Chicken in Cream Sauce with Mushrooms is a rich and comforting dish that's both simple and elegant. The creamy sauce, flavored with garlic, herbs, and mushrooms, makes for a deliciously satisfying meal. Here’s a detailed recipe for making this dish:
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts or thighs: 4, boneless and skinless
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Flour: 1/4 cup (for dredging)
- Olive oil or butter: 2 tablespoons
- Mushrooms: 8 ounces, sliced (button, cremini, or your choice)
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Chicken broth: 1 cup
- Heavy cream: 1 cup
- White wine: 1/4 cup (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
- Dijon mustard: 1 tablespoon (for a touch of tang)
- Fresh thyme: 1 teaspoon, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Parsley: chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (optional, for brightness)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each piece lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.
-
Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
-
Sauté the Mushrooms:
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil or butter if needed.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are browned and tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
-
Make the Cream Sauce:
- Pour in the white wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Simmer for another 3-5 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly. If you want to add a touch of brightness, stir in the lemon juice at this point.
-
Combine and Finish:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce and mushrooms over the top.
- Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve the chicken with the cream sauce and mushrooms over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta. Steamed vegetables or a simple green salad make great side dishes.
Tips:
- For Extra Flavor: You can add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the cream sauce for added depth.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer, or whisk in a slurry of flour and water.
- Variations: Try adding other vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers for additional flavors and textures.
Enjoy your creamy, savory chicken dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner!
