Mushroom Chicken

Mushroom Chicken Recipe

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You’re just a few steps away from creating a delicious Mushroom Chicken dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a heartwarming recipe that combines tender chicken with the earthy goodness of mushrooms, and it’s sure to impress your family or guests.

Why You’ll Love Mushroom Chicken

Mushroom chicken is not only comforting and delicious, but it’s also easy to prepare. The combination of creamy sauce and juicy chicken makes it a versatile dish that can be paired with rice, pasta, or even a fresh salad. Plus, mushrooms are packed with nutrients, making this meal a healthy choice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get started, gather all the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for your mushroom chicken recipe:

For the Chicken:

  • 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of butter

For the Mushroom Sauce:

  • 1 pound of fresh mushrooms (button or cremini work well)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 cup of chicken broth
  • 1 cup of heavy cream or a dairy-free option
  • 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Preparing the Chicken

  1. Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken and provide a good base for your dish.
  2. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the butter. The combination of oil and butter will keep the chicken from sticking and will add flavor.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Don’t crowd the pan, as this will steam the chicken instead of searing it. Cook in batches if necessary.
  1. Set Aside: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate. It’s okay if they’re not entirely cooked through; they’ll finish cooking in the sauce later. Cover the chicken to keep it warm.

Making the Mushroom Sauce

Now it’s time to make that dreamy mushroom sauce. This is what will bring your mushroom chicken together.

  1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring continuously to avoid burning.
  2. Add the Mushrooms: Next, add the sliced mushrooms to the pan. Stir them around to coat them in the onion and garlic mixture. Sauté for about 8 minutes, or until the mushrooms are browned and have released their moisture.
  3. Add the Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. This adds tons of flavor! Allow it to simmer for a minute before adding the heavy cream. Stir well to combine.
  1. Season the Sauce: Add the dried thyme and paprika to the sauce. Taste it, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference.
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Bringing It All Together

  1. Return the Chicken to the Skillet: Once the sauce is well combined, gently place the chicken back into the skillet. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken and reduce the heat to low.
  2. Simmer: Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded beautifully. You can check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F.
  3. Garnish: Once everything is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Chop some fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the Mushroom Chicken for that fresh touch.

Serving Suggestions

Mushroom Chicken can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:

  • With Rice: Serve the mushroom chicken over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. The rice will soak up all that delicious sauce.
  • Pasta: Toss some cooked pasta in the mushroom sauce for an extra decadent meal.
  • Vegetables: Pair it up with steamed or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is pretty rare), here’s how to store them:

  • Refrigeration: Place the Mushroom Chicken in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To thaw, let it sit in the fridge overnight before reheating.
  • Reheating: To reheat, warm it up on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it has thickened too much.

Variations of Mushroom Chicken

Now that you have the basic recipe down, why not get creative? Here are some fun variations you can try:

1. Add Vegetables

Incorporate more color and nutrition into your dish. Add broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra veggies!

2. Try Different Mushrooms

Experiment with different types of mushrooms like shiitake or portobello. Each variety brings its unique flavor and texture.

3. Use Herbs

Add fresh herbs like basil or rosemary to elevate the dish. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can also brighten up the flavors.

Mushroom Chicken Recipe Card

Here’s a quick reference for the recipe you can print out or save:

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Season chicken and sear on both sides in olive oil and butter. Set aside.
  2. Sauté onion and garlic; add mushrooms and brown them.
  3. Combine chicken broth and cream; add thyme and paprika.
  4. Return chicken to the skillet; simmer until cooked through.
  5. Garnish with parsley and serve as desired.

Conclusion

Mushroom chicken is such a delightful dish that you can prepare on a weeknight or serve on special occasions. This recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the cooking process!