====== Creamy Garlic Miso Chicken Yoshoku ======

A **creamy, garlic-forward** dish, served over gnocchi or rice.

== Servings: ==  
  * 4 people  

== Time: ==  
  * **Prep Time:** ~10 minutes  
  * **Cook Time:** ~30 minutes  
  * **Total Time:** ~40 minutes  

===== Ingredients =====

=== For the Chicken Base ===
  * 2 boneless, skinless **chicken breasts**, diced into bite-sized pieces
  * 3 **cloves garlic**, minced
  * 1 tablespoon **olive oil**
  * 1 tablespoon **unsalted butter**
  * ½ teaspoon **salt**
  * ½ teaspoon **white pepper**
  * ¼ teaspoon **red pepper flakes** ''(optional, for heat)''

=== For the Sauce ===
  * 2 cups **whole milk**
  * 1 tablespoon **white miso paste**
  * ½ cup **grated Parmesan cheese** ''(optional, adds richness)''
  * 1 tablespoon **all-purpose flour**
  * 1 tablespoon **unsalted butter**
  * 1 teaspoon **mirin** ''(adds mild sweetness)''
  * 1 teaspoon **soy sauce**
  * ½ teaspoon **dashi powder** ''(optional, check for shellfish-free versions or omit)''

=== Vegetables (Measured Precisely) ===
  * 1 cup **diced white onion**
  * 1 cup **sliced mushrooms** (shiitake or cremini, then halved) ''(optional)''
  * ½ cup **julienned carrots**
  * ½ cup **chopped green onion**

=== To Serve ===
  * 16 oz **gnocchi** (cooked) ''or'' **steamed rice**
  * 1 tablespoon **chopped parsley or green onion** (for garnish)

===== Instructions =====

=== 1. Cook the Chicken ===
  - Heat **olive oil** and **butter** in a **large pan over medium heat**.
  - Add **diced chicken** and cook for **2 minutes** until lightly golden.
  - Add **garlic and onions**, sauté for **2 more minutes** until fragrant.
  - Add **mushrooms and carrots** (if using), cooking for another **3 minutes**.
  - Season with **salt, white pepper, and red pepper flakes**. Remove from heat and set aside.

=== 2. Make the Creamy Garlic Miso Sauce ===
  - In the same pan, melt **butter** over **medium-low heat**.
  - Add **flour**, whisking constantly for **1-2 minutes** to create a smooth roux.
  - Slowly pour in **whole milk**, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
  - Whisk in **miso paste, Parmesan cheese, mirin, soy sauce, and dashi powder (if using)**.
  - Let the sauce thicken for **3-5 minutes**, stirring occasionally.
  - Taste and adjust seasoning. If too thick, add a splash of **extra milk**.

=== 3. Combine & Serve ===
  - Return the cooked **chicken and vegetables** to the pan.
  - Stir everything together and let it simmer for **2-3 minutes**.
  - Serve over **gnocchi or rice**, garnishing with **parsley or green onion**.

===== Notes & Adjustments =====
  * **Dashi Powder:** Most dashi includes **bonito (fish),** but some contain **shellfish extracts**. Use **kombu-based (seaweed) dashi** for a shellfish-free version or omit it.

===== Summary =====
A pseudo-yoshoku with a **garlic-forward, creamy miso sauce** that complements **both gnocchi and rice**. Flexible for dietary needs and **easy to make in 40 minutes!**