Easy Chicken Chesapeake Recipe (with Maryland Crab)

Prepare yourself for a culinary journey to the heart of Maryland, home to the renowned Chesapeake Bay. This recipe brings together the best of both worlds – succulent chicken and the bay’s famous blue crab, creating a fusion that’s nothing short of a gastronomic masterpiece. Chicken Chesapeake is not just a dish; it’s an experience that promises to leave you craving for more. If you’re ready to satiate your palate with an unforgettable feast, let’s dive into it!

What is Chicken Chesapeake?

Chicken Chesapeake is an exquisite dish, rich in flavor and steeped in tradition. As its name suggests, it originated from the Chesapeake Bay area of Maryland, renowned for its seafood, particularly the blue crab. The dish brings together two significant components: a tender, juicy chicken breast and a luscious crab imperial, topped with a creamy Old Bay sauce.

This fusion of land and sea creates an unforgettable culinary experience that has won the hearts of many Marylanders and beyond.

Ingredients for this Chicken Chesapeake Recipe

For this recipe, we need:

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Crab Imperial

• 1 lb lump crab meat
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

For the Creamy Old Bay Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning

See Also: How to Tell If Chicken Is Done With or Without a Thermometer

How to Make Chicken Chesapeake

The Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until they’re golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Set them aside.

The Crab Imperial

Carefully combine crab meat, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning in a bowl, taking care not to break up the lumps of crab meat. Set aside.

The Creamy Old Bay Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter then whisk in flour until a paste forms. Gradually add milk while continuing to whisk. Add salt and Old Bay seasoning. Stir until the sauce thickens. Set aside.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chicken Chesapeake

• Selection of Ingredients: Always opt for fresh ingredients. Fresh lump crab meat will add a sweetness and delicate flavor that canned crab meat can’t match.
• Chicken Cooking: Make sure not to overcook the chicken. It should be golden brown on the outside and juicy on the inside.
• Mixing the Crab Imperial: When mixing the ingredients for the crab imperial, do so gently to avoid breaking up the lump crab meat.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Old Bay seasoning is a key component to this dish. However, if you can’t find it, consider making your own blend with celery salt, paprika, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
• Sauce Consistency: When preparing the Old Bay sauce, ensure it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it’s too thin, continue to cook it on low heat until it reaches the desired thickness.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve the Chicken Chesapeake with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance out the rich flavors.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and crab imperial ahead of time. Just reheat the chicken and top with the crab imperial and sauce when you’re ready to serve.

How to serve Chicken Chesapeake

Place the cooked chicken breasts on a platter. Top each with a generous portion of the crab imperial. Drizzle the creamy Old Bay sauce over the top. Serve with a side of steamed asparagus or roasted potatoes for a complete, satisfying meal.

What is the best crab to use for this recipe?

The best crab to use for this recipe is Maryland Blue Crab, specifically the lump crab meat. It’s sweet, delicate flavor and tender texture make it perfect for the crab imperial topping. However, if you can’t find Maryland Blue Crab, you can substitute with other varieties of fresh, lump crab meat.

How to Store Chicken Chesapeake

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish will keep for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven, taking care not to overcook the chicken or crab.

Crab Imperial vs. Imperial Sauce

While both are integral parts of this dish, Crab Imperial and Imperial Sauce are different. Crab Imperial is a mixture of lump crab meat and a creamy binder, seasoned with Old Bay. On the other hand, Imperial Sauce is typically a blend of mayonnaise, egg yolks, and seasonings used as a topping for various seafood dishes.

For more delicious recipes using seafood, try these:

If you enjoyed this recipe and want to try more seafood dishes, check out our recipe for Shrimp Scampi or shrimp tacos.

For more chicken recipes, try these:

For more creative ways to cook chicken, take a look at our chicken recipes:

Ruth Chris Stuffed Chicken

Chicken Liver And Onion Recipe

Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken

Broasted Chicken Recipe

Chicken Demi Glace Recipe

FAQs

Can I use canned crab meat instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned lump crab meat, but fresh crab meat will give a better flavor and texture.

Can I use another type of seasoning if I don’t have Old Bay?

Yes, you can substitute with Cajun seasoning or make your own mix with celery salt, paprika, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and crab imperial ahead of time. Just reheat the chicken and top with the crab imperial and sauce when you’re ready to serve.