One Pan Chicken Garlic Mushroom Saute Recipe

One Pan Chicken Garlic Mushroom Sauté is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that brings together juicy, perfectly cooked chicken and earthy, tender mushrooms. It’s a dish that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy cooks or anyone who enjoys a one-pan meal that doesn’t require much effort.

The combination of garlic and mushrooms adds depth and richness to the chicken, while the use of a single pan keeps the process simple and efficient. The dish is also customizable to suit your tastes, whether you prefer to add herbs like thyme and rosemary, or you want to spice it up with a hint of chili flakes or paprika.

Because this recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken, it’s not only flavorful but also healthy and lean. The mushrooms, sautéed with garlic and butter (or olive oil), soak up all the savory goodness and add a delightful texture and umami flavor to the dish. This one-pan meal is quick to prepare, yet indulgent enough to feel like a special dinner.

Preparation Instructions

Before starting the cooking process, it’s important to do some prep work to ensure everything goes smoothly:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika on both sides.
   • Let the chicken sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the seasoning to penetrate the meat.

2. Slice the Mushrooms:

   • Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any dirt. Do not rinse them under water, as mushrooms absorb moisture, which can affect their texture when cooked.
   • Slice the mushrooms into even pieces, about 1/4-inch thick, to ensure they cook evenly.

3. Mince the Garlic:

   • Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves. This will help release the essential oils and flavors, ensuring the garlic flavor infuses into the dish.

4. Prep the Herbs:

   • If using fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary, chop them finely so they’re ready to use when needed.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that your ingredients are prepped, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to cook this dish.

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the pan is hot before adding the chicken.
2. Once the pan is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts or thighs. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until golden brown and cooked through.
   • If using chicken breasts, it’s essential to cook them thoroughly. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should be 165°F (75°C).
3. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm while you prepare the mushroom sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter (or olive oil) over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the sliced mushrooms.
2. Sauté the mushrooms for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and become golden brown. If the mushrooms start to burn or stick to the pan, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the fond (the browned bits at the bottom of the pan).
3. Once the mushrooms are browned and tender, add the minced garlic. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

1. Add the chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any fond from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. This will add flavor to the sauce and help deglaze the pan.
2. If you want a creamy sauce, stir in the heavy cream at this point. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes, reducing the sauce slightly.
3. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if using) for balance.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, nestling it into the mushroom mixture. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken.
2. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the chicken to reheat and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
3. If desired, sprinkle fresh chopped herbs such as parsley or thyme over the dish for a burst of freshness.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve the chicken with a generous amount of the mushroom sauce and garnish with more fresh herbs.
2. Pair the chicken with your choice of sides—rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad are all great options.

Cooking Tips and Techniques

To ensure your One Pan Chicken Garlic Mushroom Sauté turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips and techniques:

• Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, especially if you are cooking chicken breasts. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough, so it’s essential to cook it just right.
• Mushroom Texture: Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing mushrooms. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning, which can affect their texture.
• Deglaze the Pan: When adding the chicken broth, make sure to scrape up all the fond from the bottom of the skillet. This adds depth and flavor to your sauce.
• Creamy Sauce: If you prefer a richer sauce, you can increase the amount of heavy cream or add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess.
• Herb Varieties: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley complement this dish perfectly, but feel free to experiment with other herbs like basil, tarragon, or sage.
• Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time. Simply cook the chicken and mushroom sauce separately, then reheat when ready to serve. If reheating, be careful not to overcook the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some options to serve alongside your One Pan Chicken Garlic Mushroom Sauté:

• Rice: Serve with jasmine rice, basmati rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy mushroom sauce is perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes.
• Pasta: Serve with spaghetti, penne, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
• Salad: A light side salad with a simple vinaigrette can balance the richness of the dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, broccoli, or green beans would complement the chicken and mushrooms well.

Variations and Modifications

This recipe is highly customizable. Here are some variations to try:

• Mushroom Variety: Use a variety of mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, or portobello, for a deeper, more complex flavor.
• Add Spinach: Stir in some fresh spinach just before serving for added nutrition and color.
• Cheesy: Top the chicken with mozzarella or Parmesan cheese and broil for a few minutes to create a cheesy crust.
• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mushroom sauce for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

One Pan Chicken Garlic Mushroom Sauté is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings together tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and rich garlic flavors in one simple pan. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a family, or guests, this dish offers a delicious, satisfying meal with minimal clean-up required. The versatility of the recipe allows for endless customization, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients, herbs, and sauces. Enjoy!

Yield: 4

One Pan Chicken Garlic Mushroom Saute Recipe

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One Pan Chicken Garlic Mushroom Sauté is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that brings together juicy, perfectly cooked chicken and earthy, tender mushrooms. It’s a dish that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy cooks or anyone who enjoys a one-pan meal that doesn’t require much effort.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button mushrooms work well)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme, if preferred)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra flavor)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for a creamy sauce)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
   Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through and golden brown on both sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
2. Sauté the Mushrooms:
   In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until the mushrooms are golden brown and softened.
   Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
   
3. Deglaze and Create the Sauce:
   Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the broth reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes.
   For a creamy sauce, stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
   
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
   Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the mushroom sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
   
5. Serve:
   Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the chicken with the garlic mushrooms on top. This dish is perfect served over rice, pasta, or with a side of roasted vegetables.

Notes

• Chicken Variations: You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer a juicier option.
• Mushroom Options: Feel free to mix up the mushrooms; a combination of cremini, shiitake, and portobello mushrooms will add more depth of flavor.
• Creamy Sauce Alternative: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can omit the cream and use just the chicken broth, or add a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy finish.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a bit of heat.