Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken is just what you need. This recipe has a special place in my heart because it’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress family and friends at a gathering, this dish brings together tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy garlic sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds!

You’ll love how quickly this meal comes together, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company of your loved ones rather than slaving away in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This creamy garlic mushroom chicken can be on your table in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Family-Friendly: With its rich flavor and comforting ingredients, this dish is sure to please everyone at the dinner table.
• Flexible Ingredients: Don’t have something on hand? This recipe allows for easy substitutions based on what you have available.
• Deliciously Satisfying: The creamy garlic sauce paired with tender chicken will leave you feeling satisfied and happy.
• Make-Ahead Potential: If you’re planning ahead, you can prep the ingredients earlier in the day and cook them right before serving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s dive into the ingredients! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome staples that come together beautifully. Gather these items to create your own creamy garlic mushroom chicken masterpiece.

For the Chicken

• 2x 9oz/250g Chicken Breasts (brought close to room temp)
• 1/4 cup / 40g Flour (see notes)
• 1 tsp EACH: Salt, Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper

For Cooking

• 1 tbsp EACH: Olive Oil, Butter (preferably unsalted)

For the Sauce

• 9oz / 250g Baby Button Mushrooms (sliced fairly thin)
• 3/4 cup / 180ml Heavy/Double Cream (at room temp)
• 3/4 cup / 180ml Chicken Stock
• 1oz / 1/3cup / 30g freshly grated Parmesan
• 2 large cloves of Garlic (finely diced)

For Garnish

• 1 tbsp finely diced Fresh Parsley (plus more to garnish if desired)
• 1 tbsp finely diced Fresh Chives

Final Touches

• 1 tbsp Butter (preferably unsalted; can substitute oil; this is for frying the mushrooms)
• 1/2 – 1 tsp Lemon Juice (see notes)
• Salt & Pepper, (to taste)

Variations

One of the best things about this creamy garlic mushroom chicken is its flexibility! You can easily tweak it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the Protein: Instead of chicken, try using turkey or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option!
• Add More Veggies: Incorporate spinach or kale into your sauce for an extra nutritional boost and vibrant color.
• Change Up the Mushrooms: Experiment with different types of mushrooms like cremini or shiitake for varied flavors.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce for an exciting kick!

How to Make Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First things first! Horizontally slice each chicken breast right through the center. This step helps create four even-sized pieces that cook evenly and quickly. You want them nice and tender!

Step 2: Dredge in Seasoned Flour

In a large shallow dish, mix together flour with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each piece of chicken through this mixture so they are fully coated. This will not only help create a lovely golden crust when cooked but also give your sauce extra flavor.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat up olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and fry until golden brown on both sides—this should take just a few minutes. Once cooked through, remove them from the pan and set aside. This step locks in moisture while giving you that beautiful color.

Step 4: Cook the Mushrooms

In that same pan, melt more butter and toss in your sliced mushrooms. Fry them until they develop a golden crust—this brings out their natural sweetness! Then reduce heat and add in your diced garlic to fry for another minute or two until fragrant.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the stock and cream, stirring everything together nicely. Add chives and parsley here too! Let it simmer gently until it begins to thicken—this should take about five minutes. The combination of flavors at this point is simply heavenly!

Step 6: Finish It Off

Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with a gentle squeeze of lemon juice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before returning the chicken back into the pan. Baste each piece with that luscious sauce before serving up hot!

Enjoy every bite of this Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken! It’s sure to become a favorite in your home just like it is in mine!

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken

Cooking is all about making it your own, and these pro tips will help you elevate your creamy garlic mushroom chicken to restaurant-quality!

• Use room temperature chicken: Bringing the chicken to room temperature before cooking helps it cook more evenly, ensuring juicy, tender results.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: When frying the chicken or mushrooms, give them plenty of space in the pan. This allows for better browning and prevents steaming.
• Adjust thickness to your liking: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer. If you like it thinner, add a splash more stock or cream until you achieve your desired consistency.
• Experiment with herbs: Feel free to mix in other fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for added flavor. Fresh herbs can bring new dimensions to the dish!
• Let it rest: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain its juices and makes each bite more flavorful.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken

Presenting your creamy garlic mushroom chicken beautifully can turn a simple dinner into a memorable feast! Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: Sprinkle some finely chopped fresh parsley on top just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
• Lemon zest: A light grating of lemon zest adds brightness that complements the richness of the sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting companion that soaks up all that delicious sauce.
• Steamed Asparagus: Simple yet elegant, steamed asparagus adds a lovely crunch and vibrant color that balances the creamy chicken.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast and nutritious boost.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping into the luscious sauce – it’s hard to resist!

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create a dish that’s not only easy but incredibly satisfying as well! Enjoy making this creamy garlic mushroom chicken for your next family dinner or gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, store it, and enjoy it later without losing any flavor.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftovers in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Cool the dish completely before freezing.
• Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. To prevent freezer burn, remove as much air as possible from bags.

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of stock or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Alternatively, use a microwave on medium power until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I make Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken without flour?

Absolutely! You can use cornstarch or gluten-free flour as a substitute. Just make sure you adjust the quantities accordingly to achieve the desired thickness.

What can I serve with Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or a side salad. You could also serve it with pasta for a comforting meal!

Is Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! This recipe stores well and can be made ahead, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Enjoy it throughout the week!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken as delightful to prepare as it is to eat! It’s creamy, flavorful, and sure to impress your family or guests. Enjoy making this dish and savoring its rich flavors. I can’t wait to hear how your version turns out—happy cooking!