Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken

This dish is a comforting classic, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce made with garlic, mushrooms, and cream. It’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (cremini, white, or a mix)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon flour (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Guide:

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. Add the mushrooms to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and browned. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, thyme, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and whisk until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over it. Let simmer for a few minutes to heat through. (Optional: Stir in the Parmesan cheese at this point.)
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta.

Tips:

• You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more flavorful option. Just cook them for a few minutes longer than the chicken breasts.
• If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or even milk, but the sauce will be thinner.
• For a richer sauce, you can add a tablespoon of butter to the pan with the olive oil when cooking the mushrooms.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.