Description
Creamy Baked Chicken with Mushrooms and Cheese
Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Mushrooms:
In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the mushrooms until golden and tender. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and thyme to the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Assemble the Dish:
Place the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour the creamy mushroom sauce over the chicken. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
Chef’s Tip: This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a glass of Chardonnay.
Step-by-Step Guide
For perfect results, follow these detailed steps. First, ensure your chicken breasts are of even thickness by gently pounding them. This guarantees even cooking. When searing, do not move the chicken until it releases easily from the skillet for a perfect golden crust. After removing the chicken, let the skillet cool slightly before adding butter to prevent burning. While making the sauce, let it simmer gently; a rapid boil can cause the cream to separate. Finally, use an instant-read thermometer to check the chicken reaches 165°F internally before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and creamy dish is wonderfully versatile. For a classic comfort meal, serve it over a bed of mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or creamy polenta to soak up the extra sauce. For a lighter option, pair it with steamed asparagus, green beans, or a crisp arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Crusty bread is also essential for mopping up every last bit of the cheesy mushroom sauce.
How-to Summary
In brief: Season and sear chicken until golden. Sauté mushrooms and garlic in the same pan. Create a sauce with broth, cream, thyme, and Parmesan. Combine chicken and sauce in a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until cooked through and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Bone-in, skin-on thighs add more flavor. Increase the initial searing time to 5-6 minutes per side and bake for 30-35 minutes to ensure they are cooked through.
How can I make this dish less heavy?
Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly less thick. You can also use a lighter cheese like provolone.
What other mushrooms work well?
Cremini, shiitake, or a wild mushroom blend will add deeper, earthier flavors. Sauté until all moisture has evaporated for the best texture.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dish completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to one day. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F or on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the sauce from breaking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Crowding the Skillet: Sear chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding steams the meat instead of creating a flavorful crust.
- Underseasoning the Sauce: Sauce ingredients dilute seasoning. Taste and adjust salt and pepper after adding the broth and cream.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Baking too long results in dry, tough meat. Use a thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F.
- Adding Cheese to Boiling Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently before adding Parmesan. High heat can cause cheeses to become grainy or separate.
Conclusion
Creamy Baked Chicken with Mushrooms and Cheese is the ultimate one-pan comfort food, elegantly combining simple techniques with luxurious results. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a consistently perfect, crowd-pleasing meal. Its flexibility with sides and ingredients makes it a reliable recipe to return to again and again. Enjoy the process and the delicious, satisfying outcome.