Garlic Mushroom Chicken Bites Recipe
Garlic Mushroom Chicken Bites are a delightful combination of tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and aromatic garlic, all cooked together in a rich and flavorful sauce.
This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal, or for a special occasion where you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. The best part? This dish comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Garlic Mushroom Chicken Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. This will help infuse the chicken with flavor from the start.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the butter. Once the butter has melted, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté the mushrooms for about 5 minutes until they are golden brown and have released their moisture. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds a lot of flavor to the sauce. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining Italian seasoning. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until well coated. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your Garlic Mushroom Chicken Bites are now ready to be served! Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or a side of roasted vegetables.
Tips for Making the Best Garlic Mushroom Chicken Bites
Use Fresh Ingredients
For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients, especially the garlic and mushrooms. Fresh garlic will provide a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced garlic, and fresh mushrooms will have a better texture.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
When cooking the chicken and mushrooms, avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures that the chicken browns properly and the mushrooms sauté instead of steam. If necessary, cook in batches.
Adjust the Creaminess
If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with half-and-half. For an extra creamy sauce, you can increase the amount of heavy cream or add a bit of cream cheese.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Mushroom Chicken Bites
Serve Over Pasta
Garlic Mushroom Chicken Bites pair beautifully with pasta. Serve over a bed of fettuccine, penne, or your favorite pasta shape for a comforting and hearty meal.
Pair with a Green Salad
A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can be the perfect accompaniment to this rich dish. The acidity of the vinaigrette will cut through the creaminess of the sauce.
Serve with Crusty Bread
A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauce. Serve with a side of bread for an easy, yet satisfying meal.
Variations on Garlic Mushroom Chicken Bites
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites
Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor. The Parmesan will add a nutty, salty flavor that complements the garlic and mushrooms.
Spicy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Bites
For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. This will give the dish a subtle kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Herb Garlic Mushroom Chicken Bites
Enhance the herb flavor by adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil. These herbs pair well with both chicken and mushrooms and will add a fresh, aromatic quality to the dish.
Nutritional Benefits of Garlic Mushroom Chicken Bites
Chicken
Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. It’s also low in fat, making it a healthy choice for those looking to maintain or lose weight.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are low in calories but high in nutrients. They are a good source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, including selenium, which is important for immune function.
Garlic
Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties. It’s rich in compounds that can help reduce the risk of colds and boost heart health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They are juicier and have a richer flavor than chicken breasts.
Q2: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with more olive oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Q4: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Certainly! Spinach, kale, or even sun-dried tomatoes would make great additions to this dish. Just add them when you cook the mushrooms.
Q5: Can I freeze Garlic Mushroom Chicken Bites?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
Garlic Mushroom Chicken Bites are a simple yet elegant dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. With tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy garlic sauce, this dish is both comforting and satisfying. Customize it with your favorite herbs and spices, and enjoy a meal that’s easy to make and delicious to eat.
Garlic Mushroom Chicken Bites Recipe
Garlic Mushroom Chicken Bites are a delightful combination of tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and aromatic garlic, all cooked together in a rich and flavorful sauce. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal, or for a special occasion where you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. The best part? This dish comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil divided
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch | 2cm pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon cracked pepper
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon each garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 8 ounces sliced brown mushrooms
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon brown shallot chopped
- 1 tablespoon green bell pepper seeded and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan on medium-high heat. When oil is hot, add chicken. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika. Mix well and sear chicken all over until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate; set aside and keep warm.
Heat remaining oil in the same pan with 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the mushrooms and cook, while stirring, until just beginning to brown and soften, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the remaining butter to the pan. Let melt and sauté shallots and bell peppers until just soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the chicken back into the pan along with any juices released while resting. Mix through all of the ingredients to evenly coat in the pan juices. Continue cooking until all vegetables are soft and the chicken is cooked through, about 1-2 more minutes.
Taste test and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Serve warm.