01 -
First things first, let's get that chicken ready. Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this is crucial for a good sear, honestly. Season them generously with salt and pepper. If they're super thick, give them a gentle pound to about 3/4-inch thickness; it helps them cook evenly and stay tender. I’ve skipped this step before and ended up with dry edges and raw centers, which is just the worst. Don't be like me that day!
02 -
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, carefully add your seasoned chicken. Sear for about 4-5 minutes per side, until it's golden brown and cooked through. We're building flavor here, so don't rush it! When I smell that beautiful seared chicken aroma, I know we're on the right track. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set it aside; it'll finish cooking in the sauce later.
03 -
In the same skillet (don't clean it, those browned bits are flavor!), add another splash of olive oil if needed. Toss in your chopped onions and sauté until they're softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for just another minute until fragrant. Oh, that smell! This stage always makes my kitchen smell amazing. Be careful not to burn the garlic, it turns bitter super fast, a mistake I've made more times than I care to admit.
04 -
Now for the star of the show! Add your sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook them until they've released their liquid and started to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, letting it coat the mushrooms and cook out that raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. Bring it to a gentle simmer, letting it thicken slightly. This is where the magic begins for our sauce.
05 -
Reduce the heat to low, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir it all together until everything is beautifully combined and creamy. Season with a little more salt and pepper to taste. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the luscious sauce. Let it simmer gently for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the chicken to warm through and soak up all those incredible flavors. I love how the sauce coats the back of a spoon at this point!
06 -
Once the chicken is heated through and the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. The vibrant green against the rich sauce just looks so inviting! Serve this Creamy Mushroom Chicken immediately with your favorite sides. The smell, the look, the taste – it all comes together in this wonderfully comforting dish. Honestly, it's worth every bit of the minimal effort.