Tender Chicken in a Garlic Mushroom Cream Sauce

🥘 Tender Chicken in a Garlic Mushroom Cream Sauce

Description

This Tender Chicken in a Garlic Mushroom Cream Sauce is pure comfort food in a skillet. Juicy chicken breasts are pan-seared until golden, then simmered in a luscious, velvety garlic mushroom cream sauce. It’s rich, savory, and irresistibly satisfying — perfect for a cozy family dinner or an elegant meal for guests. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for the ultimate creamy experience.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts (halved lengthwise to make 4 thin cutlets)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter

For the Garlic Mushroom Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 8 oz (225 g) cremini or white mushrooms, sliced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)

• ½ cup chicken broth

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken
   Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.

2. Sear the Chicken
   Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Cook the Mushrooms
   In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp butter. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and softened.

4. Add Garlic
   Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Make the Cream Sauce
   Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth and creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

6. Combine & Serve
   Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over top. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and coated in the creamy sauce.

7. Garnish & Enjoy
   Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides — mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken thighs for extra tenderness and flavor.

• For a lighter version, use milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the Parmesan slightly.

• Add a splash of white wine for a gourmet touch.

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing chicken — this ensures a nice golden crust.

Tips

• Slice chicken evenly for faster and more even cooking.

• Deglaze the pan with broth or wine to lift all those delicious browned bits — they add tons of flavor to the sauce.

• If your sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little extra chicken broth.

• Serve immediately — creamy sauces taste best freshly made.

Servings

• Serves: 4 people

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 420

• Protein: 35g

• Fat: 28g

• Carbohydrates: 7g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 2g

• Sodium: 520mg

Benefits

• High in protein for muscle repair and strength.

• Contains beneficial nutrients from mushrooms, such as selenium and B vitamins.

• Garlic and olive oil support heart health and boost immunity.

• Comforting, low-carb, and perfect for a keto-friendly meal.

Q & A

Q1: Can I use canned mushrooms instead of fresh?
A: Fresh mushrooms are best for flavor and texture, but canned can work in a pinch—just drain them well before use.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Q3: What can I serve with this dish?
A: Mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, rice, or even crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.

Q4: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, though the sauce may slightly separate upon thawing. Reheat slowly while stirring for best texture.

Q5: How do I make it dairy-free?
A: Replace the cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free butter and cheese alternatives.