Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Mushrooms

Introduction

Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Mushrooms is a rich, comforting dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, savory sauce, and earthy mushrooms. The light yet indulgent sauce, made from chicken broth, heavy cream, and a blend of seasonings, creates a luxurious coating for the thinly sliced chicken. The mushrooms add a depth of flavor and texture that complements the chicken perfectly. This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or a special meal when you want something both easy to prepare and full of flavor.

I remember the first time I made this for a cozy dinner. The creamy sauce coated the chicken perfectly, and the mushrooms brought a wonderful earthiness that elevated the entire dish. Everyone loved how comforting yet sophisticated it tasted, making it an instant favorite. This dish is so simple to prepare, but it feels like a real indulgence—perfect for when you want something both easy and flavorful.

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Special occasions
• Comfort food cravings
• Weeknight meals
• Mushroom lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Mushrooms is sure to become a favorite:

• Tender Chicken: The chicken breasts are thinly sliced for a quick cook time and a juicy, tender texture.
• Rich and Creamy Sauce: The sauce is velvety and full of flavor, with the perfect balance of creaminess from the heavy cream and savoriness from the chicken broth.
• Earthy Mushrooms: Mushrooms add a rich, earthy note to the dish, making every bite more complex and satisfying.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to prepare and can be made in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Versatile: Serve it with pasta, rice, or vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 40g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 30g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Mushrooms:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (button mushrooms or cremini work well)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender cuts of chicken that cook quickly and soak up the creamy sauce.
• Mushrooms: Earthy, umami-rich mushrooms provide flavor and texture, adding depth to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates the smooth, luxurious consistency of the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Provides the savory base of the sauce.
• Olive Oil or Butter: Used for sautéing the chicken and mushrooms, adding richness to the dish.
• Thyme and Basil: Fresh or dried herbs that infuse the sauce with aromatic flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Mushrooms:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Using a sharp knife, slice the chicken breasts into thin, even pieces (scallopini-style) to help them cook quickly and evenly.
2. Dredge the Chicken: Lightly dredge each piece of chicken in flour, shaking off the excess. This will give the chicken a light coating that helps the sauce adhere.

Cook the Chicken:

3. Sauté the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce:

4. Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 5 minutes, until they are softened and browned.
5. Add Garlic and Herbs: Add the minced garlic, thyme, and basil to the skillet, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
7. Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer again. Let the sauce cook for 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Combine Chicken and Sauce:

8. Return Chicken to the Pan: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer in the sauce for 3-4 minutes to reheat the chicken and allow it to absorb some of the sauce.
9. Finish and Garnish: Once the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened to your liking, garnish with fresh parsley (optional). Serve immediately.

How to Serve

• With Pasta: Serve with pasta like fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne for a complete meal.
• Over Rice: Pair with steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
• With Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or roasted asparagus for a balanced meal.
• With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
• As Part of a Feast: Serve as a main dish for dinner parties, alongside sides like mashed potatoes or garlic bread.

Additional Tips

• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for a touch of brightness.
• Make sure to slice the chicken thinly to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly.
• For added texture, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Recipe Variations

1. Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Spinach
2. Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Asparagus
3. Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Sundried Tomatoes
4. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scallopini
5. Lemon Herb Chicken Scallopini
6. Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Broccoli
7. Spicy Chicken Scallopini (with red pepper flakes)
8. Mushroom-Free Creamy Chicken Scallopini
9. Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Zucchini
10. Dairy-Free Chicken Scallopini (with coconut cream)

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: This dish can be frozen, but the texture of the sauce may change slightly. To freeze, cool the dish completely and transfer to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding extra cream or broth if necessary.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid overcooking the chicken.

Special Equipment

• Large skillet
• Sharp knife for slicing chicken
• Wooden spoon for deglazing
• Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ Section

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs work well and add more flavor.
2. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth? Yes, vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version.
3. Can I skip the mushrooms? Yes, you can omit them if you prefer a mushroom-free dish.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.
5. Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, use coconut cream or another dairy-free cream alternative.

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Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Mushrooms is a rich and comforting dish that delivers big flavors with minimal effort. With its tender, perfectly cooked chicken in a creamy, savory sauce, and the earthy addition of mushrooms, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Whether served over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or when you simply want something indulgent and satisfying. The combination of flavors makes it an elegant yet easy-to-make meal that everyone will enjoy.

I’d love to see how your Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Mushrooms turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creation. Happy cooking!