This Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Cream Sauce Recipe is a delightful way to elevate simple chicken breasts into a gourmet meal. With tender chicken simmered in a rich cognac cream sauce paired with earthy mushrooms, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. In just 30 minutes, you can serve a restaurant-quality meal that will impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe can be made in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of cognac and cream creates a luxurious sauce that complements the chicken perfectly.
- One-Skillet Wonder: Cooking everything in one skillet not only saves time but also minimizes cleanup.
- Versatile Dish: Pair it with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal that suits any occasion.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The savory flavors and creamy texture are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Cream Sauce Recipe efficiently, having the right tools on hand is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Measuring cups
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: A spacious skillet allows for even cooking of the chicken and makes it easy to stir the sauce without splatter.
- Meat mallet: Pounding the chicken breasts ensures they cook evenly and become tender.
- Measuring cups: Precision in measuring ingredients like broth and cream ensures balanced flavors in your sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 1/2-2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimmed
- 5 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- Kosher salt
- Ground black pepper
For the Sauce
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons minced shallot
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup cognac
- 1 cup whipping cream
How to Make Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pound chicken breasts lightly to about 1/2-inch thickness.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons of butter; allow to melt.
Add chicken breasts in a single layer.
Sprinkle with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Brown on each side for 3 minutes.
Transfer to a plate and cover.
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms
Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to pan; allow to melt.
Add mushrooms and minced shallot along with a pinch of salt.
Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until softened.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Stir in beef broth and cognac, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
Bring to a steady simmer.
Simmer for about 2-3 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce
Stir in whipping cream and bring back to a steady simmer.
Lower heat slightly and let simmer until thickened slightly, about 2 minutes.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Reduce heat to low; season sauce to taste.
Return chicken breasts to pan, turning them to coat in sauce.
Cook on low until chicken is fully cooked through.
Serve warm garnished with fresh parsley.
Enjoy your delicious Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Cream Sauce Recipe!
How to Serve Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Cream Sauce Recipe
This Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Cream Sauce Recipe is not just a main dish; it can be paired beautifully with various accompaniments. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
With Fresh Herbs
- Parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of color and freshness.
- Thyme: Use thyme leaves for a delightful earthy aroma that complements the mushrooms.
Over Rice or Pasta
- Rice Pilaf: Serve the chicken over fluffy rice pilaf for a satisfying and hearty meal.
- Fettuccine: Creamy fettuccine pairs perfectly with the rich mushroom cream sauce.
Accompanied by Vegetables
- Steamed Asparagus: Bright green asparagus adds a crisp and fresh contrast to the dish.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These add a nutty flavor that balances the creamy sauce well.
With Crusty Bread
- Baguette Slices: Serve with warm baguette slices to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce.
- Garlic Bread: The garlic flavor enhances the overall taste and makes for a great side.
How to Perfect Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Cream Sauce Recipe
To make this Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Cream Sauce Recipe even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and mushrooms enhance flavors and textures in your dish.
- Pound chicken evenly: This ensures uniform cooking, helping the chicken remain tender and juicy.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste your sauce before serving. Add more salt or pepper if needed for balance.
- Let it rest: Allow the chicken to rest after cooking. This helps retain juices and improves flavor.
- Experiment with herbs: Try adding rosemary or tarragon to bring new flavors into your cream sauce.
- Control heat carefully: Avoid high heat when simmering; this prevents the cream from curdling.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Cream Sauce Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Cream Sauce Recipe can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some top choices you might enjoy.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting base for your chicken.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds texture and is packed with nutrients, complementing the richness of the sauce.
- Sauteed Spinach: Quick sautéed spinach provides a healthy, vibrant side that contrasts nicely with the creamy dish.
- Cauliflower Gratin: This cheesy dish brings decadence while still being vegetable-forward.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness offers a delightful contrast to savory flavors in the sauce.
- Green Bean Almondine: Crisp-tender green beans topped with toasted almonds add crunch and elegance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Cream Sauce Recipe, it’s easy to overlook small details that can make a big difference. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the pounding step: Not pounding the chicken breasts can lead to uneven cooking. Always pound them lightly to ensure even thickness.
- Ignoring seasoning: Failing to season the chicken properly can result in bland flavors. Use kosher salt and black pepper generously for better taste.
- Not scraping the pan: Forgetting to scrape up brown bits from the pan means missing out on delicious flavor. Make sure to deglaze with broth and cognac for depth.
- Cooking on high heat: Using too high a heat can burn the sauce or dry out the chicken. Stick to medium heat for best results.
- Overcooking the sauce: Letting the cream sauce simmer too long may thicken it excessively. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally for optimal consistency.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Cream Sauce Recipe
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months; label with date for reference.
Reheating Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Cream Sauce Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover chicken and sauce with foil; reheat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish, covered, in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a skillet, stirring gently until heated throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Cream Sauce Recipe.
Can I use different types of mushrooms?
Yes, feel free to experiment with various mushrooms like cremini or shiitake for different flavors and textures.
Is there a substitute for cognac?
If you prefer not to use cognac, white wine or even chicken broth can work well as alternatives in this recipe.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Chicken breasts should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Can I make this Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Cream Sauce Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare your dish and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving for a quick meal.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
Serve alongside steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Cream Sauce Recipe is not only quick but also transforms simple ingredients into a delightful dish. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Feel free to customize it by adding herbs or spices that you love!
PrintChicken Breasts with Mushroom Cream Sauce
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Cream Sauce Recipe. In just 30 minutes, you can create a gourmet meal featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich cognac cream sauce, perfectly complemented by earthy mushrooms. This one-skillet wonder is not only quick and easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser that will impress your family and friends. Serve it over rice or pasta, or alongside fresh vegetables for a complete meal that suits any occasion!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 ½ – 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- ¼ cup beef broth
- ¼ cup cognac
- 1 cup whipping cream
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to about ½-inch thickness for even cooking.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter, then sear the chicken for about 3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from the skillet.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and sauté mushrooms and shallot until softened.
- Add beef broth and cognac, scraping the pan to deglaze. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in whipping cream and simmer until thickened slightly.
- Return chicken to the skillet, coat with sauce, and cook until fully cooked through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
