Creamy Mushroom Chicken

What first comes to mind when you think of mushrooms? For others, the immediate response would be the red, spotted bulb tops of Super Mario fame. But alternatively (and on a less video game-centered note), many would instead remember one of the many different kinds of fungi that have found a home in cuisines across the world. Mushrooms vary in shape, size, and even color — yes, there are, in fact, mushrooms that are red and spotty! And today’s recipe, our creamy mushroom chicken, is a testament to the ingredient’s versatility and incomparable range.

Deliciously rich and savory, creamy mushroom chicken is the perfect blend of many things eaters of all ages fall in love with. You have the richness of all-purpose cream that you combine with tender chunks of chicken. Couple that with your distinctly chewy and delicious mushrooms, as well as a heaping of garlic, and you have yourself a culinary marvel. The garlicky, somewhat earthy blend of flavors is what draws so many to this dish, and we can guarantee that you and your family will be no different! A dish like creamy mushroom chicken is, after all, impossible not to love.

For a dish that really doesn’t require that sophisticated a selection of ingredients, this mushroom chicken works well for any occasion. You could be enjoying it with your family for a mundane lunch. Or, up the ante and pairing it with a glass of wine during a date! However and whenever you enjoy it, it is doubtless that your loved ones would dig into this meal without hesitation.

A lot of the flavor in this creamy mushroom chicken stems, of course, from the addition of the mushrooms. With a very unique flavor palate, mushrooms are a source of one of the five basic tastes — umami. Similar to soy sauce, miso, and even select cheeses, mushrooms can only be described as savory and almost overwhelming with flavor. It’s no surprise, then, how polarizing they can be as an ingredient; others love it, while others don’t. (But maybe, if you fall under the latter, this creamy mushroom chicken could change your mind!)

But if you’re already a fungi fan, did you know there are different kinds of mushrooms we use in our food? There’s so mush-room in our stomachs for all of them!

While not all mushrooms are edible, this fungi favorite and its many species are cultivated in over 60 countries across the world! Mushroom chicken is only one dish of many wherein we use mushrooms to give our food that umami goodness. In varying forms, textures, and even subtle distinctions in tastes, mushrooms are truly a culinary institution of their own. Let’s take a look at some of the foodie world’s favorite mushrooms!

Native to East Asia, shiitake mushrooms are easily recognizable with their brown caps and light brown stems. The history of this particular mushroom dates back to the Song dynasty in China — in 1209! Since then, however, shiitake mushrooms have grown to be one of the most popular mushroom variants. Japan makes use of shiitake in the ever timeless miso soup, and it’s also often incorporated into many stir fries. Further, did you know that many used to consider shiitake as a medicinal mushroom? Traditional medicine made use of many herbs, spices, and plants to cure the sick, and this humble fungi was no exception.

This type of mushroom goes by many names: abalone mushroom, tree mushroom, or, most commonly, oyster mushroom! The name references the wide, fan-like cap atop the mushroom that somehow resembles an oyster. Like shiitake mushrooms, this type is loved all across the world for its adaptability and various uses. They’re thinner than most other mushroom variants, and popular in stir fries and other vegetarian dishes. The subtle savory and smoky taste of oyster mushrooms makes it an undeniable favorite for many around the world.

If you see any long, almost noodle-like stems with small, bulbous caps, that’s probably the enoki mushroom you’re looking at! Enoki mushrooms grow in clusters, and have one of the more unique appearances among the fungi variants. These mushrooms are popular, like shiitake, in Japan, and other East Asian countries! Served both fresh and canned, enoki mushrooms are a favorite in soups, salads, and other dishes.

And now we have, arguably, the most popular and common kind of mushroom of the bunch! Button mushrooms, in fact, are the kind of mushrooms we’ll be using for our mushroom chicken too. This specific variant comprises 90% of the mushroom production across the United States! An absolute pantry staple, button mushrooms are perfect for grilling, baking, sautéing, and so much more! It may look ordinary, but its sensational taste and renowned adaptability make it anything but.

Health benefits of mushrooms

Why do we love creamy mushroom chicken — and mushrooms, in general? Beyond just being delicious, mushrooms abound with nutrients that keep our body healthy and running well. It wasn’t just shiitake mushroom that people used as traditional medicine back then; it was quite a number of different fungi variants! 

Rich in fiber and protein, it’s no wonder many vegetarians and vegans turn to mushrooms as a source of protein. When done correctly, mushrooms can easily replace meat in terms of both texture and flavor. Apart from this, they are a great source of antioxidants and fiber. You can worry a little less about Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and even cancer when you incorporate mushrooms into your daily diet.

What goes well with this creamy mushroom chicken?

Now that you have your creamy, delectable, mushroom chicken main, you have to find the perfect side dishes to go with it! With such a rich and vibrant flavor palate, this dish is quite a tough act to follow. Regardless, let’s see what we can make that could become just as worthy (and delicious) a partner.

For starters, you can never go wrong with a warm bed of rice! Any Filipino knows that no dish is complete without the heaping cup of rice that so often accompanies it. But why not up the ante and make garlic rice? Our creamy mushroom chicken is already rich and garlicky in flavor. Pile onto that with some fragrant and mouthwatering sinangag, and already you have a winner!

Or what about an equally rich and creamy bowl of mashed potatoes? Common ingredients come together to make a sinful and absolutely scrumptious delight. Your creamy mushroom chicken’s sauce will blend harmoniously with the buttery goodness of mashed potatoes. Further, the mix of textures in your mouth will make each bite to die for!

Lastly, and a bit on the lighter side, you could try this fresh basil and sun dried tomato pasta! With something a bit heavy like mushroom chicken, this pasta makes for the ideal light companion: subtle, but impactful in flavor. The minty, refreshing kick of basil is a wonderful complement to the summery tomatoes. Top it with some parmesan cheese, and you have yourself a winner. This dish is incredibly fresh, with an assortment of inexpensive ingredients you can get from your local supermarket! 

These are just some of the different side dishes you can choose from! But let’s not forget about the main star of the show: learn how to cook this creamy mushroom chicken today!

Make this tantalizingly tasty creamy mushroom chicken with me! Here’s how.

To begin, rub salt and ground black pepper all over your chicken pieces. Let that stay for about 5 minutes, then heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan. Here, sauté your carrot slices and green beans for about 2 minutes. Season your dish with salt, then remove it from the pan and set it aside. Once you’ve done this, it’s now time to pan fry your chicken. Add the remaining oil and do just that for about 1 to 2 minutes per chicken side. Then, like the vegetables, remove it from the pan and place on a clean plate.

The next step in this creamy mushroom chicken is to melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the pan. Sauté your garlic until it takes on a light brown hue, then add your onion. Continue cooking your dish until the latter softens, then put the chicken back in the pan. Sauté for two minutes, pour water into the pan, and bring your chicken mix to a boil. With a piece of Knorr Chicken Cube, let your meal simmer; cover the pan and let it cook for 15 minutes. The flavor of the cube and all other ingredients will allow your meat to become not only more tender but tastier!

When your 15 minutes are up, add in your all purpose cream, mushrooms, and roasted garlic! Cook these for about a minute, and try to resist that overwhelmingly delicious smell. You’re almost ready to dig into your mushroom chicken! Add your carrots and long green beans last, then season with your last mix of salt and pepper.

Turn the heat off your stove, and transfer your creamy mushroom chicken to a serving plate. Best warm, pair it with your favorite side; I personally love it with a plate of rice!

Share and enjoy this creamy mushroom chicken with your loved ones. And as always, let us know what you think!