Description
This creamy chicken and mushroom bake features succulent chicken breasts simmered in a rich, cheesy mushroom sauce with garlic and herbs, then baked to perfection with a golden mozzarella topping. Perfectly balanced with savory flavors, this comforting dish makes an ideal family dinner served alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Mushroom Sauce
- 2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them in the skillet for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms and Onion: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for another 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms are browned and tender.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Allow the broth to simmer for 2 minutes. Add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the cheese melts, stirring to keep it smooth.
- Assemble the Bake: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the seared chicken breasts inside. Pour the creamy mushroom sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well covered. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and golden. If needed, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end to brown the cheese topping.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm with rice, mashed potatoes, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- To ensure juicy chicken, avoid overcooking during the initial skillet searing; the chicken will finish cooking in the oven.
- Use fresh mushrooms for best flavor; cremini or button mushrooms work well.
- If you want a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- To make ahead, prepare and assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- For a gluten-free version, verify that the chicken broth is gluten-free.
