Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Prep Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Slice Mushrooms: Clean and slice the mushrooms.
- Chop Onion and Garlic: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding, and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- Add the garlic and sliced mushrooms. Sauté until the mushrooms are golden and their moisture has evaporated.
Step 4: Deglaze and Form the Sauce
- (Optional) Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir to combine. Cook for a minute.
- Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- Bring to a simmer and let the sauce thicken slightly.
Step 5: Add Chicken and Cream
- Return the chicken (and any juices) to the skillet.
- If using heavy cream, add it now to make the sauce creamy.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking, about 5-10 minutes.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Garnish
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with chopped fresh thyme or parsley.
Step 7: Serve
- Serve the chicken and mushroom over cooked rice, pasta, or alongside your favorite side dish.
- Enjoy hot.
Tips
- Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
- Thickening the Sauce: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more flour for a thicker sauce or more broth for a thinner one.
- Creamy Version: For a non-dairy alternative to heavy cream, consider using coconut milk or a splash of almond milk for a lighter version.
This Chicken and Mushroom recipe is versatile, comforting, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy sauce of this classic dish!