Imagine a mouthwatering meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, requires minimal cleanup, and delivers maximum flavor - welcome to the ultimate weeknight dinner solution! This One Pan Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms recipe is about to revolutionize your cooking game, transforming ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that will have your family begging for seconds. With golden-brown chicken, perfectly sautéed mushrooms, and a luxuriously rich cream sauce, this recipe proves that gourmet cooking doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breast slices dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and becomes hot.
- Carefully place chicken slices into the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a clean plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes until they release their moisture and start to brown.
- Add minced garlic and thyme to the mushrooms, stirring continuously for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to enhance flavor.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer the cream sauce for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
- Return chicken to the skillet, coating each piece with the creamy mushroom sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to reheat the chicken and marry the flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, spooning extra sauce over the chicken and mushrooms.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before cooking to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear that locks in moisture and creates incredible flavor.
- Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan for the most even heat distribution and best browning results.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken - this prevents proper browning and can lead to steaming instead of searing.
- Let the mushrooms cook undisturbed for the first few minutes to develop a deep, caramelized flavor.
- Use fresh thyme if possible, as it will provide a more vibrant and aromatic taste compared to dried herbs.
- Check the chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for food safety.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of chicken broth and cream.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 120mg
