Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy garlic mushroom sauce. With its comforting flavors and one-pan preparation, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or an elegant dinner. Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and indulgent: The creamy garlic mushroom sauce is irresistibly delicious.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and a one-pan method mean minimal effort.
- Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of sides, from rice to roasted veggies.
- Comfort food at its finest: A satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.
- Perfect for any occasion: Works for both quick dinners and special gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- Mushrooms (sliced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the mushrooms:
- In the same skillet, melt a little butter if needed. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and browned.
- Make the garlic sauce:
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Simmer the chicken:
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them.
- Simmer on low heat for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe serves 4.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Herbs: Add thyme or rosemary to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Protein alternatives: Substitute chicken with pork chops, turkey cutlets, or even shrimp.
- Vegetarian option: Use tofu or seitan instead of chicken, and vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
- Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of Parmesan.
- Add veggies: Incorporate spinach, kale, or sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for best results.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are juicier and work well in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
What’s the best type of mushrooms to use?
Cremini or baby bella mushrooms are ideal, but white button mushrooms or even shiitake mushrooms will work.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead. Store them separately and reheat together before serving.
How do I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few extra minutes, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a vegan Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast.
What sides go best with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or crusty bread are excellent options to soak up the sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables also pair beautifully.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Can I freeze this dish?
Cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen, but you can freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently.
How can I add a spicy kick?
Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for some heat.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, Pecorino Romano or Gruyere are great alternatives to Parmesan.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken is the perfect combination of rich flavors and comforting textures. With tender chicken and a velvety mushroom sauce, this recipe is easy to make yet elegant enough to impress. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!
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Description
This Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken is a rich, comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts in a velvety garlic mushroom sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners, it pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed veggies.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden. Remove and set aside. - Cook the Mushrooms:
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté mushrooms until tender and golden, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. - Prepare the Sauce:
Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. - Finish Cooking:
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). - Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
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