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### **How to Make Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Skillet**
#### Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning both sides of the **chicken breasts** with **salt and pepper**. Heat the **olive oil** in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about **5-6 minutes** per side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
#### Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the **butter** to the pan, letting it melt. Once the butter has melted, add the **chopped onions** and cook for about **3-4 minutes** until they become soft and translucent. Add the **minced garlic** and sauté for another **30 seconds** until fragrant.
#### Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms
Next, add the **sliced mushrooms** to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about **5 minutes**, until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown. The mushrooms will shrink and become tender, adding depth of flavor to the dish.
#### Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Once the mushrooms are cooked, pour in the **chicken broth**, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Let the broth simmer for about **2 minutes**. Then, add the **heavy cream**, **Parmesan cheese**, **thyme**, and **basil**. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to cook for about **3-4 minutes**, or until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with **salt and pepper** as needed.
#### Step 5: Combine the Chicken and Sauce
Once the sauce has thickened, return the cooked **chicken breasts** to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce and mushrooms over the top of the chicken. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional **2-3 minutes**, allowing it to absorb some of the flavors and heat through.
#### Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is heated through and the sauce is creamy and smooth, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped **parsley** for a pop of color and freshness.
### **Serving Suggestions**
The **Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Skillet** can be served in a variety of ways:
– **Over Mashed Potatoes**: Spoon the creamy sauce and mushrooms over a bed of mashed potatoes for a comforting and filling meal.
– **With Rice or Pasta**: Serve with **steamed rice**, **buttery rice pilaf**, or your favorite pasta for an easy, satisfying dinner.
– **Alongside a Salad**: Pair with a light **green salad** or **roasted vegetables** to balance out the richness of the dish.
– **With Crusty Bread**: Don’t forget the bread! Serve with **crusty baguette slices** to soak up the leftover sauce for a truly satisfying meal.
### **Tips for Success**
– **Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor**: For even more flavor, you can use **bone-in chicken breasts** or **thighs** instead of boneless, skinless chicken. Just be sure to cook them longer to ensure they’re fully cooked.
– **Feel Free to Swap Mushrooms**: If you’re not a fan of **cremini mushrooms**, you can substitute them with **button mushrooms**, **portobello mushrooms**, or even **shiitake mushrooms** for different flavors and textures.
– **Make It Lighter**: For a lighter version, you can swap the **heavy cream** for **half-and-half** or a **lighter cream** and reduce the amount of **Parmesan cheese**.
– **Add Some Greens**: For extra freshness and color, stir in some **spinach** or **kale** into the sauce towards the end of cooking.
### **Why This Dish is Perfect for Any Occasion**
The **Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Skillet** is a versatile dish that’s perfect for nearly any occasion. Whether you’re cooking a casual dinner on a busy weeknight or making a special meal for a family gathering, this dish hits the mark. The one-pan nature of this recipe makes it ideal for easy cleanup, and the creamy sauce is rich enough to feel indulgent while still being quick to prepare.
It’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table, from picky eaters to mushroom lovers. And if you have leftovers, it reheats beautifully for a second helping the next day!
### **Conclusion**
The **Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Skillet** is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. With tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and a creamy sauce that’s packed with flavor, this meal is perfect for any occasion. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s sure to warm hearts and fill stomachs with every bite. So, grab your skillet and enjoy this delicious, one-pan wonder tonight!
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