Celebrating the 147th Kentucky Derby with Chef David Danielson

As the 147th Kentucky Derby returns to the first Saturday in May this year, Churchill Downs Executive Chef David Danielson and his team plan to use 1,000 lbs. of Vidalia onions included in several dishes on the official menu for guests during both the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby events.

Today, we are pleased to welcome Chef David as he provides an inside look into this year's derby and a taste of what's on the menu! Check out our full interview below and the recipe to his featured Chicken with Vidalia Onion and Mushroom Sauce at the end of today's post!

Chicken with Vidalia Onion and Mushroom Sauce

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• Author: Living the Gourmet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 1x

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tbsp. canola oil
• 4 - 6 to 8 oz. chicken, breasts
• 1 medium Vidalia onion, halved and thinly sliced
• 12-15 Cremini mushrooms
• 1 cup dark chicken stock
• 5 cloves garlic, diced
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

• In a heavy skillet, heat canola oil on medium until oil starts to shimmer.
• Season chicken breast with salt and pepper, add to skillet and sauté until they start to brown.
  Turn over and brown other side. Chicken does not need to cooked through.
• Remove chicken from pan and place to the side.
• Add Vidalia onion to pan, sauté until onions begin to caramelize.
• Add mushrooms to pan and continue cooking until they are slightly browned.
• Add garlic and thyme, making sure all ingredients are mixed well.
• Add chicken stock and add chicken back to pan.
• Continue to cook, uncovered, until sauce has reduced and become thickened and chicken
  reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
• Remove from stove and let the chicken rest 5-10 minutes.
• Plate chicken and coat with Vidalia onion and mushroom sauce, and serve.

Chef David Danielson has been the Executive Chef for Churchill Downs Racetrack and the Kentucky Derby since 2011. We are so happy he stopped by Living the Gourmet today. Learn more about Vidalia Onions and find even more delicious inspirations for your derby party this year!

[feature image courtesy Classy Girls Wear Pearls]