Delicious Chicken Chesapeake Recipe A Maryland Classic

Introduction to Chicken Chesapeake

If you love seafood-inspired chicken dishes, then Chicken Chesapeake is a recipe you need to try. This iconic Maryland cuisine dish brings together the rich flavors of Chesapeake Bay seafood and tender, juicy stuffed chicken breasts, making it a favorite in homes and restaurants across the region.

At its core, Chicken Chesapeake is pan-seared or oven-baked chicken stuffed with a decadent lump crab imperial topping, seasoned with Old Bay seasoning and a creamy, buttery sauce. The result? A dish that’s both hearty and elegant, with sweet, briny crab meat complementing the mild, juicy chicken.

But what makes this dish so popular? The answer lies in Maryland’s deep seafood heritage. Home to blue crabs, rockfish, and other fresh seafood, the Chesapeake Bay region has long been a hub for flavorful, seafood-centric recipes. Chicken Chesapeake is a land-and-sea fusion dish that embodies the best of Mid-Atlantic flavors.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about Chicken Chesapeake—from its history and origins to authentic ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and serving suggestions.

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore the rich culinary history behind this dish and why it remains an essential part of Maryland’s food culture.

The History and Origins of Chicken Chesapeake

The state of Maryland is renowned for its seafood, especially its prized blue crabs from the Chesapeake Bay. Marylanders have long used crab meat as a staple in their cuisine, from classic crab cakes to creamy crab dips.

The origins of Chicken Chesapeake are somewhat unclear, but most food historians agree that it emerged as part of Maryland’s seafood tradition in the mid-20th century. Chefs and home cooks sought new ways to highlight lump crab meat beyond just crab cakes. The result was a recipe that paired succulent chicken breasts with the rich, buttery flavors of crab imperial—an indulgent, creamy mixture of lump crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and Old Bay seasoning.

A key ingredient that gives Chicken Chesapeake its signature taste is Old Bay seasoning. This spice blend, originally developed in Baltimore, Maryland, has been a staple in Maryland cooking for over 80 years. You can learn more about its unique flavor profile and history at Old Bay’s official site.

Additionally, the blue crabs used in this dish come from the Chesapeake Bay, one of the most significant blue crab fisheries in the world. To understand why Maryland blue crabs are considered some of the best, check out this resource from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Over time, Chicken Chesapeake has evolved, with home cooks and restaurants developing their own variations. Some include a cheesy crab topping, while others drizzle it with a rich cream sauce. Despite these adaptations, the heart of the dish remains the same—juicy chicken paired with the briny, delicate taste of fresh crab meat.

Traditional Ingredients and Variations

Core Ingredients for Authentic Chicken Chesapeake

To prepare a classic Chicken Chesapeake, you’ll need:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (for a tender, juicy base)
• 1 cup lump crab meat (preferably Maryland blue crab for sweetness)
• 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning (for bold Chesapeake flavors)
• ½ cup mayonnaise (to create a creamy crab imperial mixture)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (adds a tangy depth to the crab mixture)
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (enhances umami and richness)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (for a fresh, citrusy balance)
• 1 egg, beaten (binds the crab mixture together)
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (for texture and binding)
• 2 tbsp butter (for searing the chicken)

Popular Recipe Variations

There are several delicious variations of Chicken Chesapeake to try:

• Low-Carb / Keto Version: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds.
• Cheesy Crab Imperial Topping: Add shredded Parmesan or Gruyère for extra creaminess.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional breadcrumbs for almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the crab mixture.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Chesapeake

Preparing the Chicken

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise, creating a pocket for the stuffing.
3. Season with Old Bay seasoning, rubbing it into the chicken for extra flavor.

Making the Crab Imperial Filling

4. In a bowl, mix lump crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, egg, and breadcrumbs.
5. Gently fold the ingredients together, being careful not to break the delicate crab meat.

Stuffing and Cooking the Chicken

6. Spoon the crab mixture into the prepared chicken breasts.
7. Secure with toothpicks to keep the filling in place.
8. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt 2 tbsp butter.
9. Sear the chicken on both sides for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
10. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Chesapeake

Pairing Chicken Chesapeake with the right sides enhances its flavors:

• Corn on the cob with butter and Old Bay seasoning.
• Garlic mashed potatoes for a creamy, hearty complement.
• Sautéed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts for a fresh contrast.
• Coleslaw for a crunchy, tangy balance.
• Crusty bread to soak up the rich juices.

For a perfect wine pairing, try a crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the creamy crab topping.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How many calories are in Chicken Chesapeake?

A typical serving of Chicken Chesapeake (one stuffed chicken breast with crab imperial topping) contains approximately 450–600 calories, depending on the ingredients used. The main contributors to the calorie count are chicken breast, crab meat, mayonnaise, butter, and breadcrumbs.

2. What is a dish of cutlets topped with crab meat?

A dish where cutlets (chicken, veal, or pork) are topped with crab meat is often called Chicken Chesapeake, Veal Chesapeake, or Steak Chesapeake, depending on the base protein used. These dishes typically feature lump crab meat with a rich Old Bay-seasoned cream sauce.

3. What are cutlets used for?

Cutlets, which are thin, boneless slices of meat, are used for:

• Pan-frying or deep-frying (e.g., Chicken Parmesan)
• Grilling or sautéing (e.g., Lemon Chicken Cutlets)
• Stuffed dishes (e.g., Chicken Chesapeake, Chicken Cordon Bleu)
• Baking in casseroles or oven dishes

4. What is the meat of the crab called?

The meat of the crab is referred to based on its location:

• Lump Crab Meat – Large, tender pieces from the crab’s body, best for Chicken Chesapeake.
• Jumbo Lump Crab Meat – The largest, most premium meat, often used in crab cakes.
• Claw Meat – Darker, stronger-flavored meat from the crab’s claws.
• Backfin Crab Meat – A mix of lump and shredded crab meat, good for dips.

5. What is the highest calorie part of chicken?

The chicken skin and dark meat cuts (such as thighs and drumsticks) have the highest calories due to their higher fat content.

• Chicken breast (without skin): ~165 calories per 3.5 oz
• Chicken thigh (with skin): ~239 calories per 3.5 oz
• Chicken drumstick (with skin): ~210 calories per 3.5 oz
• Chicken wing (with skin): ~290 calories per 3.5 oz

6. How many calories are in Chicken of the Sea?

Chicken of the Sea is a brand of canned seafood, including tuna, salmon, crab, and shrimp. The calorie count varies based on the product:

• Chicken of the Sea Tuna (in water): ~90 calories per 3 oz
• Chicken of the Sea Tuna (in oil): ~170 calories per 3 oz
• Chicken of the Sea Crab Meat: ~70 calories per 3 oz

9. How much protein do I need?

The recommended daily protein intake depends on age, weight, activity level, and fitness goals:

• Sedentary adults: ~0.8g protein per kg of body weight
• Active individuals: ~1.2–2.0g per kg
• Bodybuilders or athletes: ~1.6–2.4g per kg
• For muscle gain: 1g per pound of body weight is often recommended

7. How many calories in a Chicken Sopa?

A chicken sopa (chicken soup or sopa de pollo) contains approximately 150–300 calories per serving, depending on ingredients like noodles, rice, or vegetables.

• Broth-based chicken sopa: ~150 calories per cup
• Chicken tortilla soup: ~250-300 calories per cup
• Cream-based chicken soup: ~300-400 calories per cup

Conclusion

Chicken Chesapeake is a delicious, elegant dish that highlights the best of Maryland seafood and poultry traditions. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. If you’re looking for another variation, try Smoked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe for a smoky twist on chicken dishes. Pair your meal with a comforting Pineapple Casserole Recipe for a delightful sweet and savory combination. If you’re in the mood for pasta, the Ditalini Pasta Guide can help you find the perfect side.

No matter how you serve it, Chicken Chesapeake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!