Looking for a dinner that’s both elegant and incredibly easy? This Chicken and Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce recipe is your answer. It’s a dish that feels fancy enough for a special occasion but comes together so quickly, it’ll become your go-to for busy weeknights. Imagine tender chicken cutlets nestled in a rich, savory cream sauce, brimming with earthy mushrooms and aromatic herbs. Sounds divine, right? Let me tell you, it is.
Why I Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about a one-pan meal that delivers big on flavor? This recipe is a true hero in my kitchen. The chicken cooks up quickly, staying juicy and tender, while the creamy mushroom sauce comes together with minimal effort, transforming simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary. It’s incredibly versatile, satisfying, and a fantastic way to impress your family or friends without spending hours over the stove. Plus, it’s a brilliant way to enjoy chicken in a more exciting way than just plain old grilled or baked.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting and delicious dish:
Chicken:
- 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise into cutlets
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¾ cup yellow onion diced
- 8 ounces brown mushrooms thick sliced
- 3 teaspoons garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup heavy cream
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken: If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe; they’ll offer a richer flavor and stay incredibly moist. Just ensure they’re cooked through.
- Mushrooms: While brown mushrooms (cremini) offer a great earthy flavor, feel free to use white button mushrooms or a mix of your favorite wild mushrooms for added complexity.
- Herbs: If you have fresh rosemary, feel free to use it! About 1 teaspoon of fresh, chopped rosemary would be perfect. A pinch of fresh parsley or chives at the end can also brighten the dish.
- Flour: For a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).
- Dijon Mustard: Don’t skip the Dijon! It adds a subtle tang that balances the richness of the cream sauce without making it taste like mustard.
- Worcestershire Sauce: The original recipe didn’t list this as an ingredient in the sauce but included it in the instructions. It adds a lovely depth of umami to the sauce; I recommend adding about ½ teaspoon.
Steps for the Recipe
Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to bring this amazing creamy chicken and mushroom dish to life:
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken cutlets generously on both sides with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and dried thyme.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken cutlets. Cook for about 3 minutes per side without flipping too much, allowing them to get a nice golden-brown sear. This browning adds a ton of flavor. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm while you make the sauce.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté until it becomes tender and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Add Mushrooms and Garlic: Stir in the thick-sliced brown mushrooms and minced garlic to the pan. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms have softened and released their liquid, about 4 minutes.
- Whisk the Sauce Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, all-purpose flour, Dijon mustard, and about ½ teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce (if using) until there are no lumps.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour the broth mixture into the skillet with the mushrooms and onions. Add the dried rosemary. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Finish with Cream: Whisk in the heavy cream until it’s well combined and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken cutlets back to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Let them cook for just 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through. Serve immediately!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: When browning the chicken, ensure you don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to get a good sear. Overcrowding can steam the chicken instead of browning it.
- Scrape Up Brown Bits: As you’re cooking, use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These “fond” bits are packed with flavor and will enrich your sauce.
- Whisk Well: When adding the flour to the sauce base, make sure to whisk it thoroughly to prevent any lumps. A smooth sauce is a happy sauce!
- Adjust Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer gently for a few more minutes to reduce, or make a small cornstarch slurry and whisk it in.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms dish is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.
- Pasta: Serve it over your favorite pasta, like fettuccine, linguine, or egg noodles, to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Rice: Steamed white rice or a wild rice pilaf is another excellent choice.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are always a classic comfort pairing.
- Crusty Bread: Don’t forget some crusty bread to sop up every last drop of that amazing sauce!
- Green Vegetables: A simple side of steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a fresh green salad will add a nice balance.
- If you’re looking for other chicken dishes that are simple and satisfying, you might also enjoy our Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter or the incredibly popular Easy Cheese Stuffed Chicken Wontons with Ranch Golden Crunchy Addictive.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This dish makes fantastic leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Chicken and Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as it can thicken in the fridge. Avoid high heat, as it can cause the sauce to separate.
- Freezing: Due to the heavy cream, the sauce can sometimes separate when frozen and thawed. While technically possible, it’s generally not recommended for optimal texture. If you do freeze it, thaw it completely in the refrigerator and whisk vigorously while reheating to try and bring the sauce back together.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the comforting and easy nature of this creamy chicken dish, be sure to explore some of our other crowd-pleasing recipes:
- For another fantastic chicken dinner that’s a hit with the family, check out This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
- And if you’re craving more savory chicken and a hearty meal, you’ll love These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners.
- For a truly comforting bowl, our This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort is a must-try!
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce truly is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something incredibly satisfying and flavorful. It’s the kind of meal that brings warmth to your kitchen and smiles to faces around the dinner table. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite.
I encourage you to give it a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself! Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you. Your feedback means a lot! And don’t forget to visit Chefmaniac.com for more culinary inspiration and easy-to-follow recipes. Happy cooking!
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