Introduction
This creamy chicken and mushroom dish is a perfect weeknight dinner that’s simple to prepare yet full of rich flavors.
With tender chicken breasts or thighs simmered in a savory mushroom sauce, it offers the perfect balance of comfort and elegance.
making it ideal for both casual meals and special occasions. Whether you’re cooking for a family or preparing a dinner for two, this recipe guarantees satisfaction.
Ingredients
-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
-2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
-1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
-1 cup chicken broth
-1/2 cup heavy cream
-1 medium onion, diced
-3 cloves garlic, minced
-1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste
-2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
To begin, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts or thighs to the pan, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and thyme.
Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, allowing the onions to become translucent and the garlic to release its aroma.
Add the sliced mushrooms and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mushrooms soften and release their moisture.
Next, pour in the chicken broth and the can of cream of mushroom soup, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to cook for 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors together.
Once the sauce is simmering, add the heavy cream and stir again. Let the sauce cook for another 5 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy mushroom sauce. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce.
for an additional 5-7 minutes, ensuring that it absorbs all the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
Once the chicken is well-coated in the sauce and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve the creamy chicken and mushroom dish over a bed of rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this creamy and savory dish.
How to Make
Begin by selecting the right cut of chicken, whether you prefer breasts or thighs, based on your preference for texture and moisture.
Boneless, skinless pieces work best for quick cooking and easy serving. You can adjust the seasoning to match your tastes, ensuring the dish is just right for your palate.
Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding the mushrooms will bring out the sweetness and depth in the dish, setting the stage for the creamy sauce.
Don’t rush this step; give the mushrooms enough time to soften and release their juices, as this will add flavor to the sauce base.
Using both cream of mushroom soup and heavy cream in the sauce creates a rich, velvety texture that perfectly complements the mushrooms.
For a lighter option, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
To make the dish even more flavorful, consider adding a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce.
This can help balance the richness of the cream and bring an extra layer of complexity.
If you like your sauce to be a bit thicker, let it simmer longer until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, simply add a bit more chicken broth to loosen it up.
For added flavor, fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be incorporated into the sauce while it simmers.
You can even use dried herbs if fresh ones are unavailable, but fresh will provide a brighter, more aromatic flavor.
Lastly, be sure to let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the sauce settle and ensures the chicken remains juicy and tender when you cut into it.
Tips
If you don’t have fresh mushrooms on hand, you can easily substitute with canned mushrooms, although the texture.
might be slightly different. If you use canned mushrooms, be sure to drain them well before adding them to the sauce.
To save time, you can use pre-sliced mushrooms from the grocery store.
Just be sure to sauté them thoroughly to bring out their flavors before adding the liquid ingredients.
For a more indulgent version of this dish, you could sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top just before serving, allowing it to melt into the creamy sauce.
If you prefer a spicier dish, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can be added to the sauce for an extra kick. This will complement the creamy base and enhance the overall flavor profile.
For a lighter take, try swapping out the heavy cream for a lighter alternative.
such as coconut cream or a lower-fat version of cream. This will reduce the richness without compromising too much on flavor.
If you’re making this dish ahead of time, the sauce will continue to develop flavor as it sits.
so consider preparing it a day in advance. Just reheat the chicken and sauce gently before serving.
For a complete meal, pair this dish with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, which complement the rich sauce perfectly.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken and mushroom dish is an easy and comforting meal that can quickly become a favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation.
With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a rich, flavorful dish that everyone will love.
Whether you’re cooking for a family or hosting a small dinner party, this recipe is guaranteed to impress with its depth of flavor and creamy goodness. Enjoy!