Sautéed Chicken Breasts With Corn and Shallots

Updated July 7, 2025

Sautéed Chicken Breasts With Corn and Shallots
Armando Rafael for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Cyd Raftus McDowell.
Total Time
15 minutes
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Rating
5(1,863)
Comments
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When you've eaten your fill of corn on the cob, here's another delightful way to enjoy one of summer's best vegetables: Build it into a quick sauce with shallots, white wine, Dijon mustard and cream, to spoon over butter-sautéed chicken. It's a fresh yet luxurious weeknight meal you're going to make all season long.

Featured in: 60-MINUTE GOURMET

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings
  • 4skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 2large ears of corn
  • 2tablespoons butter
  • ¼cup finely chopped shallots
  • ½cup dry white wine
  • 2tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • cup heavy cream
  • ¼cup coarsely chopped fresh chervil or parsley
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

629 calories; 28 grams fat; 14 grams saturated fat; 1 gram trans fat; 8 grams monounsaturated fat; 2 grams polyunsaturated fat; 23 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams dietary fiber; 5 grams sugars; 66 grams protein; 1045 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Sprinkle chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.

  2. Step 2

    Cut the kernels from the ears of corn. There should be about 1 cup. Set aside.

  3. Step 3

    Heat butter in a skillet large enough to hold the breasts in one layer. Add the chicken, cook 3 minutes and turn. Cover and cook 5 minutes longer.

  4. Step 4

    Transfer chicken pieces to a hot serving dish. To the skillet add shallots and cook briefly. Add wine and bring to the boil. Add the corn and stir in mustard.

  5. Step 5

    Add cream and stir to blend. Bring to the boil and add the chervil or parsley. Pour and scrape the sauce over the chicken pieces and serve.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
1,863 user ratings
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Comments

Actually, you would be very surprised at how quickly boneless, skiness breasts can cook. Most people, in my opinion, overcook them and they are dry and tough. I have cooked them 4 min on each side and they are completely done. For heaven's sake, if you think they are not finished to your satisfaction, cook them longer.

Regarding the comment about the size of the chicken breast: the amazing Chef Pierre Franey (this is his recipe) died over 20 years ago when chicken breasts were much smaller than they are now. Some of the chicken breasts in my local market are huge. One must adjust the cooking time accordingly. (This tasty recipe is in Pierre Franey's "30 Minute Meals" my go-to cookbook when I want to make something quickly and delicious - used copies are available on eBay).

Found this utterly delicious! Used two chicken breasts sliced in half horizontally since they are so large today. They easily cooked in a hot skillet in the time given (whole would have taken longer). I still made the entire quantity of sauce for half the number of breasts. If I made with four (cut in half), I think I would double the corn sauce. The sauce in this manner becomes both sauce and side dish! Wished we'd had some good bread to swipe up the creamy remains. Used fresh corn.

Made this with skinless chicken thighs, and it was outstanding (and quick!). We'll put this on regular rotation.

This is an outstanding flavor combination, in addition to being quick and easy. I cut the breasts diagonally, which makes them smaller but still an attractive portion.

I added some diced jalapeño at the end for a little heat and then served with sliced avocado. Turned out great! Will definitely cook again.

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