Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
Mushrooms: 2 cups of sliced button or cremini mushrooms
Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
Butter: 3 tablespoons for sautéing
Flour: 2 tablespoons, to thicken the sauce
Chicken broth: 1 cup, for depth of flavor
Heavy cream: 1 cup, to create the creamy base
Cheese: 1 cup grated mozzarella (or Gruyère for a richer taste)
Fresh herbs: 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh sprigs
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, for searing the chicken
Salt and pepper: To taste
Optional: ½ cup breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan for a crispy topping

Step-by-Step Method

1. Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts on both sides for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown. (Don’t worry if they’re not cooked through; they’ll finish in the oven.)
Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and set aside.

2. Cook the Mushroom Base

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter.
Add the onions and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms release their moisture and turn golden brown, about 5–6 minutes.
Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well to coat. This step will help thicken your sauce.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
Once the broth has thickened slightly, add the heavy cream and thyme.
Simmer for about 3–4 minutes, allowing the sauce to become smooth and velvety.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

4. Assemble the Bake

Pour the creamy mushroom sauce over the seared chicken in the baking dish.
Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly on top.
If you’d like extra crunch, add the optional breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture over the cheese.

5. Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C) and the top is golden and bubbly.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Allow the bake to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors settle.
Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme sprigs.
Pair it with a side of buttered rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a balanced, comforting meal.

Tips for Success

Make it lighter: Substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream if you’d like a less rich dish.
Add vegetables: Spinach, zucchini, or peas can be stirred into the mushroom sauce for extra nutrition.
Use thighs for flavor: Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and add more depth compared to breasts.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake is a timeless comfort food that never disappoints. Each bite brings together tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, cheesy sauce—all baked into one irresistible dish. Whether you’re making it for family dinner or hosting friends, it’s guaranteed to become a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

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