Creamy Dreamy Chicken with Mushrooms

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste For this dish, you need fresh, quality ingredients. Start with chicken breasts. They should be boneless and skinless for easy cooking. Olive oil adds flavor and helps cook the chicken. Onions and garlic create a fragrant base. Use a medium onion, chopped finely. For garlic, three cloves, minced, will add a nice kick. Mushrooms bring a rich taste. You can use cremini or button mushrooms. They should be sliced for even cooking. Heavy cream and chicken broth make the sauce creamy and rich. The cream adds body, while broth adds depth. Seasonings are key. Dried thyme and Italian seasoning give great flavor. Salt and pepper enhance all the tastes. - Fresh parsley Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. It makes the dish look and taste better. Just chop a bit and sprinkle it on top before serving. - Large skillet - Cooking utensils - Measuring cups and spoons - Knife and cutting board You will need a large skillet to cook everything. It should be sturdy and heat evenly. Basic cooking utensils like spatulas and spoons will help mix and serve the dish. Measuring cups and spoons are important for accuracy. They ensure you use the right amounts of each ingredient. A knife and cutting board are needed to chop your onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more fun. Enjoy the process! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, prepare your chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps them sear nicely. Next, season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken. Sear each side for about 5-7 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. This adds great flavor. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. The aroma will fill your kitchen! Next, add the sliced mushrooms. Cook them for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. As they cook, they will soften and release their juices. Now, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce for about 3-4 minutes. This step intensifies the flavors. After that, lower the heat. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Mix well and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. This will thicken the sauce slightly. Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Spoon the creamy mushroom sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken heats through. Finally, taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. For a fresh finish, garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious dish! - To ensure tender chicken, start with room temperature meat. This helps it cook evenly. - Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side. This gives it a nice golden crust. - For creamy sauce consistency, let the sauce simmer after adding the cream. This thickens it. - Use a gentle heat when adding cream to prevent curdling. - Serve this dish with fluffy mashed potatoes or pasta for a hearty meal. - For a colorful plate, add steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. - Garnish the chicken with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and flavor. - Drizzle extra sauce over the chicken to enhance the presentation. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to three days. - When reheating, use low heat to keep the chicken moist and the sauce creamy. - Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to bring back the sauce's texture. - Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent drying out the chicken. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor of your dish significantly. Consider adding fresh thyme or parsley for a vibrant finish. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. This ensures even cooking and a nice golden crust. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangy twist. Perfect Pairings: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted asparagus or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the sauce. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of this dish. Instead of chicken, use firm tofu or seitan. Both options absorb flavors well. For the creamy sauce, use vegetable broth and add a splash of plant-based cream. This keeps the dish rich and satisfying. Tips for flavor enhancement: - Use a mix of mushrooms, like portobello or shiitake, for depth. - Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. - Toss in fresh spinach or kale for added nutrition. Changing up herbs and spices can make your dish unique. Try adding smoked paprika for a warm flavor or rosemary for a piney twist. You can also mix in a bit of nutmeg for warmth. Incorporating other vegetables: - Bell peppers add sweetness and color. - Peas bring a nice pop and freshness. - Zucchini or asparagus can add texture and nutrition. The dish works well over various bases. You can serve it over pasta for a hearty meal. Use fettuccine, spaghetti, or even gnocchi. Alternatively, rice is a great choice. It soaks up the sauce well and adds a mild base. Alternative creamy bases: - Mashed potatoes provide comfort and creaminess. - Quinoa offers a protein boost and nutty flavor. - Polenta is another creamy option that pairs nicely. The Chicken in Creamy Mushroom Sauce recipe serves four. Each serving is about one chicken breast with sauce. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional values per serving: - Calories: 450 - Protein: 34g - Fat: 30g - Carbohydrates: 8g - Fiber: 1g This dish packs a punch in protein while keeping carbs low. It’s perfect for a filling meal without the carbs weighing you down. If you need gluten-free options, this dish is already safe. All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. For low-calorie modifications, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also use chicken thighs for a more flavorful option while keeping calories in check. Chicken is a great source of lean protein. It helps build muscles and repair tissues. The mushrooms add fiber and vitamins, like B vitamins, which help with energy. Heavy cream gives a comforting richness but can be swapped for lighter options if you prefer. Overall, this dish offers a good mix of nutrients, making it a balanced choice for dinner. You can use several alternatives to cream. A mix of milk and flour works well. This gives a creamy texture without heavy cream. You can also use Greek yogurt or cashew cream. These options add flavor and thickness too. Yes, you can freeze this dish. Make sure it cools down first. Use an airtight container to avoid freezer burn. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove over low heat for best results. Pair this chicken with several tasty sides. Fluffy mashed potatoes are a classic choice. You can also serve it over pasta or rice. Steamed veggies add color and nutrition to your plate. A crisp salad complements the meal nicely too. This dish takes about 30 minutes to make. Prep work only needs 10 minutes. The cooking time is around 20 minutes. Make sure to keep an eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking. In this blog post, we covered how to make Chicken in Creamy Mushroom Sauce step by step. We discussed the key ingredients, including chicken and cream, along with the kitchen tools you need. I shared tips for cooking, serving ideas, and ways to customize the dish. Remember, with simple swaps, you can make it vegetarian or adjust flavors. Enjoy experimenting to find your perfect version. Cooking should be fun!$

Creamy Dreamy Chicken with Mushrooms

A delicious and creamy chicken dish with mushrooms, perfect for a comforting meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release their juices, about 5-6 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow it to reduce slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
Lower the heat, and stir in the heavy cream, dried thyme, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to combine and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy mushroom sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve with mashed potatoes or pasta for a complete meal.

Keyword chicken, creamy, dinner, mushrooms