Chef John's Chicken and Mushrooms

Chef John's Chicken and Mushrooms

2 servings
Succulent chicken breasts topped with perfectly sauteed mushrooms create a delicious, yet very simple, dish.

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breast halves

    boneless, skin-on

  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 8 ounces fresh mushrooms

    sliced 1/4 inch thick

  • 1 pinch salt
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

  2. 2

    Season chicken on all sides with salt and ground black pepper.

  3. 3

    Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in an ovenproof skillet. Place chicken skin-side down in skillet and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Turn chicken over; stir mushrooms with a pinch of salt into skillet. Increase heat to high; cook, stirring mushrooms occasionally, until mushrooms shrink slightly, about 5 minutes.

  5. 5

    Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and cook until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 15 to 20 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Transfer chicken breasts to a plate and loosely tent with foil; set aside.

  6. 6

    Set skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat; cook and stir mushrooms until brown bits start to form on the bottom of the pan, about 5 minutes. Pour water into the skillet, and bring to a boil while scraping the browned bits off of the bottom of the pan. Cook until water is reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

  7. 7

    Stir in any accumulated juices from the chicken into the skillet. Stir butter into mushroom mixture, stirring constantly until butter is completely melted and incorporated.

  8. 8

    Season with salt and pepper. Spoon mushroom sauce over chicken and serve.

Chef John's Chicken and Mushrooms

Chef John's Chicken and Mushrooms

4.7(718)40 min2 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving a comforting, yet elegant meal that comes together without fuss? Chef John's Chicken and Mushrooms delivers succulent chicken breasts crowned with perfectly sautéed mushrooms, creating a dish that feels special any night of the week.

This recipe works beautifully because it highlights the natural, rich flavors of its simple components. By focusing on quality chicken and fresh mushrooms, you get a deeply satisfying meal that’s both flavorful and incredibly straightforward to prepare.

What you can expect is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The chicken breasts, cooked to tender perfection, offer a juicy counterpoint to the earthy, savory mushrooms. Each bite is packed with umami, making this a truly satisfying experience. This is a wonderfully approachable dish for any home cook looking to elevate their weeknight dinner routine with minimal effort.

Customization & Variations

While delicious as written, this dish is wonderfully adaptable. Consider swapping in different mushroom varieties like cremini or shiitake for a slightly different flavor profile. You could also add a touch of fresh thyme or rosemary along with the mushrooms for an herbal note. If you prefer a lighter dish, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, adjusting cooking time as needed.

Serve Chef John's Chicken and Mushrooms as the centerpiece of a cozy dinner. It pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a light pilaf.

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