Pile s Gabi i Smetana
Chicken with Mushrooms and Cream
A comforting Bulgarian dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce. This dish is a popular choice for family dinners, often served with rice or mashed potatoes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g Chicken breast or thighs(cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 250 g Mushrooms(sliced)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 250 ml All-purpose cream
- 100 ml Chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tbsp Flour(for dredging chicken)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Dried thyme(optional)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge them in flour, shaking off any excess.
💡 Tip: Dredging helps to create a golden crust and slightly thickens the sauce. - 2
Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the floured chicken and sear until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- 3
Add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter to the same skillet. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- 4
Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme if using.
- 5
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- 6
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the all-purpose cream. Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Simmer gently for 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Do not boil the sauce after adding the cream.
💡 Tip: Low heat is crucial to prevent the cream from separating. - 7
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Stir in chopped fresh parsley just before serving.
💡 Tip: Fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness and color.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer sauce, you can use heavy cream instead of all-purpose cream.
- ✓Ensure mushrooms are well-browned for maximum flavor.
- ✓This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a splash of white wine when sautéing the onions and mushrooms for extra depth of flavor.
- Include a pinch of nutmeg in the sauce for a subtle warmth.
- For a touch of tanginess, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce.