Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that will make your taste buds dance, then this Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken is just the thing! This dish has quickly become a favorite in our home, and for good reason. The tender chicken breasts are enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce filled with savory garlic and earthy mushrooms. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings—everyone loves it!

Not only is this recipe simple to whip up, but it also makes for great leftovers. You can easily double the batch and savor the goodness throughout the week. Let’s dive into why you’ll fall head over heels for this dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can have a delightful meal on the table in no time.
• Family-Friendly: The creamy sauce and tender chicken are sure to please even picky eaters.
• Versatile Ingredients: You likely have most of these wholesome ingredients on hand already!
• Delicious Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delectable Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken, gather these simple and wholesome ingredients. They come together beautifully to make a dish that’s not only satisfying but also bursting with flavor.

For the Chicken

• 2x 9oz/250g Chicken Breasts, brought close to room temp

Coating and Seasoning

• 1/4 cup / 40g Flour (see notes)
• 1 tsp EACH: Salt, Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper

For Cooking

• 1 tbsp EACH: Olive Oil, Butter (preferably unsalted)

For the Sauce

• 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 / 1/3cup / 30g freshly grated Parmesan
• 2 large cloves of Garlic, finely diced
• 1 tbsp finely diced Fresh Parsley, plus more to garnish if desired
• 1 tbsp finely diced Fresh Chives
• 1 tbsp Butter, preferably unsalted (can sub oil, this is to fry the mushrooms)
• 1/2 – 1 tsp Lemon Juice (see notes)
• Salt & Pepper, to taste

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some ideas to mix things up:

• Swap the protein: Try using turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option that soaks up all that delicious sauce.
• Add some greens: Toss in spinach or kale at the end of cooking for added nutrition and color.
• Change up the mushrooms: Experiment with different types like shiitake or portobello for unique flavors.
• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by horizontally slicing each chicken breast through the center. This creates four even-sized pieces that cook evenly and soak up all that creamy goodness later. It’s important to ensure they are nice and thin so they cook quickly!

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

In a large shallow dish, combine flour with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each piece of chicken through this mixture until coated well. This step helps create a beautiful golden crust when frying—trust me, it’s worth it!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your chicken pieces and fry them until golden brown on both sides—about a few minutes per side should do! Once cooked through, remove them from the pan and set aside. This step locks in juicy flavors before we move on to that irresistible sauce.

Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms

In the same pan, melt another tablespoon of butter before adding sliced mushrooms. Fry them until they develop a lovely golden crust; this enhances their natural flavor. Lower the heat slightly and stir in garlic—let it cook briefly until fragrant.

Step 5: Create the Sauce

Pour in chicken stock and heavy cream while adding chives and parsley. Allow everything to simmer gently for about five minutes until it thickens slightly—this forms your luscious sauce! Stirring occasionally ensures nothing sticks to the bottom.

Step 6: Finish It Off

Finally, 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 that dreamy sauce; baste them well so they soak up all those flavors before serving!

And there you have it—a comforting bowl of Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken ready to be enjoyed! Serve it alongside some fluffy rice or fresh crusty bread for mopping up that amazing sauce. Enjoy every last bite!

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken

Making this dish is a breeze, but a few tips can elevate your creamy garlic mushroom chicken to the next level!

• Use room temperature chicken: Allowing the chicken to come close to room temperature helps it cook evenly, resulting in juicy and tender meat.
• Don’t rush the browning: Taking your time to sear the chicken until golden brown adds depth of flavor and a beautiful color to your dish.
• Fresh herbs make a difference: Using fresh parsley and chives instead of dried herbs will enhance the flavor profile, giving your sauce a vibrant freshness.
• Adjust seasoning gradually: Start with less salt and pepper and taste as you go. This way, you can fine-tune the flavors without overpowering the dish.
• Let the sauce thicken naturally: Simmering allows flavors to meld beautifully while thickening the sauce. Patience pays off with this dish!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken

Presenting your creamy garlic mushroom chicken beautifully can make mealtime feel extra special. Here are some ideas on how to serve it up!

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a splash of color and freshness that perfectly complements the rich sauce.
• Lemon Zest: Grating a little lemon zest on top before serving brightens up the flavors and adds an aromatic touch.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the delicious mushroom sauce, making each bite even more delightful.
• Steamed Asparagus: The vibrant green spears add not only color but also a nice crunch that pairs well with the creamy texture of the chicken.
• Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice infused with herbs is a simple yet elegant side that complements the flavors of garlic and mushrooms beautifully.
• Roasted Broccoli: Tossed in olive oil and roasted until crispy, broccoli adds both nutrition and a delightful contrast to the richness of your main dish.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your creamy garlic mushroom chicken will not only taste incredible but also look stunning on any dinner table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken is not just a delightful dish for dinner; it’s also fantastic for meal prep! You can easily prepare it in advance, making it a great option for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the chicken cool entirely before freezing.
• Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, label with the date and contents.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• You can also microwave in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid overheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe.

Can I make Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken without heavy cream?

Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative like cashew cream for a lighter version while still achieving that creamy texture.

What can I serve with Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. A light salad would also complement the richness of the sauce.

How can I make Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken spicy?

For a kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking the mushrooms. Adjust according to your spice preference!

Can I use different types of mushrooms in my Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different mushrooms such as cremini, shiitake, or portobello for unique flavors and textures.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken as comforting and satisfying as I do! It’s a simple yet luxurious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family dinner or meal prep for busy days ahead, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy making it and savor every delicious bite!