Indulge in this delicious and easy-to-make Creamy Mushroom Chicken that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich and flavorful mushroom sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home, this dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or your favorite vegetables.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Creamy Mushroom Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini mushrooms work well)
• 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme if available)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

How to Make Creamy Mushroom Chicken

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken breasts to the skillet, cooking for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
• Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

2. Make the Mushroom Sauce:

• In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
• Sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture.
• Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, allowing it to reduce for 2-3 minutes.
• Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, vinegar, and dried thyme. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Combine and Serve:

• Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy mushroom sauce over them.
• Let the chicken warm through in the sauce for a couple of minutes.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

4. Serve:

• Serve the creamy mushroom chicken over rice, pasta, or with your favorite vegetables. Enjoy!

Helpful Tips

• Chicken Doneness: Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Mushroom Variety: Use a mix of button and cremini mushrooms for added depth of flavor.
• Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth; if too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time as needed since thighs may take slightly longer to cook.

Q: Can I substitute the heavy cream?
A: For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A: The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C).

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce’s consistency.