Cheesy Mushroom Chicken Breasts Baked Recipe

Chicken breasts are one of the most versatile cuts of meat, but they can sometimes turn out a little dry if not cooked properly. That’s where the magic of cheesy, creamy sauces and mushrooms comes in. The Cheesy Mushroom Chicken Breasts recipe is a simple yet indulgent dish that takes your typical chicken breasts and transforms them into a flavorful, comforting meal. With a rich, creamy mushroom sauce and melted cheese topping, this dish is perfect for dinner gatherings, family meals, or even a special date night.

What makes this recipe even better is how easy it is to prepare. The chicken breasts are baked in a creamy, cheesy mushroom sauce that keeps the meat juicy and full of flavor. The combination of tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and gooey cheese makes for a hearty dish that will satisfy your cravings without requiring hours of cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the chicken cooks through evenly while the cheesy mushroom sauce gets nice and bubbly in the oven.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken Breasts

1. Prepare the chicken breasts: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Drying the chicken helps it sear properly, giving it a nice golden-brown crust.
2. Season the chicken: Sprinkle the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and paprika. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings.
3. Heat the skillet: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken breasts.
4. Sear the chicken: Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side until it forms a golden-brown crust. The goal here is not to cook the chicken all the way through but to give it a nice color. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Mushroom Sauce

1. Sauté the onion and garlic: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Cook the mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook them for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mushrooms will release their moisture and begin to brown.
3. Deglaze with white wine: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to lift any browned bits. This is where a lot of the flavor comes from. Let the wine cook down for about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the cream and broth: Lower the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir to combine everything and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce cook for about 5-6 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
5. Season the sauce: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Return the chicken to the skillet: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet with the mushroom sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to coat it.
2. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken breasts, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese if you’re using it.
3. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is done, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley (optional) and serve immediately. You’ll have a wonderfully cheesy, creamy, and flavorful chicken dish that will surely impress.

Serving Suggestions

The Cheesy Mushroom Chicken Breasts are rich and filling on their own, but you can elevate the meal further with the following sides:

1. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus make a great complement to this dish.
2. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing that soaks up the delicious mushroom sauce.
3. Steamed Green Beans: For something lighter, fresh green beans steamed with a bit of butter and garlic add a nice crunch.
4. Rice or Risotto: A side of fluffy white rice or creamy risotto is an excellent way to soak up any remaining sauce.
5. Garlic Bread: Serve some crispy garlic bread on the side to mop up the leftover sauce.

Variations and Substitutions

While this recipe is already loaded with flavor, you can tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs:

1. Mushroom Varieties

• If you’re not a fan of regular button mushrooms, you can swap them for cremini mushrooms, which are more flavorful and have a meatier texture. For an even richer flavor, try shiitake mushrooms or portobello mushrooms.

2. Low-Carb/Gluten-Free Option

• If you’re following a low-carb or gluten-free diet, this recipe works perfectly as is. Just ensure that you use gluten-free broth and check the labels on the cheeses to ensure they’re free from any hidden gluten.

3. Dairy-Free Version

• For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use a dairy-free cheese alternative or skip the cheese topping entirely for a lighter dish.

4. Spice It Up

• If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mushroom sauce. The heat will complement the richness of the sauce.

5. Add Some Greens

• You can add some spinach or kale to the mushroom sauce for extra nutrients. Just stir in a handful of fresh spinach after adding the cream and allow it to wilt down in the sauce before returning the chicken to the pan.

Conclusion

Cheesy Mushroom Chicken Breasts Baked is an incredibly flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the tender juiciness of chicken with the richness of a creamy mushroom sauce and melted cheese. It’s easy to prepare, relatively quick, and can be customized in various ways to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for your family, a dinner party, or just a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress.

Yield: 4

Cheesy Mushroom Chicken Breasts Baked Recipe

Print

Chicken breasts are one of the most versatile cuts of meat, but they can sometimes turn out a little dry if not cooked properly. That’s where the magic of cheesy, creamy sauces and mushrooms comes in. The Cheesy Mushroom Chicken Breasts recipe is a simple yet indulgent dish that takes your typical chicken breasts and transforms them into a flavorful, comforting meal. With a rich, creamy mushroom sauce and melted cheese topping, this dish is perfect for dinner gatherings, family meals, or even a special date night.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced (cremini or white mushrooms work great)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prep the chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme on both sides.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the mushrooms and onions: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Make the creamy sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Assemble the dish: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy mushroom sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the chicken.
6. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve the cheesy mushroom chicken breasts with your favorite side dishes, like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Notes

You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be as rich.

To add a bit of extra flavor, sprinkle some garlic or Italian seasoning into the sauce.