Introduction
Welcome to this delicious recipe for creamy mushroom chicken! This mouthwatering dish combines tender chicken with a creamy mushroom sauce, creating a delightful blend of flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to a gourmet meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive in and learn how to make this delectable creamy mushroom chicken!
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Mushroom Sauce:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
Follow these simple steps to create a scrumptious creamy mushroom chicken:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Mushroom Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, and cook for about 5 minutes, until the mushrooms are soft and lightly browned. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Next, stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for 10-15 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
Step 3: Combine the Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the mushroom sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of each chicken breast. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, until the chicken is heated through.
Serve the creamy mushroom chicken hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences! Here are a few variations you can try:
1. Creamy Spinach Mushroom Chicken
Add a handful of fresh spinach to the mushroom sauce for an extra burst of color and nutrients. Simply stir in the spinach leaves after adding the heavy cream, and cook until wilted.
2. Lemon Garlic Mushroom Chicken
For a tangy twist, squeeze the juice of one lemon into the mushroom sauce before adding the cream. Additionally, you can add some minced garlic to the sauce for an extra pop of flavor.
3. Parmesan Mushroom Chicken
If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken breasts and sauce before simmering. The cheese will melt into the sauce, adding a rich and savory taste.
Tips
Here are a few tips to ensure your creamy mushroom chicken turns out perfectly:
– For extra tender chicken, consider marinating the chicken breasts in buttermilk or yogurt for a few hours before cooking.
– Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
– If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking to thicken.
– Feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms, to add depth of flavor to the sauce.
Conclusion
Creamy mushroom chicken is a delightful dish that combines the succulence of chicken with the earthy richness of mushrooms. With its creamy and flavorful sauce, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests. This recipe offers a versatile base that you can easily customize to suit your taste preferences. So, why not give this recipe a try and savor the deliciousness of creamy mushroom chicken?
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken for this recipe. Keep in mind that the cooking time may be slightly longer, as bone-in chicken takes longer to cook through.
Can I freeze the leftover creamy mushroom chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the leftover creamy mushroom chicken. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter alternative?
Yes, if you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. Keep in mind that the sauce may be slightly less creamy and rich.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily make a vegetarian version of this recipe by substituting the chicken with tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. Simply skip the chicken cooking steps and proceed with making the mushroom sauce as directed.
Creamy Mushroom Chicken 
A delicious and creamy dish that combines tender chicken with a flavorful mushroom sauce. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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Salt and pepper
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons butter
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8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
Directions
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Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
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In the same skillet, cook mushrooms and garlic in butter until soft. Add chicken broth, simmer, then add heavy cream and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened.
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Return cooked chicken to the skillet with the mushroom sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes. Serve hot garnished with parsley.
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Variation: Creamy Spinach Mushroom Chicken – Add spinach to the sauce. Variation: Lemon Garlic Mushroom Chicken – Add lemon juice and minced garlic to the sauce. Variation: Parmesan Mushroom Chicken – Sprinkle Parmesan over chicken and sauce before simmering.
