Ingredients
Method
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil.
- Add butter to the same skillet, letting it melt and pick up those beautiful browned bits. Toss in sliced mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes until they release their moisture and turn golden.
- Push mushrooms to one side and add diced onion to the empty space. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and thyme, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spooning that luscious creamy mushroom sauce over each piece. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through and let the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Smart Substitutions: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half to lighten things up, use chicken thighs for extra juiciness, or try cremini mushrooms if baby bellas aren't available. Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking mushrooms – they'll steam instead of browning. Avoid boiling the cream sauce, which can cause curdling. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in airtight containers. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. Freezing isn't recommended as cream sauces can separate when thawed.
