Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Skillet is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, velvety sauce. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a comforting meal that’s both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Whether you serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread, this skillet dish will satisfy your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, Dijon mustard, and heavy cream creates a luxurious sauce that elevates the dish.
- Versatile Pairings: This creamy garlic mushroom chicken pairs well with various sides like rice, vegetables, or bread.
- One-Pan Wonder: Easy cleanup since everything cooks in one skillet, making it ideal for busy nights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters will love the comforting flavors of this dish.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Skillet, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here are some essentials to make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good-quality skillet ensures even cooking and browning of the chicken.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife helps you chop ingredients quickly and safely.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements guarantee consistency in taste and texture.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Sauce
- Chicken breast chunks
- Fresh mushrooms, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, finely chopped
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Dijon mustard
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Seasoning
- Salt & black pepper
How to Make Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Skillet
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
In a hot skillet with olive oil and butter, add the chicken breast chunks. Sear them until golden brown on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Then sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant (about 2-3 minutes). Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are softened (another 3-4 minutes).
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Deglaze the pan by pouring in chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in Dijon mustard followed by heavy cream. Let this mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens to a velvety consistency.
Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce
Return the seared chicken back to the skillet. Stir well to coat each piece in that delicious creamy sauce. Allow everything to cook together for another few minutes so that the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley before serving. This creamy garlic mushroom chicken is perfect with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or pasta!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Skillet
Serving your Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Skillet can elevate the dining experience. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy this creamy dish.
With Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy mashed potatoes complement the chicken beautifully, soaking up the rich sauce.
Over Pasta
- Serve the skillet over al dente pasta like fettuccine or linguine for a hearty meal.
Accompanied by Crusty Bread
- A loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce, adding texture to each bite.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh burst of flavor and color that enhances presentation.
With a Side Salad
- Pair it with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the dish and add some crunch.
How to Perfect Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Skillet
To make your Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Skillet even better, here are some helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and mushrooms enhance flavor significantly compared to dried options.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you cook and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for a balanced flavor.
- Cook Chicken Thoroughly: Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- Add a Splash of Wine: A splash of white wine while deglazing adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
- Experiment with Cheese: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top before serving for added richness and umami.
- Let it Simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer longer if you prefer a thicker consistency; just keep stirring occasionally.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Skillet
Pairing side dishes with your Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Skillet can enhance your meal. Here are some great options.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, adding a delightful crunch and flavor.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a healthy contrast to the creamy chicken.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and a sweet, caramelized flavor that balances richness.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf serves as a neutral base that complements the bold flavors of the skillet dish.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad brings in nutrients and texture, making it a wholesome pairing.
- Coleslaw: Crisp coleslaw adds crunch and tanginess, cutting through the creaminess of the dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes will help you perfect your Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Skillet. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overcooking the chicken: This can lead to dry meat. Cook until just golden and then set aside; the chicken will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Skipping the deglazing step: Not using chicken broth to deglaze can result in a lack of flavor. Make sure to scrape up the brown bits from the skillet for richer taste.
- Using low-quality mushrooms: Poor quality mushrooms can affect texture and flavor. Opt for fresh, firm mushrooms for the best results.
- Rushing the sauce: If you don’t let the sauce simmer, it won’t thicken properly. Take your time to allow it to develop that creamy texture.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Not tasting or adjusting seasoning can leave your dish bland. Always taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- How long: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Containers: Use airtight containers to keep it fresh.
- Cooling down: Let it cool before refrigerating to maintain quality.
Freezing Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Skillet
- How long: Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Thawing method: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Skillet
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely, at medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of cream if it thickens too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Skillet.
Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or even pork tenderloin for different flavors.
How do I make this dish dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a nut-based cream alternative.
What side dishes pair well with Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Skillet?
This dish goes great with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread that can soak up the delicious sauce.
Can I add vegetables to my Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Skillet?
Absolutely! Feel free to add spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli for extra nutrition and color.
Final Thoughts
The Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Skillet is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors with easy preparation. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your preferences, making it suitable for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it over pasta or alongside crusty bread, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy creating your own variations!
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Skillet, a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This one-pan wonder features tender chicken breast chunks sautéed to golden perfection, combined with earthy mushrooms, aromatic garlic, and a rich, velvety sauce made from heavy cream and Dijon mustard. In just 10 minutes of prep time, you can create a meal that delights your taste buds and impresses your family and friends. Serve it over pasta, alongside mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the luscious sauce. With its quick preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your dining table.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast chunks
- Fresh mushrooms, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, finely chopped
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Dijon mustard
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Salt & black pepper
Instructions
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Add chicken chunks and cook until golden brown (5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add garlic and onion; cook until fragrant (2-3 minutes). Add mushrooms; sauté until softened (3-4 minutes).
- Create the sauce: Deglaze with chicken broth while scraping browned bits. Stir in Dijon mustard and heavy cream; simmer until thickened (5-7 minutes).
- Combine chicken: Return chicken to the skillet, stir to coat in sauce, and cook for another few minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: For added depth of flavor, deglaze with a splash of white wine. Feel free to experiment with adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. To make it dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk.