Some meals just feel like a classic for a reason. This Pan-Seared Chicken with a Creamy Mushroom-Pepper Sauce is a perfect example. It’s a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dinner that’s perfect for a cozy night in. The chicken is pan-seared to a beautiful golden brown, and it’s all smothered in a rich, savory sauce that’s loaded with tender onions, peppers, and mushrooms. Served alongside a generous portion of creamy mashed potatoes, this meal is a true comfort food masterpiece.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of one-pan meals that are big on flavor, and this recipe delivers on every front. The pan-seared chicken gets a beautiful crust and stays incredibly juicy and tender. But the real star is the sauce. By cooking the vegetables and building the sauce in the same pan, you get all those delicious, browned bits from the chicken, which adds a phenomenal depth of flavor to the sauce. The combination of tender onions, sweet bell peppers, and earthy mushrooms in a savory chicken stock base is simply irresistible. This is a meal that feels both rustic and elegant, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
(Serves 4)
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 600g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 sliced onion
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 200g sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 250ml chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Creamy Mashed Potatoes:
- 800g potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 50g butter
- 100ml milk
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken: Chicken thighs would also work beautifully in this recipe, as they stay incredibly juicy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly.
- Vegetables: Feel free to use your favorite vegetables here. Zucchini, spinach, or even some chopped carrots would be a great addition.
- Sauce: For an extra-rich sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream at the end. You can also use a different stock, like vegetable or beef, for a different flavor profile.
- Mashed Potatoes: For a lighter option, you can use less butter and a lower-fat milk. For a richer flavor, use heavy cream and add a little grated Parmesan cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a pot of generously salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter and milk and mash until they are smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Chicken: While the potatoes are cooking, season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and sear for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, red pepper, yellow pepper, and mushrooms. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for one minute. Gradually pour in the chicken stock, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add the dried thyme and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Let it all simmer for a minute or two to heat the chicken through. Serve the pan-seared chicken with the delicious pepper-mushroom sauce alongside a generous portion of creamy mashed potatoes.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in a single layer to ensure it sears properly. If you’re cooking for more than two, you might need to cook them in batches.
- Scrape Up the Brown Bits: The browned bits at the bottom of the pan after you sear the chicken are pure flavor. When you add the vegetables and stock, be sure to scrape them up.
- Rest the Chicken: Even for just a minute or two, letting the chicken rest before serving helps the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken juicy.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This meal is a complete plate on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Please note: This is an estimated nutritional breakdown and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
- Calories: Approx. 520 kcal
- Protein: Approx. 45g
- Fat: Approx. 25g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 35g
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftovers of this meal store well. You can place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The mashed potatoes can be stored separately. To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet on the stove, and microwave the mashed potatoes. You may need to add a splash of milk to the potatoes to bring back their creaminess.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you love a good, hearty chicken dish, you’ll love these other recipes from my kitchen:
- For a cozy, hearty bowl of southern comfort, you have to try my Cajun Chicken and Sausage Gumbo.
- For a simple and delicious appetizer, my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders are always a hit.
- For a no-mayo option, my Light and Tangy Chicken Salad is a refreshing choice.
- For a similar one-pan wonder with a Mexican twist, this Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is a lifesaver.
- And when you’re feeding a crowd, these Chicken Enchiladas are a true go-to.
Final Thoughts
This Pan-Seared Chicken with a Creamy Mushroom-Pepper Sauce is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner. It’s a fantastic way to bring a little bit of comfort and joy to your dinner table.
I hope you give this recipe a try and fall in love with it as much as I have! Let me know in the comments below what you thought! Happy cooking!
The Ultimate Chicken Dinner: A Flavorful and Hearty Meal
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and thyme. Dredge in flour on both sides.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add mushrooms, bell pepper, and onion. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Let simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the creamy sauce.
- Serve hot over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
Leave a Reply