Mushroom Chicken Recipe

Craving a comforting and flavorful dish that’s both easy to prepare and impressive on the plate? Look no further than Mushroom Chicken—a savory combination of tender chicken breasts and earthy mushrooms, all smothered in a rich, creamy sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a special occasion where you want to wow your guests with minimal effort.

Equipment and Tools

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet (for cooking the chicken and sauce)
• Mixing bowls (for dredging the chicken)
• Whisk (for mixing the sauce)
• Tongs (for handling the chicken)
• Wooden spoon (for stirring the sauce)

Preparing the Chicken

Seasoning and Dredging the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Dredge in Flour: Place the flour in a shallow dish and coat each chicken breast evenly, shaking off any excess.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil and Butter: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until melted and hot.
2. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Mushroom Sauce

Sautéing the Mushrooms and Onions

1. Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to brown.
2. Add Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the mushrooms. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant.

Building the Sauce

1. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine (if using) and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
2. Add Chicken Broth: Stir in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.

Creating the Creamy Base

1. Stir in the Cream: Lower the heat and slowly add the heavy cream, stirring continuously.
2. Add Parmesan Cheese: Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. Incorporate Fresh Thyme: Add the fresh thyme leaves, stirring to combine.

Combining the Chicken and Sauce

Returning the Chicken to the Skillet

1. Coat the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the mushroom sauce.
2. Simmer Together: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors.

Serving Mushroom Chicken

Plating and Garnishing

1. Serve Immediately: Transfer the chicken breasts to serving plates, spooning the mushroom sauce generously over the top.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

Pairing Suggestions

• Serve with Pasta: This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, especially egg noodles or fettuccine.
• Rice or Mashed Potatoes: For a heartier meal, serve over rice or alongside creamy mashed potatoes.
• Add a Green Vegetable: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or a fresh salad are great options to round out the meal.

Tips for Success

Choosing the Right Mushrooms

• Cremini vs. Button Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms, also known as baby bellas, offer a deeper flavor, but button mushrooms work well too.
• Avoid Crowding the Pan: When sautéing mushrooms, give them enough space in the skillet to ensure they brown rather than steam.

Getting the Sauce Just Right

• Don’t Rush the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer gently to achieve a rich, creamy consistency.
• Adjusting Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.

Variations to Try

Mushroom and Spinach Chicken

• Add Spinach: Stir in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for added color and nutrition.

Bacon Mushroom Chicken

• Add Bacon: Cook 4 slices of bacon until crispy, crumble them, and add them to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Spicy Mushroom Chicken

• Add Some Heat: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

Mushroom Chicken is the ultimate comfort dish that’s both elegant and satisfying. The combination of tender chicken and savory mushroom sauce is a match made in heaven, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it on a quiet evening at home or serving it to guests, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

FAQs

Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?

Yes, bone-in chicken can be used, but the cooking time will be longer. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it won’t be as thick and rich.

How Long Can I Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat and add freshly cooked chicken before serving.

What Can I Serve with Mushroom Chicken?

This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. A fresh salad also makes a great side.

Yield: 4

Mushroom Chicken Recipe

Print

Craving a comforting and flavorful dish that’s both easy to prepare and impressive on the plate? Look no further than Mushroom Chicken—a savory combination of tender chicken breasts and earthy mushrooms, all smothered in a rich, creamy sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a special occasion where you want to wow your guests with minimal effort.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• For the Mushroom Sauce:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess.
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet.
   Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
   
3. Prepare the Mushroom Sauce:
   In the same skillet, add the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the sliced mushrooms and onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes, until the mushrooms are browned and the onions are softened.
   Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
   Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
   Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and thyme. Simmer for another 3-5 minutes until the sauce has thickened. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper.
   
4. Combine and Serve:
   Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the mushroom sauce over the top. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
   Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve the Mushroom Chicken over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.