The Story Behind the Recipe
Sometimes the most extraordinary meals come from the simplest ingredients. This chicken and mushroom skillet is a testament to home cooking at its finest – a dish that transforms everyday ingredients into a luxurious, flavor-packed experience. Inspired by classic comfort food, this recipe brings together the tender juiciness of chicken, the earthiness of mushrooms, and a creamy sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce:
- Chicken Fillets: 3 (approximately 450-500g)
- Butter: 4 tbsp (60g)
- Onions: 2 medium
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 tbsp
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tbsp
- Italian Herbs: 1 tsp
- Mushrooms: 200g (7 oz)
- Sour Cream: 200g (7 oz)
- Warm Milk: 150 ml (2/3 cup)
Fresh Side Salad:
- Cucumber: 1 medium
- Red Onion: 1/2
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup
- Fresh Coriander: 2 tbsp
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
- Mustard: 1 tbsp
- Lemon Juice: 20 ml (1.5 tbsp)
- Garlic: 1 clove
- Italian Herbs: 1 tsp
- Fresh Parsley: for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat chicken fillets dry
- Season with salt and pepper
- Slice into bite-sized pieces
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat butter in a large skillet
- Sear chicken until golden brown
- Remove and set aside
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions
- Add minced garlic
- Sprinkle flour and stir
- Add mustard and Italian herbs
- Sauté sliced mushrooms
- Create Creamy Sauce:
- Pour in warm milk
- Add sour cream
- Stir until smooth and creamy
- Return chicken to the skillet
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes
- Prepare Side Salad:
- Dice cucumber
- Slice cherry tomatoes
- Chop red onion and coriander
- Mix with olive oil, mustard, lemon juice
- Season with garlic and herbs
- Serve:
- Garnish chicken with fresh parsley
- Serve with side salad
Nutritional Information
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
- Fat: 22-25g
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Use high-heat for searing chicken to lock in juices
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken
- Use full-fat sour cream for richest sauce
- Let chicken rest before serving
- Adjust seasoning to taste
Variations and Substitutions
- Use turkey instead of chicken
- Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt
- Add white wine to sauce
- Use different herbs like thyme or rosemary
- Make it dairy-free with coconut milk
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: Prepare components separately, combine when serving.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from curdling? A: Keep heat low, stir constantly, use room temperature sour cream.
Q: Is this dish gluten-free? A: Use cornstarch instead of flour to make it gluten-free.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken? A: Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Q: What sides work well? A: Rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate in airtight container for 2-3 days
- Reheat gently to prevent sauce separation
- Freeze sauce and chicken separately
- Best consumed fresh for optimal texture
Enjoy this delightful chicken and mushroom skillet – a true celebration of comfort and flavor!
