Introduction
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Creamy Mushroom Chicken, a dish that brings together tender chicken breasts and a rich, savory mushroom sauce. This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, combining simple ingredients to create a gourmet experience in your own kitchen. Follow this detailed guide to prepare a meal that is sure to impress!
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups sliced mushrooms (such as cremini or button mushrooms)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the skillet is hot, cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Mushroom Sauce: In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook until they begin to release their moisture and become tender, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Sprinkle the thyme and rosemary over the mushrooms, stirring well to combine. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any flavorful bits. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for another 3-4 minutes until it thickens.
4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the chicken. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak in the creamy mushroom sauce.
5. Serve and Garnish: Once the chicken is thoroughly coated and the sauce is thick and creamy, serve the dish immediately. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an extra touch of color and freshness.
Enjoy your delicious Creamy Mushroom Chicken!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the skillet is hot, cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Prepare the Mushroom Sauce
In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook until they begin to release their moisture and become tender, approximately 5 minutes.
Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the thyme and rosemary over the mushrooms, stirring well to combine. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any flavorful bits. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for another 3-4 minutes until it thickens.
Combine the Chicken and Sauce
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the chicken. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak in the creamy mushroom sauce.
Serve and Garnish
Once the chicken is thoroughly coated and the sauce is thick and creamy, serve the dish immediately. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an extra touch of color and freshness.
Notes
Substitutions
You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream for a lighter version of the sauce.
Mushroom Varieties
Feel free to use a combination of mushrooms such as shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Cook techniques
Pan-Seering Chicken
Heat oil and butter in a skillet to achieve a golden brown crust on the chicken, ensuring even cooking.
Sautéing Aromatics
Cook chopped onions and minced garlic until softened to build a flavorful base for sauces.
Cooking Mushrooms
Sauté sliced mushrooms until tender and their moisture is released, which enhances their flavor.
Simmering
Allow the sauce to simmer after adding broth and cream. This reduces the liquid and thickens the sauce.
Combining Chicken and Sauce
Return the chicken to the skillet to allow it to absorb the flavors of the creamy mushroom sauce.
FAQ
Can I use different types of mushrooms?
Yes, you can substitute with other mushrooms like shiitake or portobello for different flavors.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
You can use half-and-half or low-fat cream instead of heavy cream to reduce calories.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and reheat before serving.
What sides pair well with Creamy Mushroom Chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Conclusion
The Creamy Mushroom Chicken is a delightful dish that perfectly combines the savory flavors of chicken and mushrooms in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s easy to prepare and makes for a comforting meal that’s sure to impress family and friends. Serve it over rice or pasta, and enjoy the warmth and richness that this dish brings to your table.
More recipes suggestions and combination
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Chicken Alfredo
Prepare fettuccine noodles and toss them with grilled chicken and a rich alfredo sauce for a classic Italian meal.
Mushroom Risotto
Stir arborio rice with broth, mushrooms, onions, and parmesan cheese to create a creamy and comforting risotto.
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
Marinate chicken breasts in lemon juice, herbs, and olive oil, then grill for a refreshing and zesty main dish.
