Description
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken
Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts
1 cup mushrooms
3 garlic cloves
1 cup heavy cream
½ tsp red chili flakes
2 tbsp butter
Steps:
Season chicken and sear in butter until golden brown.
Sauté garlic and mushrooms with chili flakes in the same pan.
Add heavy cream, mix, and return chicken to the pan.
Simmer for 10 minutes and serve with a kick!
Spicy and creamy – a must-try!
#SpicyGarlicChicken
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken every time.
- Prep Ingredients: Pat 4 chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Thinly slice 1 cup of mushrooms and mince 3 garlic cloves.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-7 minutes per side until deeply golden brown. Remove to a plate.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. Cook for 5 minutes until they release their moisture and brown. Add the minced garlic and ½ tsp red chili flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the pan bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Finish Cooking: Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and creamy dish pairs beautifully with sides that can soak up the delicious sauce. Serve it over a bed of:
- Fluffy mashed potatoes or creamy polenta.
- Buttered egg noodles or fettuccine pasta.
- Steamed white rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- A simple green salad or steamed green beans to add a fresh, crisp contrast.
How-to Summary
In short: Season and sear chicken. Remove. Sauté mushrooms, garlic, and chili flakes. Add cream, simmer, return chicken, and cook through. Serve with your favorite side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Bone-in, skin-on thighs add incredible flavor. Just increase the cooking time by 5-7 minutes to ensure they are cooked through.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
After simmering, if your sauce is too thin, create a slurry by mixing 1 tsp of cornstarch with 1 tbsp of water. Whisk it into the simmering sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
What’s a substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter version, half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk can work, but the sauce will be less rich and may not thicken as much.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Is it too spicy with the chili flakes?
The ½ tsp provides a mild warmth. You can omit them entirely or adjust to your preference. Start with ¼ tsp if you’re sensitive to spice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Drying the Chicken: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a proper sear, not a steam.
- Crowding the Pan: Sear chicken in batches if needed. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature and prevents browning.
- Burning the Garlic: Add garlic with the mushrooms, not before, as it cooks quickly and burns easily.
- Boiling the Cream: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, to prevent it from separating or becoming greasy.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken is a quintessential weeknight gourmet meal, balancing luxurious creaminess with a subtle spicy kick. Its simplicity is its strength, requiring just a handful of ingredients to create a deeply satisfying and restaurant-quality dish. Mastering the sear and the simmer is the key to unlocking its full potential. Give this recipe a try—it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
