Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken fillets to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms
- Sauté the onions: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onions and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the mushrooms and garlic: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms are browned and any moisture they release has evaporated.
- Add thyme: Sprinkle the dried thyme over the onions and mushrooms, stirring to combine.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Deglaze the pan: Pour the chicken broth or white wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Optional cream: If you want a creamier sauce, stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Assemble the dish: Place the cooked chicken fillets back into the skillet, nestling them into the mushroom and onion mixture. Spoon some of the sauce and vegetables over the chicken.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and mushroom mixture.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish: Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve: Serve the chicken fillets hot, with the mushrooms, onions, and melted cheese spooned over the top. This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Tips and Tricks
- Use different cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like Gruyère, Parmesan, or Swiss for added flavor.
- Make it lighter: You can skip the heavy cream for a lighter version of the dish.
- Add vegetables: For a more substantial meal, add spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the mushroom and onion mixture.
- One-pan meal: This dish can be made entirely in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Conclusion
Chicken Fillet with Mushrooms, Onions, and Cheese is a delightful dish that combines simple ingredients into a meal full of flavor. The tender chicken, savory mushrooms, sweet onions, and melted cheese create a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Enjoy preparing and savoring this delicious and easy-to-make meal!