There’s something magical about the combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and sweet caramelized onions. The flavors meld together perfectly, creating a rich, indulgent, and oh-so-satisfying dish. The best part is that it all comes together in just one skillet, saving you time on cleanup.
Trust me, once you try this mouthwatering skillet chicken with mushrooms and caramelized onions, you’ll want to make it over and over again. So let’s get cooking and turn your kitchen into a gourmet restaurant!
How to make skillet chicken with mushrooms and caramelized onions
Skillet chicken with mushrooms and caramelized onions is a mouth-watering dish that involves sautéing chicken breasts in a skillet until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. After that, mushrooms and onions are added to the skillet and cooked until they become tender and caramelized, resulting in a flavorful and delicious meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Mushrooms and Caramelized Onions:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 16 oz (450g) sliced mushrooms (cremini, button, or shiitake)
For Extra Flavor:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
- To begin with, sprinkle some salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken breasts to season them.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side until they turn a golden brown color and are cooked thoroughly. Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a plate and set it aside.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
- In the same skillet, pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onions and cook them on medium heat while stirring occasionally. The onions might take 15-20 minutes to turn into a beautiful golden brown color and caramelize. It requires patience, but the end result is worth it!
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms and Garlic
- Once the onions are caramelized, add sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 7 minutes until mushrooms are browned and tender.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
- Sprinkle in the dried thyme and pour in the chicken broth.
- Let everything simmer for a few minutes until the flavors meld together.
- Once that’s done, return the seared chicken to the skillet and let it heat through for a few more minutes.
Tips for Success
- A large skillet is recommended for frying the chicken, as it ensures even cooking and a nice crust.
- Before seasoning, pat the chicken dry to ensure a nice sear. Be patient while caramelizing onions to bring out their natural sweetness and flavor.
What to serve with
Now it’s time to decide on the perfect side dish to complement this flavorful main course.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Whip a batch of creamy mashed potatoes for a classic and comforting pairing. The rich and velvety texture of the mashed potatoes will perfectly complement the savory flavors of the skillet chicken and add a touch of indulgence to your meal.
- Crusty Baguette or Garlic Bread: To enhance the flavor of your skillet chicken, serve it with a side of crusty baguette or garlic bread. The bread’s crisp exterior and soft, airy interior will contrast the tender chicken and earthy mushrooms. This will also allow you to soak up all those delicious juices and sauces.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Opt for a lighter side by serving steamed or roasted vegetables. The vibrant colors and refreshing, crisp textures will add a delightful balance to the rich flavors of the chicken dish, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
- Fresh Green Salad: Balance out the heartiness of the skillet chicken with a fresh green salad. The crisp, leafy greens and a zesty vinaigrette will provide a lovely contrast to the warm and flavorful chicken, making for a refreshing and wholesome dining experience.
- Buttered Egg Noodles: Tossed in butter and freshly chopped parsley, buttered egg noodles are an excellent accompaniment to the flavorful chicken and mushroom dish. The noodles’ silky, smooth texture soaks up the savory sauce, creating a delectable combination.
Ingredients substitutes
If you find yourself missing a few ingredients for your skillet chicken with mushrooms and caramelized onions, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered with some fantastic substitutes that will still deliver incredible flavors.
Chicken Substitutes:
- You can use boneless chicken thighs if you don’t have boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They have a bit more fat, which means they’ll turn out tender and juicy in the skillet.
- For a vegetarian twist, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Just make sure to press them to remove excess moisture before cooking, and season them well to enhance the flavors.
Mushroom Substitutes:
- If you’re not a fan of mushrooms or don’t have them on hand, consider using other veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or even eggplant. These vegetables will still add a delightful texture and taste to the dish.
- Another option is to use sliced seitan or jackfruit for a more meaty texture. They absorb flavors well and can be sautéed to perfection.
Onion Substitutes:
- If you’re not a fan of onions, you can substitute them with leeks or shallots. They offer a slightly milder flavor while still adding that aromatic touch to your cooking.
Final Thoughts
You now have all the necessary steps and tips to start cooking! After trying this delicious skillet chicken with mushrooms and caramelized onions, you’ll definitely want to make it again and again.
More Chicken Recipes:
- BJ’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Best Chicken Tocino Recipe
- PF Chang’s Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Chick-fil-A Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Moe’s Adobo Chicken Recipe