Creamy Mushroom Chicken And Rice
Highlighted under: Warm Recipes
I love making Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice for its rich flavors and comforting texture. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or when I want to impress guests with something hearty yet simple. The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and creamy sauce served over fluffy rice makes it a family favorite. I enjoy how accessible the ingredients are, allowing me to whip it up without a trip to specialty stores, and the satisfaction of one-pan cooking means fewer dishes to wash afterward!
When I first tried this creamy mushroom chicken recipe, I was amazed by how simple ingredients could create such an extraordinary flavor. I used a mix of fresh and dried mushrooms for a deeper taste and found that sautéing them well before adding the chicken was essential for achieving that perfect umami backdrop. This step will enhance the overall dish and make your kitchen smell incredible!
Another tip that I learned is letting the chicken rest a bit before serving. This helps retain its moisture, keeping every bite juicy and satisfying. Using jasmine rice adds a fragrant touch, making this meal not just delicious but delightful to enjoy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy sauce with savory mushrooms creates an irresistible flavor
- One-pan convenience makes cleanup a breeze
- Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests
The Role of Cream and Broth
The combination of heavy cream and chicken broth in this dish creates a luxurious sauce that coats the rice beautifully. The cream adds a velvety texture, while the broth infuses the dish with rich, savory flavor. It's crucial to ensure that your broth is high quality; homemade or low-sodium store-bought options work wonderfully. Avoid using water as it lacks the depth needed for a standout dish.
Beyond flavor, the cream acts as a stabilizing agent in the cooking process. As the dish simmers, the fat from the cream emulsifies with the other ingredients, resulting in a glossy, cohesive sauce. For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the cream with milk, but keep in mind the sauce will be less rich.
Perfecting the Chicken
To achieve perfectly cooked chicken, it's important to not overcrowd the skillet. Cooking in batches, if necessary, will allow each piece to brown evenly, providing savory depth through caramelization. Look for a golden-brown color and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and tenderness.
If you prefer a crispy texture, consider searing the chicken on high heat for the first few minutes before reducing the heat to finish cooking. If you have leftovers, store the chicken separately from the rice to maintain its texture, and reheat gently to avoid drying it out.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to start making your creamy mushroom chicken and rice:
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Make sure to have everything ready to go before you start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious meal:
Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the onions and garlic, sautéing until soft. Then add in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they're well browned.
Combine Ingredients
Stir in the jasmine rice, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, then return the chicken to the skillet. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has absorbed.
Serve and Garnish
Once done, fluff the rice with a fork. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
Enjoy your creamy mushroom chicken and rice!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the skillet after browning the mushrooms. Allow the alcohol to cook off before adding the rice and broth.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice pairs beautifully with a side of green vegetables, such as steamed broccoli or a crisp salad. The freshness of the greens complements the richness of the dish, creating a balanced meal. I also love serving it with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor.
For a heartier option, you can add sautéed spinach or kale right at the end of cooking. This not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds vibrant color to the plate, making it visually appealing.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
If you're planning to make this dish ahead of time, consider preparing the chicken and mushroom mixture and storing it separately from the rice. You can store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken mixture gently in the skillet and prepare fresh rice, as reheated rice can become mushy.
Freezing is another option! Store portions in freezer-safe containers. When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat on low to prevent the cream from separating. Add a splash of chicken broth during reheating to revive the sauce's creamy consistency.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can easily substitute chicken with turkey, pork, or keep it vegetarian by adding more vegetables.
→ Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a plant-based broth.
→ What can I serve with this dish?
This dish is great on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Creamy Mushroom Chicken And Rice
I love making Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice for its rich flavors and comforting texture. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or when I want to impress guests with something hearty yet simple. The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and creamy sauce served over fluffy rice makes it a family favorite. I enjoy how accessible the ingredients are, allowing me to whip it up without a trip to specialty stores, and the satisfaction of one-pan cooking means fewer dishes to wash afterward!
Created by: Rosalyn Whitfield
Recipe Type: Warm Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the onions and garlic, sautéing until soft. Then add in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they're well browned.
Stir in the jasmine rice, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, then return the chicken to the skillet. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has absorbed.
Once done, fluff the rice with a fork. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the skillet after browning the mushrooms. Allow the alcohol to cook off before adding the rice and broth.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 620mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 26g