There is something truly comforting and irresistibly delicious about this Baked Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe. Tender chicken breasts baked to juicy perfection mingle with earthy, sautéed mushrooms and onions, all brought together under a golden layer of melted mozzarella cheese. The subtle spices and the rich aroma make this dish a perfect weeknight dinner that feels special yet is incredibly simple to prepare. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a favorite to return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this dish is straightforward but essential, combining to create incredible flavor, fun textures, and a visually appealing plate. From the savory mushrooms and aromatic garlic to the tender chicken breasts and gooey mozzarella, every component plays a delightful role.
- Butter (1 tablespoon, divided): Adds richness and helps achieve that perfect sauté on mushrooms and chicken.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Brings a pleasant fruitiness and ensures nothing sticks to the pan.
- Sliced button mushrooms (8 ounces): Earthy and juicy, they add depth and meaty texture to the dish.
- Large yellow onion (thinly sliced): Sweetness and softness emerge as they cook alongside mushrooms.
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper: Enhances natural flavors and balances the seasoning perfectly.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Aromatic and flavorful, garlic is a must for that savory punch.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (4, pounded to 1/4-inch thickness): Ensures quick cooking and tender results.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Amplifies the garlic taste without overpowering.
- Smoked or sweet paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds warmth and a subtle smoky hint that makes this dish memorable.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that brings classic Mediterranean flavors.
- Shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (4 ounces): Melts beautifully for a gooey, cheesy topping.
- Low sodium chicken broth (½ cup): Keeps the dish moist while adding a savory base to the sauce.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Brightens the plate with a fresh herb finish.
How to Make Baked Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375ËšF. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make for an easier clean-up after the delicious bake is finished.
Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms and Onions
Heat 1/2 tablespoon of butter and 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your sliced mushrooms and onions, seasoning them with a bit of salt and fresh ground black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until those mushrooms release their juices and the onions become soft and translucent.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Set Half Aside
Mix in your minced garlic and cook everything together for about 20 seconds until the fragrance fills your kitchen. Then carefully transfer half of this luscious mushroom mixture to the prepared baking dish, keeping the other half in the skillet for later. This way, you layer the flavors beautifully in your final dish.
Step 4: Brown the Chicken Breasts
Add the remaining butter and olive oil to your skillet and bring it back to medium-high heat. Season your pounded chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Place the breasts in the hot oil, cooking for 2 minutes on each side until they develop a lovely golden-brown crust.
Step 5: Assemble and Prepare the Sauce
Remove the browned chicken breasts and arrange them evenly over the mushroom layer in the baking dish. Return your skillet to heat and pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom to lift all those flavorful browned bits. Let this sauce simmer and reduce for 4 to 5 minutes, concentrating the flavors. While it reduces, spread the remaining mushroom mixture over the chicken, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top for a satisfying cheesy finish. Pour the simmered broth evenly over everything.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Bake your masterpiece uncovered for around 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese is delightfully melted and bubbly. Once done, remove the dish from the oven and get ready to garnish.
How to Serve Baked Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a burst of vibrant green color but also a fresh, herbaceous note that perfectly balances the richness of the cheese and mushrooms.
Side Dishes
This baked chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides: fluffy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, buttery rice pilaf, or even a crisp green salad to keep things light and vibrant on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, consider plating each chicken breast atop a small bed of creamy polenta or alongside a swirl of garlic-infused mashed cauliflower. Drizzle a bit of the pan juices over the top for that restaurant-quality finish your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover baked chicken with mushrooms in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors will even deepen a bit overnight, making for a delicious second meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked dish by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or by using a suitable freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months, perfect for busy days when you want a comforting home-cooked meal without the work.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350ËšF until warmed through or in the microwave covered to retain moisture. Adding a splash of chicken broth before reheating helps keep the chicken juicy and tender.
FAQs
Can I use different types of mushrooms for this recipe?
Absolutely! While button mushrooms are classic and affordable, cremini, shiitake, or portobello mushrooms would all add wonderful flavors and textures. Just slice them similarly to ensure even cooking.
Is it necessary to pound the chicken breasts?
Pounding the chicken to about ¼-inch thickness ensures that it cooks evenly and remains tender. If your chicken breasts are naturally thin, you can skip this step, but it’s a great tip to avoid overcooking.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe as provided is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken broth and seasonings do not contain gluten additives. Always check labels if you are cooking for gluten-sensitive individuals.
What can I do if I don’t have mozzarella cheese?
Try substituting with other mild melting cheeses like provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a mild cheddar. Each will lend a slightly different but equally delicious twist to the baked chicken.
Can I prepare the mushroom mixture ahead of time?
Definitely! You can sauté the mushrooms, onions, and garlic a day in advance and store in the fridge. When ready to bake, simply follow the rest of the instructions for quick assembly.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe really hits all the marks for a meal that’s flavorful, comforting, and straightforward to make. It’s the kind of dish you’ll feel proud to share with family or friends, and once you taste that juicy chicken paired with rich mushrooms and gooey cheese, you’ll see why it’s become one of my top go-to recipes. Don’t hesitate to try it soon—you might just find your new favorite dinner on the table!
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Baked Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Baked Chicken with Mushrooms recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts smothered in a flavorful mixture of sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. The dish is finished with a savory chicken broth reduction and baked to perfection, making for a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special dinners.
Ingredients
For the Mushroom and Onion Mixture
- 1 tablespoon butter (divided)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 8 ounces sliced button mushrooms
- 1 large yellow onion (thinly sliced)
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper (to taste)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 pound total, pounded to 1/4-inch thickness)
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 4 ounces shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ËšF and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray, setting it aside for later.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt ½ tablespoon butter and add ½ tablespoon olive oil. Add the sliced mushrooms and onions, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 20 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Divide Mushroom Mixture: Transfer half of the mushroom and onion mixture to the prepared baking dish and set the remainder aside.
- Prepare Chicken Sear: Return the skillet to heat and add the remaining butter and olive oil. Season the pounded chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, and cook for 2 minutes per side until lightly browned.
- Arrange Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on top of the mushroom layer in the baking dish.
- Make Sauce: Return the skillet to the stove and pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a boil and reduce the liquid by cooking for 4 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Assemble Dish: Top the chicken breasts with the reserved mushroom mixture, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, and pour the reduced chicken broth over everything in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake the assembled dish uncovered in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness (about ¼ inch).
- If you prefer a stronger smoky flavor, use smoked paprika over sweet paprika.
- Low sodium chicken broth helps control the salt level but you can adjust seasoning to taste.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated within 2 days for best quality.
