I’ve tried plenty of chicken dishes, but this creamy mushroom chicken recipe takes the cake for being both scrumptious and ridiculously easy to make. The flavors are rich and comforting, thanks to a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce and tender chicken.
After a hectic day, this dish paired beautifully with simple sides, like buttery mashed potatoes. Speaking of buttery dishes, if you love seafood, you’ve got to try the lemon butter scallops recipe for another quick and flavorful meal. Now, let’s jump into the details!
Ingredients You’ll Need
A handful of simple ingredients come together to create culinary magic in this recipe. Here’s the breakdown:
- 2 large chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise): Makes cooking faster and ensures juicy chicken.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
- Flour (for dredging): Creates a light crust on the chicken when pan-fried.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness to the dish.
- 12 ounces mushrooms (sliced): Cremini or white mushrooms work best for their earthy flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Delivers a subtle blend of herbs.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Brings a punch of savory goodness.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Infuses the sauce with depth and savory balance.
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice: Elevates the flavors with a touch of brightness.
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds complexity without overpowering the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or whipping cream): Creates the creamy base.
Note: This recipe serves four hearty portions, perfect for a family dinner.
Best Variations to Try
Looking to tweak this recipe to fit specific dietary needs or just want a different take? Here are some suggestions:
- Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream. The flavor will change slightly but remain delicious.
- Low-Carb: Skip the flour for a keto-friendly version.
- Extra Umami: Add a tablespoon of soy sauce or miso paste to the sauce for more depth.
- Herb Boost: Sprinkle in some fresh thyme or parsley for aromatic flair.
Cooking Time
Here’s how long it will take you to get this dish to your table:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment You Need
The right tools will make your cooking process smooth and efficient:
- Large skillet: For searing the chicken and making the sauce.
- Sharp knife: To halve the chicken breasts and slice mushrooms with ease.
- Tongs: For flipping chicken cutlets without breaking them.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate portions.
- Garlic press: If you want to mince garlic quickly.
How to Make Mushroom Chicken Recipe
This recipe is as simple as it is delicious. Follow these steps for a foolproof dish every time:
Preparing the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make thinner cutlets. This lets them cook evenly without drying out. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then lightly dredge in flour for a golden crust.
Searing the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side until it turns golden brown. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate.
Cooking the Mushrooms
Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, toss in the sliced mushrooms and Italian seasoning. Cook the mushrooms until they release their water and begin to gain a beautiful sear. Remove them from the pan.
Crafting the Sauce
Into the skillet, add minced garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Stir well and allow the mixture to reduce by half, which takes about 3–4 minutes.
Bringing It All Together
Lower the heat and add the heavy cream to the reduced sauce. Stir to combine before returning the mushrooms and chicken to the skillet. Cook for another 5–6 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and its internal temperature reaches 165°F. The sauce will thicken slightly, and the dish will be ready to serve.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
From my experience, here are some tips to make your mushroom chicken absolutely irresistible:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing chicken; it needs space to brown properly.
- Freshly mince garlic to get a punchier flavor compared to using bottled garlic.
- Deglaze the pan thoroughly to lift off any brown bits, as they add flavor to the sauce.
- For a nuttier depth, consider browning the butter slightly before sautéing the mushrooms.
How to Serve Mushroom Chicken Recipe
This recipe works beautifully with various sides and makes a visually appealing dish for dinner parties. Here are some serving ideas:
- Over mashed potatoes for a hearty, comforting combo.
- With fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color.
- Pair with steamed or roasted vegetables to add some crunch and nutrition.
If you enjoy trying chicken-based recipes, be sure to explore this equally flavorful baked orange chicken recipe.
Nutritional Information
This creamy mushroom chicken doesn’t just taste incredible; it’s nutritious too! Here’s a snapshot per serving:
- Calories: 482
- Protein: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fat: 37g
How to Store the Recipe
If you end up with leftovers, you can easily store them for another meal:
- Storing: Place the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: Dairy-based sauces tend to separate when frozen, so freezing is not recommended.
- Reheating: Warm gently over low heat to avoid separating the creamy sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is everything you could want in a chicken recipe! Here’s why:
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-approved with its comforting and hearty flavors.
- Customizable for different diets and flavor profiles.
- Pairs with everything, from potatoes to pasta to veggies.
- Restaurant-quality at home, truly a crowd-pleaser.
For more dinner inspiration, check out easy dinner recipes that are just as delightful.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more juiciness to this recipe but may require slightly longer cooking times.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
While heavy cream is ideal for thickness, you can substitute it with coconut cream or half-and-half, though the sauce may turn out thinner.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can cook this dish a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently to preserve the creamy texture.
What can I add for more flavor?
Experiment with a splash of white wine in the sauce or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for an umami punch.
How do I know the chicken is cooked through?
Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm the internal temperature hits 165°F.
Mushroom Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by cutting the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make thinner cutlets. This lets them cook evenly without drying out. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then lightly dredge in flour for a golden crust.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side until it turns golden brown. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, toss in the sliced mushrooms and Italian seasoning. Cook the mushrooms until they release their water and begin to gain a beautiful sear. Remove them from the pan.
- Into the skillet, add minced garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Stir well and allow the mixture to reduce by half, which takes about 3–4 minutes.
- Lower the heat and add the heavy cream to the reduced sauce. Stir to combine before returning the mushrooms and chicken to the skillet. Cook for another 5–6 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and its internal temperature reaches 165°F. The sauce will thicken slightly, and the dish will be ready to serve.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing chicken; it needs space to brown properly.
- Freshly mince garlic to get a punchier flavor compared to using bottled garlic.
- Deglaze the pan thoroughly to lift off any brown bits, as they add flavor to the sauce.
- For a nuttier depth, consider browning the butter slightly before sautéing the mushrooms.