Description
Chicken with Mushrooms and Cheese in Creamy Garlic Sauce
Caption: A comforting and flavorful dish of tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and rich cheese—perfect for a cozy dinner!
Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the chicken:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking dish.
Cook the mushrooms:
In the same skillet, sauté the sliced mushrooms until tender and golden. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Make the sauce:
Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Assemble and bake:
Pour the mushroom sauce over the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
Serve and garnish:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
This creamy and cheesy chicken dish is rich in flavor and sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy every savory bite!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep & Sear: Pat chicken breasts dry, then season generously. In an oven-safe skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep golden crust forms. Remove chicken and set aside. Do not clean the skillet.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add sliced mushrooms to the same skillet. Cook until they release their liquid and turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 60 seconds until fragrant.
3. Create the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. Combine & Bake: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top. Sprinkle cheese evenly over each breast. Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.
5. Final Check & Rest: Confirm the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Serving Suggestions
This rich dish pairs beautifully with sides that can soak up the creamy sauce. Serve over a bed of:
- Fluffy mashed potatoes or creamy polenta.
- Buttered egg noodles or rice pilaf.
- Steamed green beans, asparagus, or roasted broccoli.
- A simple, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
How-to Summary
Sear seasoned chicken breasts until golden and set aside. In the same pan, sauté mushrooms until browned, add garlic, then stir in cream to make a simple sauce. Return chicken to the skillet, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly. Garnish with parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, bone-in or boneless skinless thighs work wonderfully. Adjust baking time as needed, as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
What’s a good substitute for heavy cream? For a lighter option, half-and-half can work, but the sauce will be less rich and thick. For a dairy-free version, full-fat coconut cream is an excellent alternative.
How can I prevent the sauce from curdling? Ensure you are simmering, not boiling, the cream. Adding a tablespoon of the sauce to cool slightly before incorporating the rest can also help stabilize it.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? You can sear the chicken and prepare the sauce 1 day ahead. Store separately in the fridge. Assemble with cheese and bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
What other cheeses can I use? Gruyère, Fontina, or a sharp white cheddar are fantastic choices. A Parmesan blend adds a nice salty, nutty flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Skillet: Sear chicken in batches if necessary. Crowding steams the meat instead of creating a flavorful sear.
- Underseasoning: Season the chicken well before searing and taste the sauce before assembling. The cream dilutes saltiness.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer. Baking past 165°F will result in dry, tough chicken.
- Using Wet Mushrooms: Do not rinse mushrooms; wipe them clean with a damp cloth. Excess water will prevent proper browning and thin the sauce.
Conclusion
This Chicken with Mushrooms and Cheese in Creamy Garlic Sauce is the epitome of a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal made easily at home. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve perfectly tender chicken enveloped in a luxurious, savory sauce. Its versatility in pairings and straightforward technique makes it an ideal recipe for both weeknight dinners and impressing guests. Enjoy the delicious, comforting results of your culinary effort.