Creamy Mushroom Chicken

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🍄 Creamy Mushroom Chicken

Description

Creamy Mushroom Chicken is a comforting, savory dish featuring tender pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich, velvety mushroom cream sauce infused with garlic and herbs. It’s elegant enough for guests yet simple enough for a busy weeknight, pairing beautifully with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

🕒 Prep & Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

  • Total Time: 35 minutes

🍽️ Servings

  • Serves: 4 people

📝 Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon paprika

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

For the Mushroom Cream Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter

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

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup chicken broth

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken
    Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.

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

  3. Cook the Mushrooms
    In the same skillet, melt butter. Add mushrooms and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and softened.

  4. Add Garlic & Herbs
    Stir in garlic and thyme; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  5. Make the Sauce
    Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits.
    Reduce heat to medium-low and add cream and Parmesan (if using).
    Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

  6. Combine & Finish
    Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over it.
    Simmer 5 more minutes until chicken is coated and tender.

  7. Garnish & Serve
    Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.

⭐ Notes

  • Chicken thighs add extra juiciness if you prefer dark meat.

  • Sauce thickens more as it cools—keep that in mind before reducing too much.

  • Parmesan adds depth but can be skipped for a milder sauce.

💡 Tips for Best Results

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning mushrooms—this helps them caramelize instead of steaming.

  • Use room-temperature cream to prevent curdling.

  • Taste before serving and adjust salt—Parmesan can add saltiness.

🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: 420 kcal

  • Protein: 35 g

  • Fat: 30 g

  • Carbohydrates: 6 g

  • Fiber: 1 g

  • Sugar: 2 g

(Values vary based on ingredients used.)

🌿 Health Benefits

  • High Protein: Supports muscle repair and satiety.

  • Mushrooms: Rich in antioxidants and immune-supporting compounds.

  • Low Carb: Suitable for low-carb and keto-friendly diets.

  • Calcium & Healthy Fats: From cream and optional Parmesan.

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use coconut cream or cashew cream and dairy-free butter.

Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Add 1 teaspoon cornstarch to thicken.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Cream sauces can separate when frozen, but it’s still safe. Reheat gently and stir well.

Q: What pairs best with this dish?
A: Mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.

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