Irresistible Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe
There’s something truly delightful about a dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce, and this Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken is no exception. It brings warmth and comfort to any dinner table, making it a go-to for weeknight meals or special occasions alike. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress with its mouthwatering flavors and simple preparation.
What I love most about this dish is how quickly it comes together without sacrificing any taste. The combination of garlic, mushrooms, and creamy goodness creates a sauce that you’ll want to savor with every bite. Trust me; this Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken will become a staple in your home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Quick and easy: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need to whip up something delicious fast.
– Comforting flavors: The creamy garlic sauce paired with tender chicken provides a warm hug on your plate.
– Versatile dish: Great for casual dinners or more formal gatherings, adapting effortlessly to any occasion.
– Healthy indulgence: Packed with protein while keeping the calories in check, so you can enjoy guilt-free.
– Family-friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love the rich flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is an essential step toward preparing this delightful dish. Let’s make sure you have everything on hand before we dive into cooking!
For the Chicken
– 2x 9oz/250g Chicken Breasts (brought close to room temp)
– 1/4 cup / 40g Flour
– 1 tsp Salt
– 1 tsp Garlic Powder
– 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
For the Sauce
– 1 tbsp Olive Oil
– 1 tbsp Butter (preferably unsalted)
– 9oz / 250g Baby Button Mushrooms (sliced fairly thin)
– 3/4 cup / 180ml Heavy/Double Cream (at room temp)
– 3/4 cup / 180ml Chicken Stock
– 1oz / 1/3 cup / 30g freshly grated Parmesan
– 2 large cloves of Garlic (finely diced)
– 1 tbsp finely diced Fresh Parsley (plus more for garnish if desired)
– 1 tbsp finely diced Fresh Chives
– 1 tbsp Butter (preferably unsalted; can substitute oil for frying mushrooms)
– 1/2 – 1 tsp Lemon Juice
– Salt & Pepper (to taste)
Variations
One of the best things about cooking is the flexibility it offers! Feel free to play around with these ideas to make this Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken your own.
– Swap the protein: Use turkey or even tofu for a delightful vegetarian option that keeps all the creamy goodness.
– Change up the mushrooms: Try using cremini or shiitake mushrooms for a different flavor profile.
– Add some greens: Toss in some spinach or kale at the end for added nutrition and color.
– Spice it up: Incorporate red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce if you enjoy a kick of heat.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by horizontally slicing each chicken breast right through the center to create four even-sized breasts. This helps them cook evenly and ensures they are juicy throughout.
Step 2: Dredge in Flour Mixture
In a large shallow dish, combine the flour with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture until coated evenly; then shake off any excess flour. This step adds flavor and helps create that beautiful golden crust when frying.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and fry them on both sides for several minutes until golden brown on the outside and just cooked through in the center. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms
Melt more butter in the same pan before adding sliced mushrooms. Fry them until they form a golden crust—this step enhances their flavor—then reduce heat to medium. Add finely diced garlic and sauté for another minute or two until fragrant.
Step 5: Make the Cream Sauce
Pour in chicken stock and heavy cream while stirring well. Then add chives and parsley, allowing it all to simmer gently for about five minutes until slightly thickened. This creates that luscious sauce that will envelop your chicken perfectly.
Step 6: Finish Up
Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with a gentle squeeze of lemon juice, plus salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another minute if you’d like it thicker. Finally, return your chicken back into the pan, basting them in that irresistible sauce before serving up your masterpiece!
Enjoy each bite of your Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken! It’s sure to become a cherished recipe that warms hearts around your table!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken
Cooking should be a joyful experience, and with these tips, you’ll elevate your Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken to restaurant-worthy status! Here are some actionable insights to help you get the best results:
– Choose the right chicken: Using chicken breasts that are close to room temperature ensures even cooking. If they’re too cold, they may take longer to cook through and result in a dry exterior.
– Don’t rush the browning: Allow the chicken to develop a golden crust before flipping it. This enhances flavor and gives you that beautiful color that’s visually appealing.
– Fresh herbs make a difference: Opt for fresh parsley and chives instead of dried ones. Fresh herbs add vibrant flavors and bring out the best in your dish.
– Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, feel free to use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. It will still give you that creamy texture without being overly rich.
– Season gradually: Taste as you go! Start with a little salt and pepper, then adjust according to your preference after adding other ingredients like Parmesan.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken
Serving this dish is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary flavors. The creamy sauce beautifully coats the chicken, making it an inviting centerpiece for any meal. Here’s how you can elevate your serving game:
Garnishes
– Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley adds color and freshness.
– Lemon zest: A touch of lemon zest on top brightens up the dish and enhances its flavor profile.
Side Dishes
– Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce.
– Steamed green beans: Their crispness provides a lovely contrast to the creamy texture of the chicken.
– Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad adds a nutty flavor and healthy crunch that complements the dish well.
– Crusty bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to mop up all that flavorful sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Meal prepping can save you time during busy weeks! You can easily make this Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken ahead of time or store leftovers for later enjoyment. Here’s how:
Storing Leftovers
– Cool down: Allow leftover chicken to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
– Keep in fridge: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing
– Portion it out: Divide into individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
– Freeze promptly: Make sure to freeze within 2 hours of cooking for best quality; it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating
– Thaw first: If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
– Gentle heat: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
If you have questions about making this dish, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:
Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Absolutely! While baby button mushrooms work beautifully, feel free to experiment with cremini or shiitake mushrooms for different flavors and textures.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
Yes! You can use half-and-half or coconut milk as alternatives. Just remember that using coconut milk will change the flavor profile slightly but will still be delicious!
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Certainly! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch when dredging the chicken, and ensure your chicken stock is gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re excited to try this Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken recipe! It’s not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor that everyone will love. So gather your ingredients, roll up those sleeves, and enjoy creating a comforting meal. Happy cooking!
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Start by horizontally slicing each chicken breast right through the center to create four even-sized breasts.
- In a large shallow dish, combine the flour with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture until coated evenly; then shake off any excess flour.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and fry them on both sides until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
- Melt more butter in the same pan before adding sliced mushrooms. Fry them until they form a golden crust, then reduce heat to medium. Add finely diced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken stock and heavy cream while stirring well. Then add chives and parsley, allowing it all to simmer gently for about five minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with a gentle squeeze of lemon juice, plus salt and pepper to taste. Return your chicken back into the pan, basting them in the sauce before serving.
