Creamy Chicken Mushroom Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic
This creamy chicken mushroom recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and prep time, yet delivers maximum flavor and comfort. This recipe focuses on rich, savory flavors with a luxuriously creamy sauce that coats tender chicken and earthy mushrooms perfectly. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. You can substitute with chicken thighs for extra richness.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Provides a healthy base for sautéing.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced: These earthy mushrooms are perfect for this dish. You can also use a mix of mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A staple for enhancing savory dishes.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is the key to the creamy texture. You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, but heavy cream delivers the ultimate richness.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps to create a luscious sauce.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: This is a thickening agent for the sauce.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Provides a warm, earthy aroma. Fresh thyme works equally well.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Adjust to your taste.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred.
- Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley, chives, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Sauté the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the aromatics: Add the onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and garlic, and cook until the mushrooms are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the creamy sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Combine and simmer: Stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper. Return the chicken to the skillet and cook until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the creamy chicken mushroom over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread. Garnish with fresh herbs or Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Mushroom Recipe:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will ensure the chicken browns properly and doesn't steam. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs will always provide a brighter, more intense flavor than dried herbs.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and thyme to your liking.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the dish.
This creamy chicken mushroom recipe is a versatile and delicious dish that's sure to become a family favorite. The creamy sauce is rich and flavorful, and the chicken and mushrooms are perfectly tender. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us! Happy cooking!
