Description
Savory Mushroom Chicken brings Italian countryside comfort to weeknight dinners with tender chicken and earthy mushrooms. Creamy sauce and herbal notes promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Seasonings and Spices:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) butter
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 8 ounces (226 grams) mushrooms, sliced (cremini or white button)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by thoroughly patting it dry and generously seasoning both surfaces with aromatic salt, freshly ground pepper, and pungent garlic powder.
- Select a large skillet and warm olive oil or butter over medium flame. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot pan, allowing each side to transform into a rich golden hue, cooking approximately 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F. Gently transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a holding plate.
- Without cleaning the skillet, introduce fresh butter and allow it to melt. Add sliced mushrooms, creating space between each piece to encourage proper caramelization. Sauté until edges turn deep brown and centers become tender. Introduce minced garlic and briefly toast for an additional minute, releasing its fragrant essence.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to liberate the flavorful browned remnants clinging to the pan’s surface. Allow the liquid to simmer and reduce slightly. Incorporate heavy cream, finely grated Parmesan, and delicate thyme leaves, stirring continuously until the sauce reaches a luxurious, slightly thickened consistency.
- Carefully nestle the reserved chicken back into the creamy mushroom sauce, ensuring each piece becomes thoroughly coated and reheated. Let the ingredients mingle and warm together for a brief 2-3 minutes.
- Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top. Serve immediately alongside complementary accompaniments like silky mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or al dente pasta.
Notes
- Choose chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
- Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to help achieve a golden-brown crust and enhance flavor absorption.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories without sacrificing richness.
- Opt for fresh thyme instead of dried for a more vibrant, intense herbal flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Add sliced shallots or leeks alongside mushrooms for extra depth and complexity in the sauce.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe 165°F internal temperature without overcooking.
- Select cremini or shiitake mushrooms for deeper, earthier flavor compared to standard white button mushrooms.
- Quickly deglaze the pan to capture all those delicious caramelized brown bits that add incredible umami taste to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg