A rich and creamy dish featuring tender chicken and a decadent garlic mushroom sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is comforting, flavorful, and easy to make.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise (about 4 thin pieces)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Garlic Mushroom Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ cup chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- In a shallow dish or bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter together with the olive oil.
- Place the chicken pieces in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms:
- In the same skillet, add the additional olive oil and butter. Once melted, add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to season.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are soft and golden brown.
4. Add Garlic and Deglaze the Pan:
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the mushrooms. Stir and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet for added flavor. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
5. Make the Garlic Mushroom Cream Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese in small amounts, stirring continuously to ensure the sauce remains smooth.
- Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
6. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon the garlic mushroom sauce over the chicken to coat evenly.
- Simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Serve the chicken and garlic mushroom sauce hot, paired with mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice. Add steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Success:
- Thinner Chicken Pieces: Halving the chicken breasts ensures even cooking. If needed, lightly pound them to an even thickness.
- Customize the Sauce: Add a splash of white wine when deglazing for a more robust flavor or a pinch of red chili flakes for heat.
- Mushroom Variety: Swap cremini mushrooms for baby bella, white button, or even wild mushrooms like shiitake for a more earthy taste.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4
Pairing Suggestions:
This creamy dish pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Buttered noodles or fettuccine
- Sautéed green beans or roasted asparagus