Looking for a quick, delicious meal? Try my Creamy Mushroom Parmesan Chicken! This easy weeknight dish combines tender chicken breasts with a rich mushroom and Parmesan sauce. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, comforting meal that pleases the whole family. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive into the simple ingredients and quick steps to make this comforting recipe!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy Sauce: This dish features a luxurious creamy mushroom sauce that elevates the chicken to a whole new level of flavor.
- Quick and Easy: In just 30 minutes, you can prepare this restaurant-quality meal, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Ingredients: The recipe uses simple and accessible ingredients, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet dish without the fuss.
- Great for Entertaining: This creamy mushroom Parmesan chicken impresses guests and is sure to be a hit at any dinner gathering.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Extras
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnishing
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
When I make creamy mushroom Parmesan chicken, I start with the main ingredients. You need four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. These are easy to cook and stay juicy. Next, grab eight ounces of mushrooms. You can use cremini or button mushrooms. Both add great flavor to the dish.
Now, let’s talk about the creamy goodness. You need one cup of heavy cream. This makes the sauce rich and smooth. You also need one cup of grated Parmesan cheese. It adds a savory, cheesy taste that blends perfectly with the cream.
For extra flavor, don’t forget the seasoning and extras. You’ll need three cloves of minced garlic. This gives the dish a nice aroma. One tablespoon of olive oil helps cook the chicken evenly. You also need one teaspoon of dried thyme. This herb adds a warm, earthy flavor. Lastly, season with salt and pepper to taste.
To top it off, use fresh parsley, chopped, as a garnish. It adds color and a fresh taste to your meal. With these ingredients, you’re ready to create a delicious weeknight dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Chicken
Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts. Use salt, pepper, and dried thyme for flavor. This adds a nice touch to the chicken. Next, heat your skillet over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil. Wait until the oil is hot before moving on.
Cooking the Chicken
Now, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. This shows they are cooking well. Once done, check if the chicken is fully cooked. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. After that, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Making the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 5 minutes. The mushrooms should become tender and release their juices. After that, reduce the heat to low. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir well. This helps combine the cream with the mushrooms and garlic. Gradually add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until you have a smooth and creamy sauce. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water.
Combining Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Make sure they are well coated in the creamy mushroom sauce. Let them simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors. Before serving, taste the sauce. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
- Avoiding dry chicken: To keep your chicken juicy, cook it until it’s just done. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep the juices inside.
- Ensuring a smooth sauce: To make a creamy sauce, stir the heavy cream into the mushrooms slowly. Add the Parmesan gradually, mixing as you go. If your sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. This keeps it smooth and pourable.
Serving Suggestions
- Pairing with sides: This dish pairs well with steamed green veggies like broccoli or green beans. A light salad with a tangy dressing also works well. The freshness cuts through the creaminess of the sauce.
- Plating for presentation: When serving, place the chicken on a plate and spoon the sauce generously over the top. Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color. This makes your dish look as good as it tastes.
Substitutions
- Alternatives for heavy cream: If you want a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or coconut milk. Both will give you a nice creaminess without all the fat.
- Different types of mushrooms: You can use any mushrooms you like. Cremini and button mushrooms are great, but try shiitake or portobello for more flavor. Each type adds its unique taste to your dish.
Pro Tips
- Choose the Right Mushrooms: For a richer flavor, opt for cremini mushrooms instead of button mushrooms. They add depth to the sauce.
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and juiciness.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer a little longer after adding the Parmesan cheese, stirring occasionally.
- Garnish for Color: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish’s flavor profile. Don’t skip the garnish!
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can add more depth to your creamy mushroom Parmesan chicken. Adding spinach gives a nice pop of color and nutrition. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley also brighten the dish.
If you want to switch up the cheese, consider using mozzarella or goat cheese. Each cheese brings a unique taste. You can even mix cheeses for an interesting twist.
Dietary Variations
For gluten-free meals, use gluten-free chicken broth if you want to thin the sauce. This keeps the dish tasty while meeting dietary needs.
If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy. These swaps help everyone enjoy this dish.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your creamy mushroom Parmesan chicken fresh, store it in the fridge. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Make sure to cool the chicken to room temperature before sealing it.
- Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids.
- If you have extra sauce, store it in a separate container. This keeps it creamy for later.
Reheating Instructions
When you are ready to enjoy leftovers, reheating is key. You want to warm the chicken without drying it out. The best method is using the stove.
1. Place the chicken in a skillet over low heat.
2. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help keep the sauce moist.
3. Cover the skillet with a lid. This traps steam and warms the dish evenly.
You can also use a microwave if you are short on time. Just be careful not to overheat. Heat in short bursts and stir in between. This helps keep the sauce smooth.
FAQs
What can I serve with Creamy Mushroom Parmesan Chicken?
You can serve this dish with many sides. Here are some tasty options:
- Steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans
- A light salad with mixed greens
- Mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the sauce
- Crusty bread for dipping in the creamy sauce
These sides will complement the rich flavors of the chicken well.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and sauce as usual. Store them separately in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, heat the chicken and sauce together. This method keeps the chicken juicy and the sauce creamy.
How do I store leftovers properly?
Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Cook the chicken longer if it is still a bit frozen in the center. This will ensure it cooks evenly and remains safe to eat.
This blog post covers all you need for a tasty Creamy Mushroom Parmesan Chicken. We discussed key ingredients like chicken, mushrooms, and Parmesan. You learned how to prep, cook, and combine the chicken with the sauce. Tips included avoiding dry chicken and serving ideas. Don’t forget about variations, storage, and even FAQs for more help.
Enjoy making this dish, and feel confident in your cooking skill
Creamy Mushroom Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- to taste salt and pepper
- for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and have released their juices.
- Reduce the heat to low, and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine with the mushrooms and garlic.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is creamy and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, making sure they are coated in the creamy mushroom sauce. Let them simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the creamy mushroom Parmesan chicken hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
