Michael Davis
Baked mushroom chicken is a versatile dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. The basic ingredients include chicken breasts, mushrooms, and mozzarella cheese. However, there are numerous ways to elevate the dish with additional ingredients and cooking methods. For instance, seasoning the chicken with herbs and spices like oregano, paprika, coriander, and garlic powder adds flavour and aroma. Preparing a creamy mushroom sauce by sautéing mushrooms in butter or olive oil, and incorporating ingredients like garlic, wine, chicken broth, and cream, results in a rich and indulgent dish. The chicken can be tenderized with a mallet to ensure even cooking and a juicy texture. Baking the chicken with the mushroom sauce and cheese creates a mouthwatering combination of flavours and textures. This dish can be served with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or noodles, making it a perfect choice for a comforting and satisfying meal.
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What You'll Learn
Chicken preparation: tenderise, season, dust, and brown
Chicken preparation is a crucial step in making mushroom chicken, and it involves several steps, including tenderising, seasoning, dusting, and browning.
To begin, you'll want to tenderise the chicken. This can be done by pounding the chicken breasts with a kitchen mallet to an even thickness of about 1/4-inch. This step ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and prevents overcooking.
Next up is seasoning. A simple combination of oregano, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper can add warmth and depth of flavour to your dish. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of paprika (smoked, sweet, or regular) to find your preferred taste.
Dusting the chicken is an optional but recommended step. Coating the chicken with flour gives it a light, crispy texture and provides a surface for the sauce to cling to. This ensures that your mushroom sauce generously coats the chicken instead of sliding off.
Finally, it's time to brown the chicken. Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, cook the chicken cutlets for about 4 minutes on one side without disturbing them. Then, turn them over and cook for an additional 3 minutes or until they are golden brown. This two-step process ensures that your chicken is evenly cooked and beautifully browned.
By following these steps, you'll create a well-prepared base for your mushroom chicken dish, setting the stage for a delicious and indulgent meal.
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Mushroom sauce: sauté, add wine, deglaze, and thicken
To make a mushroom sauce for mushroom chicken, you can sauté the mushrooms, add wine, deglaze, and thicken the sauce.
First, sauté the mushrooms in butter or oil until they are golden brown. This should take about 4 to 5 minutes. You can also add some garlic, shallots, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the pan. Cook the garlic until it is golden, which should take about a minute.
Next, add the wine to the pan. It will sizzle and bubble vigorously, so be careful. Stir the wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze it. Deglazing the pan will release all the tasty golden bits stuck to the pan into your sauce, adding extra flavour. You can use a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or Pinot Grigio. If you don't want to use alcohol, you can substitute it with chicken broth or a combination of apple or white grape juice and apple cider vinegar.
Now it's time to thicken the sauce. You can use cream, parmesan, or flour to thicken it. If using cream, add some chicken stock and cook vigorously for about a minute until it evaporates. Then, add the cream and simmer until it reduces and thickens. You can also add some parmesan to taste and thicken the sauce. If using flour, sprinkle it over the mushrooms and stir for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste before adding the cream.
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Baking: temperature, timing, and serving
The oven temperature and baking time for mushroom chicken depend on the specific recipe and the thickness of the chicken breasts. Most recipes call for an oven temperature between 350°F and 425°F. The baking time can range from 15 minutes to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
One recipe recommends baking the chicken for an initial 15 minutes, then removing it from the oven and pouring the mushroom mixture over it. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top and return to the oven for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Another recipe suggests baking the chicken and mushrooms at 375°F for 15 minutes if using thinner chicken breasts (about 1/4-inch thick). However, if you're using thicker chicken breasts, they will need more time to cook, up to 20 to 25 minutes in a 425°F oven. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the recommended internal temperature of 165°F.
Leftover baked mushroom chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, place the dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Baked mushroom chicken is a versatile main course that pairs well with various side dishes. You can serve it with rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables like green beans or broccoli, or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. For a gluten-free option, ensure that all ingredients, including chicken broth and seasonings, are certified gluten-free.
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Cheese: when to add, and what types to use
When making mushroom chicken, the cheese is usually added towards the end of the cooking process. In most recipes, the cheese is added after the chicken has been cooked through and is then left to melt for a few minutes. In some recipes, the cheese is added to the dish after it has been removed from the oven, and then returned to the oven for a few minutes until the cheese has melted.
The type of cheese used in mushroom chicken can vary depending on preference. Mozzarella is a popular choice, as it melts well and has a mild flavour that complements the other ingredients. Other melting cheeses can also be used, such as Gruyère, fontina, or Parmesan, which will add a nuttier flavour to the dish.
In addition to shredded melting cheeses, other types of cheese can also be used to add flavour to mushroom chicken. For example, one recipe suggests using scallions, which are a type of young onion with a mild flavour. The type and amount of cheese used can be adjusted to suit individual tastes and preferences.
For those who are short on time, one suggestion is to skip the baking step and simply leave the dish in a covered skillet until the cheese has melted. This method is quicker and easier, and still results in a delicious meal.
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Storing: refrigeration and freezing
Refrigeration
When storing leftover baked mushroom chicken, it is important to let it cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to two days. Make sure to consume the dish within this timeframe, as cooked mushrooms tend to have a shorter shelf life than raw ones, lasting only three to four days in the fridge.
Freezing
If you wish to store baked mushroom chicken for longer, freezing is a good option. To freeze the dish, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminium foil before placing it in a freezer bag. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen baked mushroom chicken, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Then, reheat it in the oven at 350° until it's fully warmed through and the cheese is bubbly.
It's worth noting that while freezing can preserve the dish, it may alter the texture of the mushrooms. This is because freezing causes water molecules in the mushrooms to expand and sometimes burst, damaging their cell walls. As a result, the mushrooms may become limp and mushy when thawed.
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