Chicken And Mushrooms: A Match Made In Heaven?

do mushrooms go with chicken

Chicken and mushrooms are a classic combination that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Chicken and mushroom recipes often include a creamy sauce made with butter, garlic, and wine, and are served with sides such as mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread. Chicken thighs or breasts can be used, depending on your preference, and the dish can be cooked in a skillet or frying pan. This versatile dish can be served as a quick weeknight meal or an elegant dinner party main course.

Characteristics Values
Taste Mushrooms and chicken is a tasty combination
Recipe Chicken with mushrooms can be cooked in a skillet, with or without heavy cream, and with a variety of mushroom types
Time Chicken with mushrooms can be cooked in 20 minutes
Sides This dish goes well with mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, steamed vegetables, and salad

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Chicken and mushroom recipes

Chicken and mushrooms is a classic combination and there are many recipes that bring them together. Here are some ideas for chicken and mushroom recipes, with cooking methods and ingredients.

Chicken Thighs with Mushrooms and Dried Figs

This recipe is a great option for those who prefer chicken thighs. It involves braising the chicken and cooking it with mushrooms and dried figs. You can prepare the chicken and vegetables in advance and store them in the refrigerator overnight.

Creamy Mushroom Chicken

This recipe involves making a creamy mushroom sauce with garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and cream. You can use any type of mushroom, such as cremini, baby bellas, or white mushrooms. The sauce is then combined with chicken, which can be pan-fried or baked in the oven. This recipe is quick and easy, taking only 30 minutes.

Skillet Mushroom Chicken

For a lighter option, you can make a skillet mushroom chicken recipe without heavy cream. This recipe uses boneless chicken breasts that are seasoned with oregano, paprika, and coriander, and then seared in extra virgin olive oil. The chicken is then cooked in a garlic mushroom sauce made with chicken broth, butter, and olive oil. You can also add green onions and garnish with parsley. This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare.

Chicken and Mushrooms with White Wine

For a more indulgent option, you can add white wine to your chicken and mushroom recipe. This recipe involves cooking chicken thighs in olive oil or butter with a pinch of salt. You can also add onions, baby bella mushrooms, butter, white wine, and rosemary. This recipe takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare and can be served over rice.

Chicken Breast in Creamy Mushroom Sauce

This recipe is a versatile option that can be served as a quick weeknight meal or an elegant dish for guests. The creamy mushroom sauce includes wine, parmesan, and chicken stock, which add richness and flavour to the lean chicken breast. The chicken is lightly dusted with flour and pan-fried until golden and crispy. You can serve this dish with mashed potatoes, pasta, polenta, mashed beans, or rice.

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Types of mushrooms to use

Chicken and mushrooms are a classic combination, and there are several types of mushrooms that can be used to create delicious chicken dishes.

Button mushrooms are a popular choice for chicken recipes. They are small, delicate, and have a mild flavour that pairs well with chicken. Button mushrooms can be used in a variety of dishes, from simple skillet meals to more elaborate recipes.

Cremini mushrooms, also known as baby bellas, are another excellent option. They have a more earthy flavour and a slightly firmer texture than button mushrooms. Baby bellas are simply more mature cremini mushrooms, having been allowed to age for about a week longer. This gives them a richer, more intense flavour that can enhance chicken dishes.

White button mushrooms are also commonly used in chicken and mushroom recipes. They have a mild flavour and a delicate texture, making them a versatile option. White mushrooms can be fresh or canned, but fresh mushrooms are generally recommended for a more authentic earthy taste.

Oyster, shiitake, and portobello mushrooms can also be used in chicken recipes. Oyster mushrooms have a delicate, almost seafood-like flavour, while shiitake mushrooms have a more pronounced earthy, umami taste. Portobello mushrooms, the mature version of baby bellas, are large and meaty, making them a substantial addition to chicken dishes.

Ultimately, the type of mushroom used in chicken recipes can be tailored to personal preference or availability. Fresh mushrooms are generally preferred for their superior flavour and texture, and mixing different types of mushrooms can also add depth and complexity to the dish.

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Chicken types and cuts

Chicken is a versatile meat with a variety of cuts, each with its own unique texture, flavour, and cooking method. Here is an overview of the different types and cuts of chicken:

Chicken Types

Chicken can be classified into two main types: white meat and brown meat (also known as dark meat). White meat, such as chicken breast, wings, and back, is known for its delicate and mild flavour. It is leaner and has lower fat content compared to brown meat. Brown meat, on the other hand, is sourced from parts like thighs, legs, and drumsticks. It has a richer, more savoury, and succulent flavour due to its higher fat content, which also helps keep it moist during cooking.

Chicken Cuts

Chicken Breast

Chicken breast is one of the most popular cuts of chicken. It is a lean, mild-flavoured, and tender white meat. The breast consists of two halves separated during butchering, and it can be further cut into thin steaks or cutlets. Boneless chicken breasts are extremely popular and versatile, commonly used in dishes like stir-fries, sandwiches, and kebabs. Chicken breast is suitable for quick cooking methods like grilling, pan-searing, or baking, as it can dry out and become tough if overcooked.

Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are smaller cuts of dark meat with a rich, savoury flavour and tender, juicy texture. They are sourced from the upper part of the chicken's leg and can be purchased with or without the bone. Chicken thighs are versatile and adapt well to various cooking methods, including grilling, baking, slow-cooking, and frying. They pair excellently with marinades, rubs, and sauces, and their higher fat content helps keep them moist even when cooked at high heat.

Other Cuts

In addition to breasts and thighs, other common chicken cuts include wings, drumsticks, legs, tenderloins, and the back. Wings are white meat cuts that are juicy, flavourful, and versatile. They can be cooked whole or in portions and are often paired with sauces. Drumsticks are another popular, succulent dark meat cut, known for their savoury, juicy flavour. They are cost-effective, easy to cook, and perfect for grilling or roasting with herbs, spices, and marinades. Chicken legs, including drumsticks, are favoured by those who enjoy flavourful meat with a bit more bite. Lastly, the back, extending from the base of the neck to the tail, is primarily used for soup and stock, as it contains less meat compared to other cuts.

Chicken can also be purchased and cooked as a whole bird, offering a variety of flavours and textures in a single meal. Whole chickens can be prepared in numerous ways, including roasting, smoking, deep frying, and grilling, and they provide practical and economical options for multiple meals throughout the week.

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Cooking methods

Chicken and mushrooms are a classic combination and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Here are some cooking methods to prepare this delicious duo:

Pan-Frying or Sautéing

This is a quick and easy method to cook chicken and mushrooms. Cut the chicken breasts into thin cutlets and season them with salt, pepper, and flour. You can also add other seasonings like oregano, paprika, and coriander. Pan-fry or sauté the chicken in butter or oil until golden brown. In a separate pan, cook the mushrooms with butter, garlic, and thyme until they release their moisture and get a nice sear. You can also add other ingredients like shallots or green onions. Return the chicken to the pan with the mushrooms and add liquids such as wine, broth, or cream to create a sauce. Simmer until the sauce reduces and thickens.

Skillet Cooking

Another popular method is to use a skillet to cook chicken and mushrooms together. Cut the chicken into cutlets and season with salt, pepper, and flour. Heat oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, then set aside. In the same skillet, add mushrooms, butter, and seasonings like thyme or Italian herbs. Cook the mushrooms until softened and browned. Add liquids such as wine and broth, and return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer until the sauce reduces and the chicken is cooked through.

Baking or Roasting

For a hands-off approach, you can bake or roast chicken and mushrooms in the oven. Season the chicken and mushrooms with your desired spices and herbs. Place them in a baking dish with a small amount of liquid, such as broth or wine. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the oven at a moderate temperature until the chicken is cooked through. You can also finish the dish under the grill to give it a crispy texture.

Stir-Frying

For a quick and healthy option, stir-frying chicken and mushrooms is a great choice. Cut the chicken and mushrooms into thin, bite-sized pieces. Heat a wok or large pan over high heat and add oil. Stir-fry the chicken until it changes colour, then add the mushrooms and your choice of vegetables. Continue stir-frying, adding sauces like soy sauce or oyster sauce. This method creates a tasty, crispy texture and is perfect for a fast weeknight meal.

Slow Cooking or Braising

Slow cooking or braising is ideal for more tender and flavourful results. Cut the chicken into large pieces and season with salt and pepper. In a heavy-bottomed pot, sear the chicken on all sides over high heat. Add sliced mushrooms, aromatics like onions and garlic, and enough liquid such as broth or wine. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook over low heat for several hours until the chicken is fall-off-the-bone tender. This method is perfect for heartier meals and can be served with mashed potatoes or rice.

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Side dishes

Chicken and mushrooms are a classic combination, and there are several ways to serve this dish, from a creamy mushroom sauce to a simple skillet meal. But what about the side dishes?

One option is to go for something starchy like mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Mashed potatoes, in particular, are a great choice to soak up all that delicious sauce. If you want to keep it healthy, you could try mashed cauliflower instead. Rice is another good option, and you can choose from a variety of types such as brown, white, jasmine, or basmati. Noodles are also a tasty choice, especially if you're looking for something a little more indulgent; try flat noodles or even buttery garlic butter noodles.

You could also serve chicken and mushrooms with some crusty bread or soft dinner rolls, again, perfect for mopping up that sauce. If you're after something a little lighter, then a simple side salad would work well. Try a mix of fresh, leafy greens like cucumber, tomato, asparagus, and maybe some steamed vegetables like broccoli, beans, or peas.

Don't forget that you can also add some extra vegetables directly to your chicken and mushroom dish. Spinach, for example, is a great addition, or you could try something like thyme, shallots, or garlic.

Frequently asked questions

Chicken and mushroom recipes include creamy mushroom chicken, skillet chicken and mushroom wine sauce, chicken breast in creamy mushroom sauce, and chicken with mushrooms.

Mushrooms that go well with chicken include baby bellas, white button mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and portobellos.

Sides that go well with chicken and mushroom dishes include mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, and steamed vegetables.

Chicken and mushroom dishes typically take around 20 minutes to cook.

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