Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake

📝 Description:

A rich and comforting baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with melted cheese and baked to golden perfection. This recipe combines pantry staples into a warm, satisfying meal—perfect for weeknights or cozy weekends.

📋 Ingredients for Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (white button or cremini)

• 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening)

• 1 ½ cups chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.

3. Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken for 2-3 minutes per side (they’ll finish cooking in the oven). Remove and set aside.

4. Sauté mushrooms: In the same skillet, add onions and garlic; cook until soft (2-3 minutes). Add mushrooms and cook until browned (5 minutes).

5. Make the sauce: Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir well. Gradually add chicken broth and cream while whisking to prevent lumps. Simmer until thickened (5–7 minutes).

6. Combine: Place the seared chicken in the baking dish. Pour the creamy mushroom sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle both cheeses evenly over the top.

7. Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

8. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.

🧠 Notes:

• Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a shortcut—just reduce bake time to 15 minutes.

• Substitute Greek yogurt or cream cheese (softened) if you want a lighter sauce.

• Add spinach or cooked pasta into the dish for a one-pan meal.

💡 Tips:

• For extra richness, add 1–2 tablespoons of white wine to the sauce.

• Use a mix of mushrooms like shiitake and cremini for deeper flavor.

• Make it ahead and refrigerate—bake just before serving.

🍽 Servings:

Serves 4 generously as a main course.

⚖️ Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate):

• Calories: 480

• Protein: 40g

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Fat: 30g

• Saturated Fat: 15g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sodium: 650mg

• Sugar: 2g

(Values may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.)

🌟 Benefits:

• High Protein: Supports muscle health and satiety.

• Comfort Food: A rich, indulgent dish that’s perfect for chilly days.

• Customizable: Easily adaptable with vegetables, herbs, or low-fat alternatives.

❓Q&A:

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Boneless thighs work great and stay juicy—just adjust cook time slightly.

Q: Is it freezer friendly?
A: Yes, freeze after baking. Reheat covered at 350°F until hot (about 25–30 mins).

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Use coconut milk or almond milk with a dairy-free cheese substitute. Flavor will vary but still delicious!