Emma Wilson
Making chicken and mushroom is a delightful culinary endeavor that combines the savory richness of chicken with the earthy depth of mushrooms, creating a dish that’s both comforting and versatile. This recipe typically involves sautéing chicken pieces until golden brown, then incorporating a variety of mushrooms, such as button, cremini, or shiitake, to enhance the flavor profile. The dish is often finished with a creamy sauce, herbs, and spices, resulting in a hearty meal that pairs well with rice, pasta, or crusty bread. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, mastering this dish allows you to explore techniques like searing, deglazing, and balancing flavors, making it a rewarding addition to your cooking repertoire.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Chicken (breast or thigh), mushrooms (button, cremini, or shiitake) |
| Cooking Time | 30-45 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to Moderate |
| Cooking Method | Sautéing, simmering |
| Key Seasonings | Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, paprika (optional) |
| Liquid Base | Chicken broth, cream, or white wine |
| Optional Add-ins | Onions, bell peppers, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes |
| Equipment Needed | Large skillet or saucepan, knife, cutting board |
| Preparation Steps | 1. Season and cook chicken, 2. Sauté mushrooms and aromatics, 3. Combine and simmer in sauce |
| Serving Suggestions | Over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes |
| Storage | Refrigerate up to 3 days; freeze up to 3 months |
| Nutritional Info (per serving) | ~300-400 calories, 25-35g protein, 10-15g fat |
| Dietary Considerations | Can be made gluten-free, low-carb, or dairy-free with adjustments |
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What You'll Learn
- Ingredients: Chicken, mushrooms, garlic, onion, cream, butter, thyme, salt, pepper, olive oil
- Preparation: Clean chicken, slice mushrooms, chop garlic, dice onion, measure spices
- Cooking Chicken: Sear chicken in hot oil until golden, set aside for later
- Sautéing Mushrooms: Cook mushrooms with garlic, onion, and thyme until tender and browned
- Finishing Sauce: Add cream, simmer, return chicken, cook until heated through, serve hot
Ingredients: Chicken, mushrooms, garlic, onion, cream, butter, thyme, salt, pepper, olive oil
To begin crafting a delicious chicken and mushroom dish, gather your ingredients: chicken, mushrooms, garlic, onion, cream, butter, thyme, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Start by preparing the chicken; opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This step is crucial as it ensures the chicken is flavorful throughout. Meanwhile, prepare the mushrooms by wiping them clean with a damp cloth or gently rinsing them to remove any dirt. Slice the mushrooms evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
Next, focus on the aromatics: garlic and onion. Finely chop the garlic cloves and dice the onion into small, even pieces. These ingredients will form the flavor base of your dish. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces and sear them until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate, keeping it warm. In the same skillet, melt a knob of butter and add the chopped onions. Sauté the onions until they become translucent, then add the garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
With the aromatics softened, it’s time to add the mushrooms. Toss them into the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5-7 minutes. This step enhances their earthy flavor and adds depth to the dish. Once the mushrooms are cooked, return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the mushrooms and onions. Pour in the cream, ensuring it coats the ingredients evenly. Add a sprig of fresh thyme for a subtle herbal note, or sprinkle in dried thyme if fresh isn’t available. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, reducing the cream slightly and thickening it into a luscious sauce.
As the dish comes together, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. The cream should balance the richness of the mushrooms and the savory notes of the chicken, while the thyme adds a delicate, aromatic touch. If the sauce thickens too quickly, add a splash of water or chicken broth to adjust the consistency. This creamy chicken and mushroom dish pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Finally, serve the dish while it’s warm, garnishing with an extra sprinkle of thyme or a drizzle of olive oil for a finishing touch. This recipe highlights the simplicity and elegance of combining chicken, mushrooms, garlic, onion, cream, butter, thyme, salt, pepper, and olive oil to create a comforting and satisfying meal. With these ingredients and steps, you’ll have a dish that’s both hearty and refined, perfect for any occasion.
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Preparation: Clean chicken, slice mushrooms, chop garlic, dice onion, measure spices
To begin preparing your chicken and mushroom dish, start by cleaning the chicken thoroughly. Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water, removing any excess fat or residue. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure it cooks evenly and achieves a nice sear. If you're using a whole chicken, cut it into desired pieces, such as thighs, breasts, or drumsticks. For boneless chicken, trim any visible fat or connective tissue. Properly cleaning and preparing the chicken is essential for both flavor and food safety.
Next, focus on the mushrooms. Choose fresh, firm mushrooms, preferably button or cremini mushrooms, which pair well with chicken. Gently wipe the mushrooms with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any dirt or debris – avoid rinsing them under water, as they can absorb moisture and become soggy. Slice the mushrooms evenly, about ¼ inch thick, to ensure they cook at the same rate. If you prefer a more rustic presentation, you can leave smaller mushrooms whole or halve them.
Move on to preparing the aromatics: garlic and onion. Peel the garlic cloves and finely chop them, aiming for a consistent texture to infuse the dish with flavor. For the onion, peel and dice it into small, uniform pieces. The size of the dice can vary depending on your preference – smaller pieces will melt into the dish, while larger pieces provide a bit of texture. Both garlic and onion are essential for building the flavor base of your chicken and mushroom recipe.
Measuring spices accurately is crucial for balancing the flavors in your dish. Gather the spices required for your recipe, such as paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use measuring spoons to ensure precision – for example, 1 teaspoon of paprika or ½ teaspoon of dried thyme. If you’re using fresh herbs, chop them finely and measure accordingly. Combine the spices in a small bowl to create a uniform blend, which you can then sprinkle over the chicken or add to the cooking process as needed.
As you finish preparing each ingredient, organize them in separate bowls or on a clean surface near your cooking area. This mise en place technique ensures a smooth cooking process, allowing you to focus on the recipe without scrambling for ingredients. With the chicken cleaned, mushrooms sliced, garlic and onion chopped, and spices measured, you’re now ready to move on to the cooking stage, where these prepared ingredients will come together to create a delicious chicken and mushroom dish.
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Cooking Chicken: Sear chicken in hot oil until golden, set aside for later
To begin the process of making chicken and mushroom, the first crucial step is Cooking Chicken: Sear chicken in hot oil until golden, set aside for later. Start by selecting boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, as this ensures a better sear. Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt and pepper, or any other desired spices, to enhance the flavor. Preheat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan evenly. Common choices for oil include olive oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil, each imparting a slightly different taste.
Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place the chicken pieces into the pan, avoiding overcrowding to maintain even cooking. Allow the chicken to sear undisturbed for 4-5 minutes on the first side, or until a golden-brown crust forms. This step is essential for locking in juices and creating a flavorful exterior. Resist the urge to move the chicken too early, as it may prevent proper browning. After achieving the desired color, flip the chicken using tongs and sear the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes. The exact timing may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces, so ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
As the chicken cooks, monitor the heat to prevent burning. If the pan becomes too hot, slightly reduce the heat to maintain a steady sizzle. Once both sides are golden and the chicken is cooked through, transfer the pieces to a clean plate or cutting board. It’s important to set the chicken aside and let it rest for a few minutes before proceeding with the recipe. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains tender and moist when served. While the chicken rests, you can proceed with preparing the mushroom component of the dish, making efficient use of your cooking time.
The seared chicken will later be reintroduced to the skillet to combine with the mushrooms and sauce, creating a cohesive and flavorful dish. By searing the chicken first, you build a foundation of rich flavors that will enhance the overall taste of the chicken and mushroom recipe. This method also ensures that the chicken retains its texture and doesn’t become overcooked or dry during the final stages of preparation. Mastering this step is key to achieving a delicious and well-balanced meal.
In summary, Cooking Chicken: Sear chicken in hot oil until golden, set aside for later is a fundamental step in making chicken and mushroom. It involves proper seasoning, precise searing, and careful resting to achieve the best results. By following these detailed instructions, you’ll create a flavorful base that complements the earthy taste of mushrooms, resulting in a satisfying and hearty dish. This technique not only enhances the chicken’s taste but also ensures it remains juicy and tender throughout the cooking process.
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Sautéing Mushrooms: Cook mushrooms with garlic, onion, and thyme until tender and browned
To begin sautéing mushrooms for your chicken and mushroom dish, start by selecting the right type of mushrooms. Button, cremini, or shiitake mushrooms work well for this recipe due to their firm texture and rich flavor. Clean the mushrooms by gently brushing off any dirt with a soft brush or wiping them with a damp cloth. Avoid soaking them in water, as mushrooms absorb moisture quickly, which can dilute their flavor. Once cleaned, slice the mushrooms uniformly to ensure even cooking.
Next, prepare your aromatics. Finely chop one medium onion and mince 2-3 cloves of garlic. Fresh thyme is highly recommended for its aromatic quality, so strip about 1 tablespoon of thyme leaves from their stems. If fresh thyme is unavailable, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme can be used as a substitute. Having all your ingredients prepped and within reach will make the sautéing process smoother and more efficient.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil or unsalted butter. Butter adds a richer flavor, while olive oil is a lighter option. Once the fat is hot but not smoking, add the chopped onions to the skillet. Cook the onions for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent. This step softens the onions and releases their natural sweetness, which complements the earthy flavor of the mushrooms.
Add the minced garlic and thyme to the skillet, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning. Cook for another minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Then, add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer, ensuring they have enough space to cook properly. If your skillet is overcrowded, the mushrooms will steam instead of browning. Cook the mushrooms for 5-7 minutes without stirring to allow them to develop a golden-brown crust. This browning process, known as the Maillard reaction, enhances their flavor significantly.
After the mushrooms have browned on one side, stir them and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes until they are tender and evenly browned. Season the mushrooms with salt and pepper to taste during the last few minutes of cooking. The sautéed mushrooms should have a deep, savory flavor with a tender yet slightly firm texture. Once done, remove them from the heat and set them aside while you prepare the chicken or incorporate them into your dish. This sautéed mushroom mixture will serve as a flavorful base for your chicken and mushroom recipe.
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Finishing Sauce: Add cream, simmer, return chicken, cook until heated through, serve hot
To create a rich and flavorful finishing sauce for your chicken and mushroom dish, start by pouring heavy cream into the skillet or pan where you’ve already cooked the chicken and mushrooms. The cream will absorb the flavors left in the pan, creating a luxurious base for your sauce. Use about 1 cup of cream for every 4 servings, adjusting based on how much sauce you prefer. Stir the cream gently as you pour it in to ensure it mixes well with the pan juices, which often contain caramelized bits of chicken and mushroom that add depth to the sauce.
Once the cream is added, allow the mixture to simmer over medium heat. Simmering is crucial as it thickens the sauce and melds the flavors together. Keep a close eye on the sauce to prevent it from boiling vigorously, as this can cause the cream to curdle or separate. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan. The simmering process should take about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
After the sauce has thickened, return the chicken pieces to the pan. Nestle the chicken into the creamy sauce, ensuring each piece is coated generously. This step not only heats the chicken through but also allows it to absorb the flavors of the sauce. Cover the pan with a lid or foil to trap the heat and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated thoroughly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Once the chicken is heated through, your dish is nearly ready to serve. Give the sauce a final stir to ensure it’s smooth and well-combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed—a pinch of salt, pepper, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can enhance the flavors. The sauce should be velvety and rich, complementing the tender chicken and earthy mushrooms perfectly.
Finally, serve the chicken and mushroom dish hot, spooning extra sauce over the top for added indulgence. This finishing sauce not only ties the dish together but also elevates it with its creamy, savory profile. Pair it with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the sauce. Enjoy your hearty, restaurant-quality meal!
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Frequently asked questions
You’ll need chicken (breasts or thighs), mushrooms, garlic, onion, butter or oil, chicken broth, cream (optional), flour, salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or parsley.
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, season with salt and pepper, and lightly coat with flour. Sear the chicken in a pan until golden brown on all sides, then set aside.
Sauté the mushrooms in butter or oil until they’re golden brown and have released their moisture. Add minced garlic and onions for extra flavor, cooking until fragrant.
Yes, you can! Brown the chicken and sauté the mushrooms first, then add everything to the slow cooker with chicken broth and seasonings. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add cream (if using) toward the end.
