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There is something utterly comforting and indulgent about this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe that makes it an instant family favorite. Tender chicken thighs seared to golden perfection swim in a luscious sauce rich with the earthy flavors of fresh mushrooms, fragrant herbs, and melty Parmesan. This dish brings together simple, wholesome ingredients that transform into a restaurant-quality meal you can enjoy any night of the week, sparking smiles with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe starts with a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in building depth and harmony. From the richly flavored chicken thighs to the fresh herbs that elevate the sauce, these components blend flawlessly to create a dish bursting with texture and color.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These are perfect for juicy, tender meat that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Cornstarch: A secret weapon for getting a light, crispy crust on the chicken during searing.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out its natural flavors.
- Oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil to get that perfect golden sear without overpowering flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the mushroom and garlic sauté, lending a silky texture to the sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic infuses the dish with its irresistible aroma and sharpness.
- Cremini or button mushrooms: These mushrooms lend earthiness and a tender bite that complements the creamy sauce.
- Dry white wine (or extra chicken stock): Used to deglaze the pan, it adds brightness and depth of flavor.
- Chicken stock: The flavorful foundation of the sauce, enriching every spoonful.
- Heavy cream: The secret behind the silky, decadent texture of the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a subtle nutty, salty kick that rounds out the sauce beautifully.
- Soy sauce: Just a touch to deepen the umami and add complexity.
- Fresh parsley: Finely chopped to add a fresh, green brightness at the end.
- Fresh rosemary: Offers piney, aromatic notes that complement the mushrooms.
- Fresh thyme: Adds a soft, herbaceous layer that enhances the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by mixing the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a bowl to create a simple but effective coating for the chicken. Pat your chicken thighs dry to ensure the coating sticks well. This step will give your chicken a delicate, crispy crust when seared, locking in the succulent juices.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat; once hot, carefully add the chicken thighs. Sear them for about 5 to 7 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden brown crust and are cooked through. Once done, set them aside so you can focus on building the sauce in the same flavorful pan.
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms
Using the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about one minute. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and let them cook down until they’ve released their moisture and turned a lovely golden brown. This step intensifies the mushrooms’ earthiness and builds the base for your sauce.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the dry white wine, or extra chicken stock if you prefer no alcohol. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Allow the liquid to simmer for one to two minutes, reducing slightly to concentrate the flavor and prepare the sauce’s foundation.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Add the chicken stock, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, soy sauce, and the finely chopped parsley, rosemary, and thyme to the pan. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer gently for about five minutes. You’ll notice it thickening beautifully while the flavors meld into a rich and creamy concoction.
Step 6: Combine & Serve
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling each piece into the luscious sauce. Simmer everything together for two to three more minutes so the chicken soaks up the creamy goodness. Serve this warm, spooning extra sauce over the top, ideally alongside your favorite pasta, fluffy rice, or creamy mashed potatoes to complete this mouthwatering dish.
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or additional grated Parmesan on top just before serving. These simple garnishes add a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens and balances the richness of the sauce, making every plate look as great as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or al dente pasta to soak up every bit of that luxurious sauce. A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables make excellent accompaniments, providing a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the chicken over a bed of garlic-infused polenta or even creamy risotto. You can also arrange the chicken atop roasted vegetables for a colorful plate that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or easy lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve the fresh flavors and creamy texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw if frozen, then warm gently on the stovetop over low heat. Stir frequently and add a splash of chicken stock or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. This helps maintain the dish’s luxurious creaminess without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work fine, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender in this recipe due to their higher fat content. Just be careful not to overcook breasts to keep them moist.
What if I don’t have white wine?
No worries! You can substitute the white wine with extra chicken stock or a splash of white grape juice to preserve the acidity and depth that the wine brings to the sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply swap out the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast to keep it creamy and flavorful.
Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh?
While fresh herbs really shine in this recipe, dried can be used in a pinch. Use about one-third of the fresh herb quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated and add them earlier in the cooking process for best flavor.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon without running off quickly. If it gets too thick, simply stir in a splash of chicken stock or cream until you reach the perfect consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s elegantly simple yet richly satisfying, perfect for weekday dinners or special occasions alike. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this creamy, mushroomy comfort on your table!
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Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Mushroom Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs cooked to golden perfection and served in a rich, savory sauce made from cremini mushrooms, garlic, white wine, chicken stock, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Infused with fresh herbs and soy sauce, this comforting dish is perfect served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp oil (for frying)
Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- ½ cup dry white wine (or extra chicken stock)
- 1 cup chicken stock
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
Herbs
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Pat the chicken dry and coat lightly with the mixture to ensure a crispy sear.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Cook the Mushrooms: In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and turn golden brown.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow it to cook for 1-2 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.
- Make the Sauce: Add the chicken stock, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, soy sauce, parsley, rosemary, and thyme to the pan. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine & Serve: Return the seared chicken to the pan, coating it thoroughly with the creamy mushroom sauce. Simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld flavors. Serve hot over your choice of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- White wine can be substituted with extra chicken stock if preferred.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Use fresh herbs to maximize flavor, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch—reduce quantities by half.
- Chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness, but chicken breasts can be used with slightly shorter cooking time.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when searing chicken for best browning results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
