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What is Chicken in Cream and Mushroom Sauce
This chicken in cream and mushroom sauce creates a delicious and comforting dish that combines the savory flavors of chicken and mushrooms.
By using any chicken parts such as chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or chopped chicken on bones, the recipe ensures a tender and juicy chicken that pairs perfectly with the rich and flavorful mushroom sauce. Not only does this recipe offer a delightful combination of flavors, but it also provides a great opportunity to experiment and adjust the seasonings to suit individual preferences. Whether you prefer a pinch of salt or a teaspoon of pepper, this recipe allows for customization, ensuring that each bite is seasoned to perfection.
Also, the cooking process is straightforward and does not require extensive time in the kitchen. By sautéing the chicken and mushrooms in olive oil or butter over medium-low high, the dish can come together quickly. The use of chicken broth adds both flavor and moisture to the dish.
Once the chicken is cooked through and the mushrooms are tender, the mushroom sauce is added to the skillet. The sauce is allowed to simmer, providing ample time for the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial as it allows the sauce to thicken slightly, creating a coating consistency that perfectly clings to the chicken and mushrooms.
This recipe is sure to become a household favorite, so gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and get ready to indulge in the wonderful flavors of this dish.
Ingredients
To make this dish, you’ll need a handful of delicious ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start cooking:
1. Chicken parts. The cuts of meat ensure a tender and juicy chicken that absorbs all the flavors of the sauce. Skinless chicken breasts are traditionally used for this dish, but having tried chicken parts (well, including the breasts), I can guarantee you that the blend of the chicken and mushroom tastes is irresistibly delicious.
2. Fresh Garlic cloves: These aromatic gems add a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish and pair beautifully with the earthy mushrooms.
4. White mushrooms: Fresh and juicy mushrooms are a must for this recipe. They bring a wonderful earthy flavor making each bite truly satiating.
5. Heavy cream: To achieve that creamy and luscious sauce, you’ll need some heavy cream. It adds richness and velvety smoothness to the dish, complementing the flavors of the chicken and mushrooms perfectly. As this version is light, we would need less of that heavy cream while maintaining its authentic taste.
7. Chicken broth or chicken stock: To enhance the savory flavor profile and keep the chicken and mushrooms moist, you’ll need some chicken broth. It adds a depth of flavor that takes this dish to the next level.
8. Olive oil: A touch of olive oil is used to sauté the chicken and mushrooms. It not only adds a subtle flavor but also helps to brown the ingredients beautifully.
9. Seasonings: To bring out the best in every ingredient, you’ll need to season your chicken and mushroom sauce. Salt and pepper are the basic essentials, but feel free to adjust the seasonings to match your personal taste preferences.
How to Cook Chicken in Cream and Mushroom Sauce
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Preparing and Cooking the Chicken
Whether you choose boneless chicken breasts, skinless chicken thighs, or chicken parts, ensuring that your chicken is well-seasoned and cooked to perfection is essential for a mouthwatering meal.
To start, it is important to season chicken with salt and black pepper. This helps to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and provides a great base for the savory mushroom sauce. Make sure to season both sides of the chicken with a generous amount of salt and a sprinkle of black pepper. Allow the chicken to sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Next, choose a nonstick skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan that can hold all the chicken pieces in a single layer. Heat the pan over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil or unsalted butter. Allow the oil or butter to melt and heat until it shimmers slightly.
Then carefully place the chicken in the hot pan. If using boneless chicken breasts, cook them for about 6-8 minutes per side or until they are fully cooked through. For skinless chicken thighs, boneless chicken thighs, or any chicken parts, adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your chicken to ensure they are cooked evenly.
While cooking the chicken, make sure to resist the temptation to flip it too often. Allowing the chicken to cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side will help it develop a golden brown crust, sealing in the juices and flavors.
By this time, the mushroom must have been cleaned thoroughly. Slice them into thin, even pieces, then add them to the same pan. Stir the chicken and mushrooms gently and simmer slightly for a couple of minutes, enough to ensure that the mushrooms are still tender and fresh. Remove the chicken and mushroom from the pan and set aside.
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Making the Cream and Mushroom Sauce
Now, it’s time to focus on creating the luscious cream and mushroom sauce. This creamy and flavorful accompaniment will elevate the taste of the tender chicken and add depth to the overall dish.
Add two tablespoons of olive oil or unsalted butter to the pan and heat for less than a minute. Add the minced garlic and stir it gently. Sauté for a few minutes until they turn golden brown and become tender.
Add half a cup of chicken broth to the skillet. Continue simmering for another couple of minutes to allow the broth to infuse with the garlic.
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Set your heat to medium and let the sauce gently simmer for about 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on the sauce and stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
Season the mushroom sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember to start with a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of pepper, tasting as you go to ensure the perfect balance of flavors. Adjust the seasonings as needed to suit your personal preference.
Let simmer for a few more minutes on medium heat to thicken slightly. Expect the aroma of the mushrooms and the creamy sauce to fill your kitchen.
During this simmering process, the sauce will gradually reduce by about half. This reduction intensifies the flavors and concentrates the sauce, resulting in a more robust taste.
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Perfecting the Recipe
Once the sauce has thickened and reduced by half, return the chicken and mushrooms to the pan of tantalizing sauce.
Simmering for 5 minutes may seem like a small step, but it is a crucial one that ensures the perfect consistency and flavor. Take the time to let the sauce work its magic, and you’ll be rewarded with a dish that is not only visually stunning but also incredibly satisfying to the taste buds.
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Adjusting Seasonings with Salt, Pepper, and Additional Butter (optional)
It is time to give it that final touch of perfection by adjusting the seasonings. By adding a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of black pepper, you can enhance the flavors of the dish and bring out the natural taste of the chicken and mushrooms.
Start by tasting a small spoonful of the mushroom sauce. Take note of any subtle flavors that may be lacking or need a boost. If you feel that the sauce needs a bit more depth or seasoning, season with salt remembering to add a little at a time and taste as you go to avoid oversalting the dish.
Next, sprinkle a touch of black pepper over the sauce. The heat and earthy aroma of the pepper will add a delightful kick to the dish and elevate the overall flavor profile. Again, start with a small amount and adjust according to your personal preference.
For those looking to take their chicken in cream and mushroom sauce to the next level, consider adding an additional tablespoon or two of butter. This is purely optional but can impart a rich and indulgent taste to the dish. As the butter melts into the sauce, it will add a velvety smoothness and a buttery nuance that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
And there you have it! A delectable creamy chicken recipe with the creamy texture and earthy flavor of the mushrooms, and the hint of garlic that all come together creating a truly enticing and mouthwatering dish.
Serving Suggestions
To serve, this dish can be paired with a variety of accompaniments. It works exceptionally well with egg noodles allowing the rich sauce to coat each strand for a satisfying bite. Alternatively, it can be enjoyed with a side of crusty bread, perfect for sopping up every last drop of the flavorful sauce. Another option is to serve this with your favorite grain, steamed white rice, or cauliflower rice (recipe).
So, go ahead and savor each bite of the succulent chicken paired with the heavenly cream and mushroom sauce. This combination is sure to wow your taste buds and leave you craving more. Don’t be surprised if this chicken in creamy mushroom sauce becomes a regular favorite on your dining table.
How to Store Leftovers
Keep any leftover chicken and mushroom sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days. Or keep them in the same serving plate or bowl covered with plastic wrap in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes before serving, or in the oven covered with aluminum foil for about 7 minutes.
Additional Cooking and Serving Tips
- Add half a teaspoon garlic powder (affiliate link) along with the black pepper near the end of cooking to enhance the garlic taste. This is nice if you felt that you did not brown the garlic enough at the beginning of the cooking process. Such happens, right? Sometimes, I am afraid to brown the garlic, for whatever reason! 🙂
- You may want to add white wine to the dish halfway through the cooking process.
- Italian seasoning can add a different kind of kick to the taste of the dish. You may want to try this as well.
- Sprinkle with a dash of parmesan cheese or minced fresh parsley as you plate this dish. Incredibly delicious.
- Serve alongside roasted veggies, such as thinly sliced carrots, zucchini, and eggplant.
Recipe: Chicken in Cream and Mushroom Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main dish
- Method: cooking
- Cuisine: International
Description
Chicken in cream and mushroom recipe that is perfect for those looking for a hearty meal that can be enjoyed during any season.
Ingredients
1 kg chicken (skinless chicken breasts, boneless chicken thighs, or cut-up whole chicken)
2–3 fresh garlic cloves
250g white mushrooms, cleaned and sliced thinly
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth or chicken stock
2 tbsps olive oil or unsalted butter and an additional 1 tbsp each for plating
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese (as garnishing)
2 tbsp minced fresh parsley (as garnishing)
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and black pepper. Leave to rest for about 5 minutes.
- Heat a nonstick skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan to medium-high heat and add two tablespoons of olive oil or unsalted butter. Allow the oil or butter to melt and heat for a bit.
- Carefully place the chicken in the hot pan. If using boneless chicken breasts, cook them for about 6-8 minutes per side or until they are fully cooked through. For skinless chicken thighs, boneless chicken thighs, or any chicken parts, adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your chicken to ensure they are cooked evenly. Make sure to resist the temptation to flip it too often to help it develop a golden brown crust.
- Add the mushrooms to the pan then stir them gently and simmer slightly for a couple of minutes.
- Remove the chicken and mushroom from the pan and set aside.
- Add two tablespoons of olive oil or unsalted butter to the same pan and heat for less than a minute. Add the minced garlic and stir gently. Sauté for a few minutes until they turn golden brown.
- Add half a cup of chicken broth and continue to simmer for two more minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Set your heat to medium and let the sauce gently simmer for about 4-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on the sauce and stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Start with a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of pepper, tasting as you go to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
- Let simmer for a few more minutes on medium heat to thicken slightly and the sauce is reduced to half. Then return chicken and mushrooms to the pan and simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes.
- Adjust the seasoning for the final touch. Carefully add salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor of the dish. Also, add another tablespoon of olive oil or butter.
- Sprinkle with two tablespoons of parmesan cheese and/or minced parsley to garnish.
