Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken

by

Are you craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor and ready in a flash? Look no further than our Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken recipe! This culinary masterpiece combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach in a luscious garlic parmesan cream sauce. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into the delectable details!

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped

Directions:

  1. Begin by seasoning the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them for a few minutes until they become tender and golden. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set them aside.
  3. Now, let’s create the delectable sauce. Melt the butter in the skillet and add minced garlic, cooking until it becomes fragrant and tender. Whisk in the flour until it thickens and forms a roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Allow the sauce to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together into a harmonious symphony of taste.
  5. Add the chopped spinach to the sauce and let it wilt slightly, infusing the dish with its vibrant color and nutrients.
  6. Return the cooked chicken and mushrooms to the skillet, stirring gently to coat them in the creamy sauce. Allow all the ingredients to mingle and meld together, creating a sumptuous medley of flavors and textures.
  7. Serve the Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken over cooked pasta for a complete and satisfying meal that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken just before serving for a pop of color and an extra burst of flavor.
  2. Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve alongside crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce.
  3. Add a Side Salad: Complement the richness of the dish with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
  4. Customize with Pasta: While the recipe suggests serving over pasta, feel free to swap it out for your favorite grain or noodles, such as rice, quinoa, or even zucchini noodles, to suit your preferences.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigerate Properly: Store any leftover Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  2. Reheat with Care: When reheating, gently warm the dish on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to maintain the creamy consistency.
  3. Freeze for Later: To freeze, portion the cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  4. Refresh Before Serving: Before serving leftover or reheated portions, consider refreshing the dish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor and moisture.

Variations:

  1. Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Chicken: Replace the mushrooms with artichoke hearts and add chopped spinach to the creamy sauce. Stir in a tablespoon of lemon juice and a teaspoon of Italian seasoning for a tangy twist.
  2. Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Chicken: Skip the mushrooms and spinach, and instead, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil to the creamy sauce. Sprinkle with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
  3. Marsala Mushroom Chicken: Infuse the creamy sauce with the flavors of Marsala wine by deglazing the skillet with Marsala after cooking the mushrooms. Add a splash of cream to create a luxurious Marsala cream sauce.
  4. Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes: Replace the creamy sauce with pesto sauce and top the chicken with roasted cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of pine nuts. Serve over pasta or roasted vegetables for a vibrant and flavorful meal.
  5. Cajun Chicken with Peppers and Onions: Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning before cooking and add sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet along with the mushrooms. Finish with a splash of cream for a spicy and hearty dish.
  6. Lemon Garlic Chicken with Asparagus: Add lemon zest and juice to the creamy sauce and stir in blanched asparagus spears along with the cooked chicken and mushrooms. Garnish with chopped parsley for a bright and refreshing twist.
  7. Thai Coconut Curry Chicken: Replace the creamy sauce with a coconut curry sauce made with coconut milk, red curry paste, ginger, and garlic. Add sliced bell peppers, bamboo shoots, and snow peas for a Thai-inspired twist.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe? While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for quicker cooking, you can use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
  2. Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option? Yes, you can use half and half or even whole milk for a lighter version of the sauce. However, keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich and creamy as when using heavy cream.
  3. I’m lactose intolerant. Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes, you can substitute dairy-free alternatives such as almond milk or coconut cream for the heavy cream and nutritional yeast for the Parmesan cheese to make the recipe dairy-free.
  4. What type of mushrooms work best for this dish? While sliced button mushrooms are commonly used, you can also use cremini mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, or a combination of different varieties for added flavor and texture.
  5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch as a thickening agent in the sauce to make the recipe gluten-free. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
  6. Is it necessary to wilt the spinach in the sauce? Wilting the spinach in the sauce adds a vibrant color and subtle flavor to the dish. However, if you prefer your spinach to be more tender, you can sauté it separately before adding it to the sauce.

Indulge in the rich flavors of our Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken recipe and treat yourself to a culinary experience that’s sure to impress. With tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and a decadent garlic parmesan cream sauce, it’s a dish that’s as delicious as it is easy to make. So why wait? Whip up a batch tonight and delight your taste buds with every irresistible bite!