Creamy Balsamic Mushroom Chicken

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup button mushrooms, sliced - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon butter - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) The key to making creamy balsamic mushroom chicken is all in the ingredients. You need fresh chicken breasts for a juicy base. The button mushrooms add rich flavor and a nice texture. Heavy cream gives the dish its creamy goodness. Balsamic vinegar adds a sweet and tangy touch that balances the cream. Garlic is essential, bringing in a strong aroma. Use good-quality olive oil and butter for cooking. Salt and pepper enhance every bite. Fresh parsley is perfect for a bright finish. Each ingredient plays a role in making this meal special. Choose high-quality items whenever you can. This will improve the flavor and the overall experience. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This adds flavor. 2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. 3. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear them until golden brown on both sides. This takes about 5-7 minutes per side. 4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. 1. In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they are soft. 2. Next, add the minced garlic to the mushrooms. Sauté for an additional minute. This will make the kitchen smell great. 3. Pour in the balsamic vinegar. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes. 1. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Mix well until combined. 2. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Coat them in the creamy mushroom sauce. 3. Let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes. Ensure the chicken is cooked through. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. 4. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. 5. Before serving, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a nice touch. - How to achieve a perfectly seared chicken Start with dry chicken breasts. Pat them with a paper towel. Season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in the skillet until it shimmers. Add the chicken and do not move it around. Cook for 5-7 minutes. Flip and sear the other side for the same time. This gives you a nice golden crust. - Adjusting cooking times for thicker chicken breasts Thickness matters! If your chicken breasts are thicker than one inch, increase cooking time. Use a meat thermometer for best results. The chicken should reach 165°F. This ensures it is safe to eat and remains juicy. - Ensuring flavors meld well After adding garlic and balsamic vinegar, let it simmer. This helps the flavors blend. Scrape the bottom of the pan to mix in all the tasty bits. Stir often to combine all ingredients. Pour in the heavy cream and mix until smooth. - Thickening or thinning the sauce If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. Stir well to combine. If it's too thin, let it simmer longer. The heat will help it thicken nicely. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the flavor of the dish. Consider adding other herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or chicken broth, maintaining the flavor while reducing calories. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: To ensure your chicken breasts are juicy and tender, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain creaminess. {{image_2}} You can swap proteins in this dish. Turkey works well if you prefer poultry. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based option. Both options cook similarly to chicken. When it comes to mushrooms, feel free to explore. You can use cremini or shiitake mushrooms for deeper flavor. These varieties add a nice twist to the sauce. Mix and match to find your favorite combination. To boost taste, add fresh herbs. Thyme gives a nice earthy flavor, while rosemary adds a fragrant touch. Both create a more complex taste in the sauce. You can toss in these herbs while cooking the mushrooms. Incorporating cheese can also enrich the dish. Parmesan or mozzarella melts beautifully into the sauce. This adds creaminess and a savory layer that elevates the meal. Stir in shredded cheese just before serving for the best effect. To keep your creamy balsamic mushroom chicken fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration guidelines: Place leftovers in an airtight container. They will last up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing. - Freezing instructions: If you want to store the dish longer, freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container and label it. It can stay good for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheating the chicken properly helps keep it delicious. Here are the best methods: - Best methods for reheating: Use the stovetop for the best results. Heat it over low heat in a skillet. Stir often to warm it through. You can also use a microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. - Maintaining creamy texture: Add a splash of cream or broth while reheating. This helps keep the sauce creamy and prevents it from drying out. Stir well to combine and enjoy! Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream? Yes, you can use half-and-half. It will make the sauce lighter. However, using heavy cream gives a richer taste and creamier texture. If you want a thick sauce, stick with heavy cream. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. You can cook it ahead and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for about three days. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. What to serve with creamy balsamic mushroom chicken? This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Mashed potatoes - Pasta - Rice - Steamed vegetables You can also serve it with a fresh green salad for a light touch. Can I serve it as a cold dish? You can serve it cold, but it works best warm. If you want to try it cold, let it cool first. Then, chop the chicken and mushrooms. Toss them in the sauce and serve over salad. This blog post shared a simple recipe for creamy balsamic mushroom chicken. We covered key ingredients and step-by-step instructions to help you succeed. I shared tips on cooking techniques and flavor options for variations. In the end, this dish is tasty and easy to prepare. Whether you stick to the basics or try new twists, you’ll enjoy each bite. I hope you feel inspired to make it at home. Happy cooking!$

Creamy Balsamic Mushroom Chicken

A delicious chicken dish featuring a creamy balsamic mushroom sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup button mushrooms, sliced
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
to taste salt
to taste pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 3-4 minutes until soft.
Add the minced garlic to the mushrooms and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Pour in the balsamic vinegar, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes.
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, mixing well until combined.
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them in the creamy mushroom sauce. Let simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve over mashed potatoes or pasta for a complete meal.

Keyword balsamic, chicken, creamy, mushroom