Description
A comforting dish featuring tender chicken in a rich mushrooms and cream sauce, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ pounds)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 10–12 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional: lemon zest for brightness
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Brown the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm olive oil. Add chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics and mushrooms: In the same skillet, add butter. Once melted, add onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their juices and start to brown, about 5–7 minutes.
- Create the sauce: Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir to coat. Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and let thicken slightly.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, mustard (if using), and thyme. Simmer until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Combine and finish cooking: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce and mushrooms over each piece. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest, and spoon extra sauce over the chicken.
Notes
Use room-temperature chicken for more even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning; work in batches if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian