If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor but won’t keep you in the kitchen all evening, this Mushroom Chicken Bites (A Delicious One-Skillet Dinner) Recipe is your new go-to. Tender, juicy chicken pieces get seared to perfection and bathed in a heavenly mushroom garlic sauce that’s creamy, comforting, and downright addictive. Best of all, the entire dish comes together in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze and giving you more time to enjoy your meal. Ready in under 30 minutes with ingredients you probably already have on hand, this recipe is the perfect answer for an easy weeknight dinner that feels special every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the wonderful things about this recipe is its simplicity. Each ingredient brings something unique to the table, from the earthy mushrooms to the rich cream, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will leave you smiling.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and perfect bite-sized portions.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided): Used to achieve that beautiful golden sear on the chicken and sauté mushrooms.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds a silky richness to the sauce and helps caramelize the mushrooms beautifully.
- 8 oz mushrooms (sliced): These bring an earthy depth that makes the sauce irresistible.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Garlic is a must for that punch of aromatic flavor to elevate the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Packs subtle savory notes that complement the chicken perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a blend of herbs that add warmth and complexity.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Perfect for deglazing the pan and building a flavorful base for the sauce.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its creamy, luxurious texture.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essentials to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Mushroom Chicken Bites (A Delicious One-Skillet Dinner) Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Begin by seasoning your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. This simple step ensures every morsel is packed with savory flavor. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Sear for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning the pieces occasionally so they brown evenly and cook through. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This quick sear locks in juices, keeping your chicken tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the butter, letting it melt slowly to coat the pan. Toss in the sliced mushrooms, sautéing them for 5 to 6 minutes until they turn golden and tender. The mushrooms release their natural umami goodness that forms the backbone of the sauce. Then, add the minced garlic, cooking for another minute to fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Garlic softens here and turns deliciously mellow.
Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer the Sauce
Next up, pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan—scraping up those yummy browned bits stuck on the bottom. These bits are flavor gold! Let the broth simmer for about 2 minutes, reducing just slightly and intensifying the sauce’s richness. This step transforms your pan juices into a silky, savory base.
Step 4: Add Cream and Return Chicken
Stir in the heavy cream and gently return the chicken pieces to the skillet. Allow everything to simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is heated through again. This final simmer melds the flavors beautifully while coating the chicken in that creamy mushroom goodness you’ll want to scoop every last bit of.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top. This simple garnish provides a burst of fresh color and herby brightness that perfectly balances the richness of the sauce.
How to Serve Mushroom Chicken Bites (A Delicious One-Skillet Dinner) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice here, but don’t be afraid to experiment. A little sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick. For a touch of elegance, a drizzle of truffle oil over the finished dish brings out the mushroom flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish shines best served over fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttery noodles. If you’re looking to keep things light, cauliflower rice or steamed green beans complement the creamy sauce well without overwhelming the palate. Crusty artisan bread is another fantastic option to soak up every drop of that savory sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve your Mushroom Chicken Bites in a shallow bowl with a side of colorful roasted vegetables. You can also layer the chicken and sauce on top of polenta for a rustic, comforting meal. Leftover sauce makes a phenomenal topping for baked potatoes or even drizzled over grilled asparagus for a special touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your Mushroom Chicken Bites taste even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for a later craving, this dish freezes beautifully. Just let the chicken bites cool completely, place them in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of broth or cream can help revive the sauce if it thickened too much in the fridge. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfectly creamy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add slightly more richness and remain juicy even after searing, making them a fantastic choice for this recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply swap the butter for olive oil and use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative to keep that luscious texture without dairy.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even bell peppers can be stirred in during the final minutes to add extra color and flavor.
What can I serve instead of rice or pasta?
Try mashed potatoes, polenta, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces helps it cook quickly and evenly. Also, don’t skip searing on high heat to seal in moisture before simmering gently in the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Mushroom Chicken Bites (A Delicious One-Skillet Dinner) Recipe truly is one of those comforting meals that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. It’s easy, packed with flavor, and so versatile, making it a staple you’ll want to keep in your dinner rotation. Give it a try, and I promise your taste buds will thank you for bringing such a tasty, hassle-free dish to your table. Enjoy every savory bite!
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Mushroom Chicken Bites (A Delicious One-Skillet Dinner) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Mushroom chicken bites feature tender, seared chunks of chicken cooked in a savory mushroom garlic sauce made entirely in one skillet. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting and flavorful American main course is perfect for busy weeknights and pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cooking and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are browned and chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and butter. Once melted, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and tender.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift any browned bits. Allow the broth to simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly and develop flavor.
- Make the Sauce & Return Chicken: Stir in the heavy cream, then add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Simmer everything together for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is heated through.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a fresh finish. Serve hot alongside your choice of sides such as rice, pasta, or bread.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Add fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor and color.
- This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
