If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet comforting enough for any weeknight, the Balsamic Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table. Tender chicken cutlets are seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a luscious, creamy mushroom sauce with just the right hint of tangy balsamic vinegar, creating a dish that’s incredibly rich, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to whip up. This recipe seamlessly blends savory mushrooms, aromatic garlic, and a touch of Italian seasoning to make every bite a delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Balsamic Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe right starts with using straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a key role in bringing depth, creaminess, and a hint of acidity to the dish, making it both balanced and irresistible.
- Chicken breasts: Using large, fresh chicken breasts ensures juicy and tender results when cut thinly for even cooking.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and mushrooms.
- DeLallo Private Reserve Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps achieve that perfect golden sear on the chicken.
- Butter: Introduces a velvety richness that marries beautifully with the mushrooms and sauce.
- Cremini mushrooms: These add earthiness and a meaty texture that complements the cream sauce perfectly.
- Garlic: Offers a fragrant punch to elevate the flavor profile wonderfully.
- Italian seasoning: A subtle herb blend that adds an herby undertone without overpowering the dish.
- Dry white wine or chicken broth: Creates a flavorful base that deglazes the pan and lifts all the savory bits into the sauce.
- DeLallo Balsamic Vinegar of Modena: Provides the signature tang and sweetness that distinguishes this recipe.
- Cornstarch: Works as a thickener for the sauce, giving it that perfect creamy consistency.
- Heavy/whipping cream: Enriches the sauce to make it luxuriously smooth and indulgent.
- Fresh chopped parsley: Optional, but highly recommended for a fresh pop of color and mild brightness on top.
How to Make Balsamic Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season Your Chicken
Begin by slicing your chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets that cook quickly and evenly. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, which is the foundation for flavor in this dish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces carefully so they sizzle on contact. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden crust. This step seals in the juices and gives the chicken irresistible flavor. Once done, transfer the chicken to a clean plate to rest.
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms in Butter
Drop the butter into the same skillet and let it melt gently. Toss in the sliced cremini mushrooms and stir occasionally. Cook until the mushrooms release their moisture, which then evaporates, allowing them to brown nicely. These caramelized mushrooms add a savory depth to your sauce that makes this Balsamic Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe truly special.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Stir in the minced garlic and sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the mushrooms. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth if preferred) and balsamic vinegar. Let this mixture reduce by about half, concentrating the flavors and creating a slightly syrupy base.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce with Cream and Cornstarch
In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with two teaspoons of cold water until smooth. Lower the heat to medium, then stir the heavy cream and cornstarch slurry into the skillet. This step transforms the pan juices into a luxurious, creamy mushroom sauce that clings to the chicken beautifully.
Step 6: Simmer to Finish
Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Allow everything to simmer gently for 5 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking. Give it a final seasoning adjustment with salt and pepper, then sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of herbaceous freshness.
How to Serve Balsamic Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is an ideal finishing touch, adding color and a mild herbal brightness that balances the richness of the creamy mushroom sauce. If you want a little extra flair, a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese can elevate the dish even further.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with simple sides that can soak up all the luscious sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery pasta, or steamed rice make fantastic companions. You can also opt for roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad to add freshness and contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant dinner, serve the chicken slices fanned out on a large platter with the sauce spooned generously over the top. Garnish with sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary for visual appeal. Individual plating with a light drizzle of balsamic reduction adds a gourmet touch that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Balsamic Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your meal even tastier the next day.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently to avoid separating the cream sauce.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce over low heat in a skillet or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much. This will preserve that silky texture and comforting flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Absolutely! While cremini mushrooms add great flavor and texture, you can substitute with button, shiitake, or even portobello mushrooms for a unique twist on the classic sauce.
Is it necessary to use white wine?
Not at all. Chicken broth works wonderfully as a non-alcoholic alternative, and it still adds depth to the sauce without altering the fundamental flavors of the pancetta chicken.
How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly, but be sure to dissolve it well before adding. For a thinner sauce, simply add a bit more cream or broth until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I prepare this dish for a crowd?
This recipe scales up nicely, so feel free to multiply the ingredients. Using a large skillet or two will help keep everything cooking evenly and ensure all your guests enjoy perfectly cooked balsamic chicken.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients here are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your balsamic vinegar and broth labels if you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the full scoop on this delicious Balsamic Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe, I encourage you to dive right in and give it a try. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy without much fuss, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself to a cozy meal. Once you taste that balance of tangy balsamic and creamy mushrooms coating tender chicken, this will definitely become a favorite go-to in your recipe box!
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Balsamic Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy balsamic chicken recipe is a delightful blend of tender chicken cutlets cooked to golden perfection, then simmered in a rich sauce made with cremini mushrooms, garlic, white wine, and balsamic vinegar. Finished with heavy cream and a touch of Italian seasoning, this easy stovetop dish delivers a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons DeLallo Private Reserve Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Mushroom Sauce
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 2 tablespoons DeLallo Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons cold water (for slurry)
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
For Serving
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner cutlets. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Heat oil: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to heat thoroughly.
- Cook chicken: Add the chicken cutlets to the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté mushrooms: Lower the heat slightly; add butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Add the sliced cremini mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture, the liquid evaporates, and they are nicely seared.
- Add aromatics and liquids: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, then pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and balsamic vinegar. Allow the mixture to bubble and reduce by half, concentrating the flavors.
- Make cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 2 teaspoons of cold water to create a slurry that will thicken the sauce.
- Incorporate cream and slurry: Reduce heat to medium and stir the heavy cream and cornstarch slurry into the skillet. Mix well to begin thickening the sauce.
- Simmer chicken in sauce: Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them in the sauce. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened nicely. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter alternative, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but expect a less thick sauce.
- If white wine is not available, chicken broth works as a good replacement.
- Ensure the chicken cutlets are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Serve over rice, pasta, or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice color and freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
