Description
Tender, seared chicken bathed in a silky garlic cream sauce with golden mushrooms—perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 to 1¼ lb total)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or neutral oil with a higher smoke point)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms (white button or cremini)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. If breasts are thick and uneven, place in a plastic bag and gently pound to an even thickness (about ¾ inch).
- Heat a large skillet over medium–medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it shimmer. Carefully add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown, about 6–7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Do not overcrowd the pan. Use tongs to flip once.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest while you make the sauce. Resting preserves juiciness.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 30–60 seconds—don’t let it burn.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they’re golden and their moisture has mostly evaporated, about 3–4 minutes. Stir occasionally so they brown evenly.
- Pour in the heavy cream and scrape the bottom of the pan to release browned bits. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and season with salt and pepper. If the sauce is too thin, simmer a minute longer; if it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken stock.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over each piece, and simmer 1–2 minutes to rewarm and marry flavors. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish with chopped parsley if you like and serve immediately.
Notes
Serve over buttered egg noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up the sauce. A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian