Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Skillet with Sherry
Indulge in a delightful blend of tender chicken and earthy mushrooms simmered in a luscious sherry-cream sauce. This one-skillet dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort. The savory notes of garlic and onion, combined with a splash of sherry and fresh lemon juice, elevate every bite, making it a comforting yet sophisticated meal. Serve it over your favorite cooked noodles for a complete and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a new favorite in your home!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salt and Pepper
to taste (seasoning)
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
3-4 (about 2-2.5 lbs) (cut into 1/2 inch strips)
All-Purpose Flour
1 tablespoon (for dusting chicken)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
Onion
1 (halved lengthwise and sliced thin crosswise)
Garlic Cloves
2 (minced)
Mushrooms
1/2 lb (sliced thin)
Medium-Dry Sherry
3 tablespoons (for deglazing)
Fresh Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon (for flavor)
Cream
1/3 cup (for sauce)
Chicken Broth
1/2 cup (for sauce)
Cooked Noodles
as needed (for serving)
Fresh Parsley
1 tablespoon (minced, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and cutting them into 1/2 inch strips. Toss the chicken with all-purpose flour and season generously with salt and pepper.
2
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over high heat until it shimmers but does not smoke. Add the chicken strips in a single layer and brown them for about 5-6 minutes, turning as necessary to ensure even cooking. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a bowl and set aside.
3
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add sliced onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Sauté the mixture for 2-3 minutes or until the onions soften and mushrooms are golden brown, stirring frequently.
4
Pour in the medium-dry sherry and fresh lemon juice, using a wooden spoon to deglaze the skillet by scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for about 1 minute.
5
Once the mixture is fragrant, return the browned chicken to the skillet. Stir in the cream and chicken broth. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
6
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
7
Serve the creamy chicken and mushroom mixture over a bed of cooked noodles, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy your delicious homemade meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Skillet with Sherry?
It is a one-skillet dish featuring tender chicken strips and earthy mushrooms simmered in a luscious sherry-cream sauce, typically served over noodles.
What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 to 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, totaling approximately 2 to 2.5 pounds.
How should the chicken be prepared before cooking?
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, cut them into 1/2 inch strips, and toss them with all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper.
Why is the chicken tossed in flour?
The flour helps the chicken brown more effectively and acts as a thickening agent for the sauce later in the cooking process.
How long should I brown the chicken?
The chicken strips should be browned for about 5 to 6 minutes over high heat, turning as necessary for even cooking.
What vegetables are needed for this skillet?
You will need one thinly sliced onion, two minced garlic cloves, and half a pound of thinly sliced mushrooms.
How do I prepare the onion for this dish?
The onion should be halved lengthwise and then sliced thin crosswise.
How long do the mushrooms and onions need to sauté?
Sauté the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions soften and the mushrooms are golden brown.
What kind of sherry is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 3 tablespoons of medium-dry sherry for the best flavor balance.
Can I substitute the sherry?
While sherry provides a unique flavor, you could use a dry white wine or extra chicken broth if you prefer to avoid alcohol.
What is the purpose of the lemon juice?
One tablespoon of fresh lemon juice is added to brighten the flavors and balance the richness of the cream.
How do I deglaze the skillet?
Pour in the sherry and lemon juice and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
What ingredients make up the creamy sauce?
The sauce is created by combining the deglazing liquids with 1/3 cup of cream and 1/2 cup of chicken broth.
How long should the dish simmer at the end?
After adding the chicken and liquids, let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
What heat setting should I use for simmering?
Once the mixture reaches a gentle boil, reduce the heat to medium-low for the simmering stage.
What should I serve with this creamy chicken and mushrooms?
It is best served over a bed of cooked noodles, such as egg noodles or fettuccine.
What is the recommended garnish?
Garnish the final dish with one tablespoon of minced fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Is this a good recipe for entertaining guests?
Yes, it is described as a sophisticated meal that can impress guests with minimal effort.
How much olive oil is used in total?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are used: one for browning the chicken and one for sautéing the vegetables.
What type of mushrooms work best?
White button mushrooms or cremini (baby bella) mushrooms are excellent choices for this recipe.
Is this recipe considered Italian cuisine?
The recipe is tagged as Italian cuisine, fitting its flavor profile and use of garlic, cream, and pasta.
How many people does this recipe serve?
Based on the 2 to 2.5 pounds of chicken, it typically serves 4 to 6 people.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used, though they may require a slightly longer browning time.
What if I don't have fresh parsley?
You can use dried parsley, though fresh is preferred for garnish, or substitute with fresh chives or thyme.
Is the chicken cooked through during the browning stage?
Not necessarily; the chicken finishes cooking through during the 5 to 7 minute simmering period in the sauce.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, peas or spinach would make great additions to this skillet meal and can be stirred in during the final simmer.
What if my sauce is too thin?
Continue to simmer for a few extra minutes uncovered, or stir in a small cornstarch slurry to reach the desired thickness.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it is a savory and mild dish, seasoned only with salt, pepper, and aromatics like garlic and onion.
How do I know when the sauce is finished?
The sauce is finished when it has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon and the chicken is fully cooked.
Can I serve this over something other than noodles?
Yes, this dish also pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a side of crusty bread.