Chicken with Mushroom and Cream Sauce recipe

 Rich, creamy, and bursting with savory flavor, Chicken with Mushroom and Cream Sauce is a timeless dish that combines tender chicken breasts with earthy mushrooms, all enveloped in a silky garlic cream sauce. This comforting recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant entertaining, delivering restaurant-quality taste in under 30 minutes. Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

For the Creamy Mushroom Sauce:

Cooking Steps

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken

1. If using whole chicken breasts, slice each horizontally to create thinner cutlets (about 1-inch thick) for quicker and more even cooking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2. In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Dredge each chicken piece lightly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
4. Once the oil is shimmering, add the floured chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can steam the chicken instead of searing it).
5. Sear the chicken for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C).
6. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm while you make the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms and Aromatics

1. In the same skillet (no need to clean it; the browned bits add flavor!), reduce the heat to medium.
2. Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter to the pan. Once melted, add the sliced mushrooms.
3. Sauté the mushrooms for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and turn golden brown.
4. Add the chopped onion/shallot and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring, until the onion softens and the garlic is fragrant. If using dried herbs, add them now.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

1. Pour in the halal chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
2. Stir in the heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer again.
3. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly to your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

1. Return the cooked chicken (along with any accumulated juices on the plate) to the skillet with the creamy mushroom sauce.
2. Spoon the sauce over the chicken pieces to coat them. Let it simmer gently for another 1-2 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through and absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
3. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
4. If desired, stir in 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice at this stage; it helps to brighten the flavor and cut through the richness.
5. Remove from heat and garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

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Extra Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken and Mushroom

• Mushroom Type: While white button or cremini mushrooms are common, feel free to experiment with wild mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, or porcini for a more complex flavor.
• Don't Overcrowd the Pan: This is crucial for both the chicken and the mushrooms. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature and leads to steaming instead of searing, resulting in less flavor and a less desirable texture.
• Pounding Chicken: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly and remain tender, preventing dry spots.
• Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a little more chicken broth or water. If it's too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce, or mix a tiny bit of cornstarch (1/2 tsp) with a tablespoon of cold water, then stir it into the simmering sauce and cook until thickened.
• Serving Suggestions: This dish is fantastic with mashed potatoes, rice (plain white, brown, or even wild rice), pasta (like fettuccine or penne), or simply with steamed green beans or asparagus and a side of warm bread.

Nutritional Value 

(per serving, based on 4 servings)

Benefits