set aside. Allow mozzarella to come to room temperature for even melting. Measure out remaining ingredients to streamline cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Asparagus

Trim and cut asparagus in half. Boil for 3–4 minutes until tender but still crisp. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise, then pound to ½-inch thickness. Pat dry and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Coat evenly with flour.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Set aside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Reduce heat slightly and add butter and garlic to the skillet. Cook 2 minutes, stirring continuously. Add Madeira wine and use a spatula to scrape any browned bits from the bottom.

Add mushrooms and simmer until liquid reduces by half, about 13 minutes. Sprinkle in flour gradually, whisking to combine. Cook 2 more minutes.

Slowly add prepared sauce mixture, stirring, and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce to a simmer for 13 minutes uncovered until thickened and concentrated. Stir in Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Combine & Finish

Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce on top. Layer asparagus and top with mozzarella. Cover and heat through until cheese melts (about 5 minutes) or transfer to a 400°F oven for 4 minutes. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or your favorite sides.

Tips for Success

• Use real Madeira wine for authentic flavor; inexpensive bottles work fine
• Allow sauce to reduce properly for concentrated, restaurant-quality flavor
• Use cremini mushrooms for texture and color; white mushrooms work too
• Freshly grate Parmesan and mozzarella for best melting and flavor

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet (oven-safe preferred)
• Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Saucepan for asparagus (optional)
• Oven (optional for melting cheese)

Recipe Variations

• Non-alcoholic version: ½ cup white grape juice + ¼ cup sherry vinegar + 2 tbsp vanilla extract
• Extra cheesy: Add Gruyère or fontina along with mozzarella
• Vegetable twist: Add baby spinach or bell peppers to the sauce
• Chicken alternatives: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat

Serving Suggestions

Serve this homemade Chicken Madeira with creamy mashed potatoes, garlic butter noodles, or roasted vegetables. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for a restaurant-style presentation.

FAQs

Can I substitute Madeira wine?
Yes, try dry marsala, dry port, dry sherry, or add brandy to dry white wine.

Can this dish be made ahead?
Yes, store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a covered casserole dish at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.

What mushrooms work best?
Cremini or baby bella mushrooms are ideal; white button mushrooms can be used but are less flavorful.

Can I use fresh mozzarella?
Low-moisture mozzarella works best for melting and maintaining texture. Avoid fresh mozzarella for this recipe.

How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer longer and whisk in flour gradually to achieve desired consistency.

Print

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Madeira is the ultimate homemade comfort meal that rivals the Cheesecake Factory’s famous dish. With juicy chicken, rich wine sauce, tender mushrooms, and melty mozzarella, it’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner at home. Make it tonight and experience a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your kitchen.