Herbed Italian Chicken Breast with Mushroom Sauce Recipe

This Herbed Italian Chicken Breast with Mushroom Sauce is a simple yet elegant dish that brings the flavors of Italy right to your table. The juicy chicken breasts are seasoned to perfection, complemented by a creamy mushroom sauce that’s rich, aromatic, and utterly irresistible. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

What Is Herbed Italian Chicken Breast with Mushroom Sauce?

Herbed Italian Chicken Breast with Mushroom Sauce combines the hearty flavor of Italian-seasoned chicken with a luscious, creamy mushroom sauce. This dish is quick to prepare and full of classic Italian herbs like thyme and parsley, making it both comforting and versatile.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and Quick: Perfect for busy weeknights, with easy-to-follow steps.
• Versatile Pairings: Pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or vegetables.
• Rich and Flavorful: The creamy mushroom sauce elevates the dish to restaurant-quality.
• Customizable: Adapt the recipe with different herbs or make it dairy-free if needed.

Ingredients

• Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
• Olive Oil: 2 tbsp for searing the chicken.
• Seasonings: 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
• Butter: 2 tbsp for sautéing the mushrooms.
• Mushrooms: 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
• Broth and Cream: 1 cup chicken broth and ½ cup heavy cream.
• Herbs: 1 tsp dried thyme and 1 tsp dried parsley.
• Thickener (Optional): 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

1. Season chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet or set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Sear chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Making the Sauce

1. Add butter to the skillet or pot. Sauté mushrooms and garlic for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits for added flavor. Stir in heavy cream, thyme, and parsley.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet or pot, ensuring they’re coated in the sauce.
   • Instant Pot Method: Secure the lid and set to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 8 minutes. Follow with a quick release.
   • Stovetop Method: Simmer gently for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
2. (Optional) If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch and water into a slurry and stir it into the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with the creamy mushroom sauce spooned generously over the chicken.
• Pair with:
  • Pasta, such as fettuccine or linguine.
  • Steamed rice or quinoa.
  • Crusty bread to mop up the sauce.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Freezing Instructions

• Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free: Ensure broth and other ingredients are gluten-free; serve with gluten-free pasta or rice.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative.
• Herb Substitutions: Use fresh herbs like rosemary or basil for added freshness.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken may require 5-10 additional minutes to cook through.

How can I make the sauce lighter?
Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a milk alternative.

What other mushrooms can I use?
Button mushrooms, portobello, or shiitake mushrooms work well in this recipe.

Herbed Italian Chicken Breast with Mushroom Sauce is a dish that’s easy to make but tastes like a labor of love. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and experience the delicious harmony of Italian herbs and creamy mushroom goodness.

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