Ingredients You’ll Need
For the main dish:
- 2 large chicken breasts (or thighs for more juiciness), cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For serving:
- Cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into even, bite-sized cubes. Pat them dry with a paper towel, then season lightly with salt, black pepper, and paprika. This step ensures the chicken develops a golden crust once it hits the pan.
Step 2: Sear for Flavor
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the outside is golden brown. Don’t worry if the inside isn’t fully cooked yet — it will finish cooking later in the sauce. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, add the diced onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and mushrooms. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their aroma. Scrape the bottom of the pan as you stir; this pulls up all the flavorful bits left from the chicken.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the chicken broth and stir, letting it simmer for 2 minutes. Next, add the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and an extra pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well until the sauce starts to thicken.
Step 5: Add the Cheeses
Once the sauce has thickened slightly, stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. They’ll melt into the cream, creating a silky, cheesy sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken and vegetables.
Step 6: Return the Chicken
Add the seared chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together so the meat is fully coated in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer gently for another 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the creamy chicken mixture over freshly cooked pasta, fluffy rice, or a bed of mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of freshness. Serve hot and watch the smiles around the dinner table.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Flavors: The smoky paprika pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- Comforting Texture: Tender chicken and melty cheese create a rich, satisfying mouthfeel.
- Customizable: You can swap in spinach, zucchini, or even sun-dried tomatoes if you like, though my husband insists it’s perfect as is.
Final Thoughts
When a dish earns a “5-star” review from a family member, you know you’ve struck gold. This creamy chicken skillet is simple to prepare, yet impressive enough for special occasions. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep in your regular rotation — just the way it is.
Would you like me to also create a short, printable recipe card version of this (with only ingredients and steps), so you can keep it handy while cooking?
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