Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet and sear the chicken on both sides until lightly golden — about 2–3 minutes per side. (It doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet.) Transfer to a baking dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Aromatics
In the same skillet, add a little more butter if needed. Sauté the onions until soft and translucent, then add garlic and mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms release their juices and become golden brown. Stir in thyme and remove from heat.
Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually add chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps, then pour in cream. Simmer gently until thickened — about 3–5 minutes.
Stir in Parmesan and a handful of mozzarella cheese until smooth and velvety. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
Spoon the sautéed mushroom mixture over the chicken in the baking dish. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
If you’d like a crunchy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and scatter over the surface.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the top is bubbling and lightly browned. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
This rich and comforting bake pairs beautifully with:
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Buttered noodles or mashed potatoes
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Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables
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A crisp garden salad for balance
For a more indulgent twist, serve it with crusty bread to soak up that luscious sauce.
💡 Tips and Variations
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Add greens: Stir in baby spinach or kale for extra nutrition and color.
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Make it cheesy: Add shredded Gruyère or white cheddar for a deeper flavor.
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Use leftover chicken: Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works perfectly — just mix it with the sauce and bake for a shorter time (about 15 minutes).
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Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Dish
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Comforting yet refined: Creamy, savory, and perfectly balanced.
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One-dish wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
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Family favorite: Even picky eaters can’t resist the creamy sauce and tender chicken.
🍗 Final Thoughts
The Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake is proof that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. It’s the perfect mix of elegance and ease — a dish that brings warmth to the table and comfort to the soul.
Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something rich and satisfying, this bake is guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.
Because sometimes, the best meals are the ones that feel like a hug — creamy, golden, and straight from the oven.
