If you’re searching for a dish that combines comfort and elegance in one skillet, you have to try this Balsamic Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe. It brings together tender, juicy chicken breasts with a rich, velvety mushroom sauce that’s infused with the deep tang of balsamic vinegar. This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests because every bite bursts with flavor and warmth, making it an instant favorite at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Balsamic Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role, from the savory chicken and earthy mushrooms to the tangy balsamic vinegar and luscious cream, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that are both rich and comforting.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, cut thin to ensure quick, even cooking and tenderness.
- Salt and pepper: To season perfectly, enhancing and balancing the flavors of the chicken and sauce.
- Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken and adding a subtle fruity richness.
- Butter: Adds a silky, creamy texture when cooking the mushrooms.
- Cremini mushrooms: Sliced to provide an earthy depth and meaty texture in the sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced to give a fragrant and savory punch.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that rounds out the sauce with a hint of herbs.
- Dry white wine or chicken broth: Adds acidity and depth while deglazing the pan.
- Balsamic vinegar: The star ingredient providing a perfect balance of sweet and tangy that elevates the sauce.
- Cornstarch: Mixed with water to thicken the sauce to a luscious consistency.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce irresistibly creamy and smooth.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of color and fresh brightness as a garnish.
How to Make Balsamic Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken
Season your chicken cutlets generously with salt and pepper, ensuring each piece is well-coated for flavor. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken. Sear each side until it turns a beautiful golden brown, which locks in the juices and creates a flavorful crust. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside—this step is crucial because it builds the base flavor for your sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms to Perfection
Using the same skillet and the flavorful drippings left behind, melt butter and add the sliced cremini mushrooms. Sauté them until they soften and develop a rich brown caramelization. This process intensifies the earthy flavor of the mushrooms and adds a wonderful texture to the dish, setting the stage for the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Build the Balsamic Wine Sauce
Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the mushrooms, stirring quickly to release their fragrant aromas. Pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth) along with the balsamic vinegar. As this simmers, the liquid will reduce by half, concentrating the flavors and creating a tangy-sweet base that beautifully balances the richness of the later cream addition.
Step 4: Thicken the Creamy Sauce
Mix the cornstarch with two teaspoons of water until smooth, then reduce the heat to medium. Slowly stir the heavy cream into the skillet, followed by the cornstarch slurry. Keep stirring gently until the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency that will cling beautifully to the chicken and mushrooms, making every bite decadently smooth.
Step 5: Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce
Return the seared chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy mushroom sauce. Let everything simmer together for about five minutes, allowing the chicken to finish cooking through and soak up the flavors of the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The result is tender chicken swimming in a flavorful, creamy, and slightly tangy mushroom sauce that’s absolutely irresistible.
Step 6: Final Touch and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a bright, herbal contrast and a splash of color. Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest and the chicken at its juiciest.
How to Serve Balsamic Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish here, adding a refreshing burst of green and a slight herbal lift to cut through the richness. For extra flair, a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a few shavings of Parmesan cheese also complement the dish wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta soak up the luscious mushroom sauce perfectly. For a lighter approach, serve alongside steamed green beans or roasted asparagus to bring a vibrant crunch and freshness that contrasts the creamy texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, plate the chicken over a bed of wild rice or cauliflower puree to add elegance and texture. Another great idea is to serve it family-style in a large skillet with fresh bread on the side to scoop up every bit of that delicious creamy mushroom sauce. A rustic wooden board presentation with fresh herbs scattered gives a warm, inviting vibe perfect for dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The balsamic chicken with creamy mushroom sauce will keep well for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for quick next-day meals without losing flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together for up to one month. Use a freezer-safe container and leave some room for expansion. When thawing, do so overnight in the refrigerator for best results, preserving the texture and taste of the creamy sauce.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. If the sauce thickened too much, add a splash of cream or broth to bring back its silky consistency. Avoid microwaving if possible, to maintain the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cremini mushrooms are recommended for their flavor and texture, you can substitute with button mushrooms, shiitake, or even portobello for a heartier bite. Just adjust cooking time accordingly to get them perfectly tender.
Is it necessary to use white wine, or can I substitute it?
If you prefer not to cook with wine, chicken broth is a great substitute. It will keep the sauce flavorful and moist without the alcohol content. Just keep in mind that white wine adds a slight acidity and depth that broth alone doesn’t replicate.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a creamy plant-based alternative, and use olive oil instead of butter for cooking the mushrooms. This keeps the sauce rich while making it suitable for dairy-free diets.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free as a thickener, and all other ingredients are gluten-free as well. Just be sure your chicken broth or other ingredients don’t contain hidden gluten additives.
What is the best way to slice the chicken breasts?
Slicing chicken breasts lengthwise into thin cutlets helps them cook quickly and evenly, preventing dryness. Use a sharp knife and slice slowly to keep the pieces uniform and intact.
Final Thoughts
This Balsamic Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines simple ingredients to create something truly special. Whether you are cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish delivers comfort and elegance in every bite. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll soon discover why it’s become one of those beloved recipes that everyone asks for again and again.
Print
Balsamic Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Balsamic Chicken recipe features tender, seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich and creamy balsamic mushroom sauce. Enhanced with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a touch of white wine, the dish offers a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors, making it an ideal main course for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce and Mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season and Sear Chicken: Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook each side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Mushrooms: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced cremini mushrooms and cook until they become softened and browned, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze and Simmer Sauce: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and balsamic vinegar. Let the mixture simmer until the liquid reduces by half, roughly 4-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to concentrate.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water until dissolved. Lower the heat to medium, then add the heavy cream and cornstarch slurry to the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Simmer everything together for 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened further. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately, pairing well with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative, though the sauce might be less rich.
- If you don’t have white wine, chicken broth is a good substitute to maintain flavor.
- To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before slicing in half.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to enjoy the creamy sauce.
