Cheesy Smothered Mushroom Chicken Recipe

This dish is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting dinner.

I love how the cheese melts over the chicken and mushrooms, creating a rich, creamy sauce.

One important tip: use a mix of mushrooms for a more complex flavor.

I recommend cooking the chicken until it’s just done, then letting it finish in the oven with the cheese to keep it juicy.

What makes this recipe special to me is the combination of tender chicken and savory mushrooms.

Don’t skip browning the mushrooms first; it adds a depth of flavor to the dish.

This recipe is perfect for a family meal or when you want something a little extra special.

Enjoy making and savoring this delicious cheesy smothered mushroom chicken!

How to Make Cheesy Smothered Mushroom Chicken

Ingredients List

• 4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 ounces Button mushrooms
• 1 unit Chicken stock
• Chicken broth (low sodium, if possible)
• 4 tablespoons Sour cream
• Mozzarella cheese
• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper
• 2-3 cloves garlic
• Fresh parsley
• 2 units Scallions
• 1-2 tablespoons Butter

Step-by-step process

Step 1

Prepare the ingredients: First, preheat your oven to 350°F.

Rinse and dry chicken breasts, and season them with salt and pepper.

Clean the button mushrooms and slice them, mince the cloves of garlic, and chop the fresh parsley. Slice scallions and set aside.

Step 2

Cook the chicken: In a nonstick skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until they have a nice golden brown sear.

Transfer them to a baking dish.

Step 3

Prepare the mushroom sauce: In the same skillet, add 1-2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt.

Add the sliced mushrooms and cook them for 2-3 minutes, making sure to let them brown and release their moisture.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Stir in the chicken stock, chicken broth, and sour cream, and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Cook for about 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens.

Step 4

Assemble the dish: Pour the mushroom sauce over the seared chicken breasts.

Add a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast.

Step 5

Bake and serve: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.

Remove from oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and sliced scallions.

Serve your Cheesy Smothered Mushroom Chicken with your favorite side dishes, like roasted potatoes or steamed veggies.

Enjoy!

Side Dishes for Cheesy Smothered Mushroom Chicken

When it comes to serving a delicious meal like Cheesy Smothered Mushroom Chicken, choosing the right side dishes can amplify the flavors and satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

Here are some scrumptious side dishes that can perfectly complement your main course:

Green Beans

You can serve fresh green beans as a simple yet flavorful side dish to accompany this rich and indulgent recipe.

Lightly steamed or sautéed with garlic, olive oil, and kosher salt, green beans add color, crunchiness, and a healthy touch to the plate.

Fresh Mushrooms

For mushroom lovers, you can prepare an additional side of sautéed fresh mushrooms to enhance the earthy flavors of the meal.

Cook them in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of butter or olive oil, and season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser and can perfectly complement the Cheesy Smothered Mushroom Chicken.

The creamy texture of mashed potatoes is a great match for the savory, rich flavors of the mushrooms and melted cheese.

Prepare them with a bit of butter, milk, and kosher salt for a heavenly side dish.

Ingredients Substitutes

When making a cheesy smothered mushroom chicken recipe, you might not have all the ingredients on hand.

Don’t worry; there are plenty of substitutes you can use.

In this section, we’ll cover some substitutions for mozzarella cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, chicken stock, and beef broth.

Mozzarella Cheese

If you don’t have mozzarella cheese available for your cheesy smothered mushroom chicken, you can try using Colby, Cheddar, or Monterey Jack cheese.

While mozzarella provides a great stretch, it doesn’t add much flavor.

Using Colby, Cheddar, or Monterey Jack cheese will give your dish a richer taste while still providing a cheesy consistency.

Sour Cream

Should you need a substitute for sour cream, consider using plain Greek yogurt.

This thick, creamy alternative provides a similar tanginess without any considerable changes to the recipe.

Plain Greek yogurt can be used at a one-to-one ratio with sour cream, making it a straightforward substitution.

Chicken Broth

In case you run out of chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or beef broth as a substitute.

Both options will add flavor to your recipe while maintaining the desired liquid consistency.

If you want to create a vegetarian version, be sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef options.

How to Store Cheesy Smothered Mushroom Chicken

To keep your delicious meal fresh and ready to consume later on, follow these storage methods:

Refrigerating

Place any leftovers in an airtight container or wrap the dish in plastic wrap.

Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, simply place it in a microwave-safe container and use the microwave, or transfer it to an oven-safe dish and heat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezing

If you want to store your cheesy smothered mushroom chicken for a longer period, freezing is a great option.

Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil.

Label the container with the date and contents, then store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

To reheat the dish, follow the same procedure as mentioned in the refrigeration method.

By using these storage methods, you can easily keep your cheesy smothered mushroom chicken safe and delicious for future meals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Chicken

Dry chicken breasts can be a common issue when preparing cheesy smothered mushroom chicken.

To ensure your chicken is juicy and tender, use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature while cooking.

The internal temperature for cooked chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Avoid cooking the chicken for too long, as this can lead to loss of moisture and a dry result.

Neglecting to Use a Meat Thermometer

Using a meat thermometer is essential in determining whether your chicken has reached the correct internal temperature, which prevents both overcooking and undercooking.

Invest in a reliable meat thermometer and always ensure that the thickest part of the chicken breast registers 165°F (74°C).

Skipping the Sautéing of Mushrooms

When preparing cheesy smothered mushroom chicken, it’s important to sauté the mushrooms until they’re golden brown and tender.

This adds an earthy and complex flavor to the dish.

Avoid skipping this crucial step or rushing the process, as undercooked mushrooms can lead to a subpar final dish.