Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Delight

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups of sliced mushrooms (cremini or button varieties work beautifully) - 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 1 cup of heavy cream - 1 cup of chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium) - 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon of fresh or dried thyme - 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika (for depth of flavor) - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Freshly chopped parsley for garnish This recipe makes use of fresh and rich ingredients. The chicken breasts serve as a great base. I love using cremini or button mushrooms as they add a nice earthiness. Fresh garlic is key for that punchy flavor. Heavy cream and chicken broth combine to make a dreamy sauce. The olive oil and butter bring richness to the pan. Thyme gives a hint of herbiness. Smoked paprika adds warmth and depth. Salt and pepper balance the dish perfectly. To finish, a sprinkle of parsley adds freshness and color. It makes the dish look pretty and bright. Each ingredient plays a role in the flavor. Together, they create a comforting meal that feels gourmet. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheating the Skillet Start by preheating a large skillet over medium heat. This step is key. Heat makes sure the chicken cooks evenly. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Wait until they shimmer and melt. - Seasoning the Chicken Breasts While the skillet is warming, season the chicken breasts. Use 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Sprinkle salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika on both sides. Make sure each piece has a good coat. This helps to build great flavor. - Searing the Chicken Carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. This shows they are cooking well. - Ensuring Proper Cook Time Use a meat thermometer. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken. Place it on a plate and cover it with foil to keep warm. - Sautéing Mushrooms In the same skillet, add 2 cups of sliced mushrooms. Stir them around and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes. You want them tender and golden. They will release their juices, adding flavor. - Adding Garlic and Broth Next, add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté for an extra minute. This step adds a lovely aroma. Then pour in 1 cup of chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any tasty bits from the bottom. - Incorporating Cream and Thyme Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of thyme. Let this simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce will thicken nicely. - Combining Chicken and Sauce Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Make sure each piece is well coated in the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 3 to 4 minutes. This helps the flavors blend beautifully. To get a great sear, heat your skillet well. A hot skillet helps brown the chicken nicely. Use medium heat to avoid burning. Season your chicken well. Use salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. This gives your chicken a punch of flavor. You can add herbs like rosemary or parsley for extra taste. Thyme works well, but try new herbs too. A squeeze of lemon juice can balance the dish. It adds brightness and cuts through the creaminess. Just a bit of acidity can make the flavors pop. Serve the chicken on a white plate for contrast. Spoon extra creamy mushroom sauce over the top. This enhances the visual appeal. You can pair it with buttered noodles or steamed veggies. They add color and make the meal complete. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality mushrooms can elevate the flavor of your dish significantly. Always opt for fresh produce when possible for the best taste. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or a non-dairy alternative while still maintaining great flavor. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken breasts reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for juicy and safe-to-eat results. Make it Your Own: Feel free to add other herbs or spices, such as rosemary or oregano, to customize the dish according to your taste preferences. {{image_4}} You can change the protein in this dish. Instead of chicken, try turkey or tofu. Tofu absorbs flavors well and is a great plant-based option. Use firm tofu to keep its shape. Turkey provides a lean alternative that cooks similarly to chicken. Switching mushrooms also adds variety. Cremini and button mushrooms are great, but you can try shiitake or portobello. These mushrooms add unique tastes to the dish. Adding white wine can elevate the sauce. Just pour in a splash after cooking the mushrooms. The wine adds a nice depth. Mustard is another flavorful option. A teaspoon of Dijon mustard can give a tangy twist. Herbs can also change the flavor. Instead of thyme, try basil or oregano. Both herbs work well and bring their own unique tastes. Experiment with fresh or dried herbs to see what you like best. For gluten-free needs, use a gluten-free broth. Most store-bought broths are gluten-free but check the label. You can also thicken the sauce with cornstarch instead of flour. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut cream or almond milk. These alternatives keep the sauce creamy and delicious. For a low-calorie version, use skinless chicken thighs and light cream. This option lowers calories without losing flavor. - Proper Storage Containers: Use airtight containers to keep your food fresh. Glass containers work well, but plastic ones are fine too. Make sure to cool the chicken before sealing it. - Shelf Life Recommendations: Store your creamy garlic mushroom chicken in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This keeps the dish safe and tasty for later meals. - How to Freeze Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken: Allow the dish to cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as the food will expand when frozen. - Thawing and Reheating Tips: To thaw, move the chicken from the freezer to the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy. - Food Safety Best Practices: Always wash your hands before cooking. Keep raw chicken separate from other foods. Cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). - How to Tell if Leftovers are Still Good: Check for signs like off smells or changes in color. If it looks or smells funny, it’s better to toss it out. When in doubt, throw it out! Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just remember to thaw them first. Thawing allows for even cooking. If you cook from frozen, extend the cooking time. Check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. Always ensure the chicken is cooked through. Yes, you can substitute heavy cream. Here are some great alternatives: - Half-and-half for a lighter option. - Coconut milk for a dairy-free choice. - Greek yogurt for a tangy taste. - Cashew cream for a nut-based option. Each option gives a different taste and texture. Adjust your seasonings to match. You can serve creamy garlic mushroom chicken with: - Buttered noodles for a cozy touch. - Steamed vegetables for a healthy side. - Rice to soak up the sauce. - Mashed potatoes for a creamy delight. These sides balance the meal and enhance flavors. Enjoy mixing and matching your favorites! This blog post covered everything you need to make creamy garlic mushroom chicken. We explored main ingredients like chicken breasts and mushrooms, cooked step-by-step, and shared helpful tips. Variations cater to different diets, and proper storage keeps your leftovers fresh. In the end, enjoy the rich flavors and easy steps. You can impress anyone with this dish! Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this meal will surely please. Happy cooking!$

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Delight

A delicious and creamy chicken dish featuring garlic and mushrooms, perfect for a comforting meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups sliced mushrooms
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon fresh or dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt
to taste freshly cracked black pepper
for garnish freshly chopped parsley

Instructions

Begin by preheating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter, allowing them to heat until shimmering and melted.
While the skillet heats, season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and smoked paprika, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor.
Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes per side, or until each piece is golden brown and cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate, loosely covering it with foil to keep warm.
In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and golden brown, releasing their natural juices.
Next, add the minced garlic to the mushrooms. Continue sautéing for an additional minute, stirring frequently to ensure the garlic becomes fragrant without burning.
Pour in the chicken broth and gently scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to loosen any flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Lower the heat to a simmer, then stir in the heavy cream and thyme. Allow the sauce to simmer gently, thickening for about 2-3 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, ensuring they are well coated in the creamy mushroom sauce. Let everything simmer together for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly cracked pepper as desired.
Serve the creamy garlic mushroom chicken hot, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve with buttered noodles or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Keyword chicken, creamy, garlic, mushroom