Here’s an easy recipe for Creamy Mushroom Chicken that’s sure to be a hit:
Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
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4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
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2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 tablespoon butter (for the sauce)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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8 oz cremini mushrooms (or white button mushrooms), sliced
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1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine for a more robust flavor)
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for added creaminess)
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1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
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Season the Chicken:
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Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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Cook the Chicken:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest. You can cover it with foil to keep it warm.
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Step 2: Make the Mushroom Sauce
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Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
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In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, until softened.
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Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
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Cook the Mushrooms:
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Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened and browned.
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Deglaze the Pan:
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Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the broth simmer for about 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly.
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Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
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Add the Cream:
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Stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 4-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Add Cheese and Seasoning:
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If using, stir in the Parmesan cheese to make the sauce extra creamy and add more flavor.
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Add the thyme, and taste for seasoning, adjusting with salt and pepper as needed.
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Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
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Return the Chicken:
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Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet with the sauce. Spoon some of the creamy mushroom sauce over the chicken and let it simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to reheat the chicken and allow the flavors to meld.
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Step 5: Serve
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Garnish:
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Sprinkle the finished dish with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness.
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Serve:
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Serve the creamy mushroom chicken over rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or with a side of vegetables. It’s a rich dish, so something simple and light pairs well with it.
Optional Variations:
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Add More Vegetables: You can add spinach, peas, or asparagus to the sauce for extra flavor and color.
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Herb Variations: You can swap thyme for rosemary or even add a bit of fresh basil for a slightly different flavor profile.
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Cheese Options: You can use Gruyère or mozzarella instead of Parmesan for a different cheesy flavor.
Tips for Success:
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Chicken Breasts: If you find that the chicken breasts are too thick, you can slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets, ensuring they cook more evenly and quickly.
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Creaminess: If you want an even creamier sauce, you can add a splash of cream cheese or mascarpone to the sauce towards the end of cooking.
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Wine Substitute: If you don’t have wine, the chicken broth will work just fine, but for a richer flavor, white wine adds a great depth.
Creamy Mushroom Chicken is the kind of dish that feels luxurious but is actually pretty simple to prepare. The creamy sauce, with its rich and earthy mushroom flavor, will make this a favorite on your dinner table. Would you like to try it with any personal twists, or are you planning to serve it with something specific?