Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Skillet

ByEmily Chicken
Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Skillet

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

  1. Prepare the Chicken:
    • Pat chicken fillets dry
    • Season with salt and pepper
    • Slice into bite-sized pieces
  2. Cook the Chicken:
    • Heat butter in a large skillet
    • Sear chicken until golden brown
    • Remove and set aside
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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!