Are you tired of the same old chicken breast recipes? Craving something delicious, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This creamy mushroom chicken breast recipe is your answer. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest – a quick dinner idea that's both healthy and unbelievably flavorful. Get ready to elevate your weeknight meals with this simple, yet elegant dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures beautifully browned and flavorful chicken.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This builds the base of our delicious sauce.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream (if using), Dijon mustard, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This gentle simmering is key to a truly delicious sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Make sure they’re mostly submerged in the sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can gently flip the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Spoon the creamy mushroom sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes – mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables all pair perfectly!
Cooking Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you have more than two chicken breasts, cook them in batches to ensure even browning and cooking.
- Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and thyme to your liking.
- Add some vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and flavor by adding other vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers to the sauce.
- Use different mushrooms: Experiment with other types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms, for a unique flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 35-40g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Creamy Tomato Chicken: Substitute cream of tomato soup for cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce along with fresh herbs like rosemary and oregano.
This creamy mushroom chicken breast recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It’s a delicious dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!