Creamy Chicken Breasts with Mushroom and Leek: A Delicious and Easy Dinner
Is it just me or do leeks make everything taste better. I am surprised they are not used more often.
Are you looking for a simple yet satisfying meal that can be made in one pan and ready in 30 minutes or less?
If so, you will love this recipe for creamy chicken breasts with mushroom and leek.
This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
It features tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich and creamy sauce, with caramelized leeks and earthy mushrooms adding extra flavor and texture.
Serve it with some crusty bread, rice, or pasta, and a green salad, and you have a complete and balanced meal that everyone will enjoy.
The History of Creamy Chicken Breasts with Mushroom and Leek
Creamy chicken dishes have been around for a long time, and they are popular in many cuisines around the world.
One of the most famous examples is chicken alfredo, which originated in Rome in the early 20th century.
Alfredo di Lelio, a restaurateur, created the dish for his pregnant wife, who had lost her appetite.
He cooked some fettuccine and tossed it with butter and Parmesan cheese, creating a simple but decadent sauce.
Later he added chicken to the dish and served it at his restaurant, where it became a hit with American tourists.
Another well-known creamy chicken dish is chicken and mushroom pie, which is a staple of British cuisine.
The origins of this dish are unclear, but it may have been influenced by French cooking, as many British dishes were.
The pie consists of a flaky pastry crust filled with chicken and mushrooms in a creamy sauce, often flavored with herbs, wine, or mustard.
It is baked until golden and crisp, and served hot with mashed potatoes, gravy, and vegetables.
Creamy chicken with mushroom and leek is a variation of these classic dishes, combining elements from both.
Creamy mushroom sauces were already popular, so it was a natural progression to add leeks to the mix for a little extra flavor and texture.
Some cooks add garlic or shallots to the sauce, while others use different types of mushrooms or swap out the cream for sour cream or yogurt.
The dish can be made with whole chicken breasts, or cut into bite-sized pieces or strips, depending on your preference.
creamy chicken with mushroom and leek Tips and Tricks:
Here are some tips and tricks to make your creamy chicken with mushroom and leek even better:
- Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This will speed up the cooking time and ensure even browning and doneness.
- Season the chicken well with salt and pepper before cooking. This will enhance the flavor and texture of the meat and help it form a nice crust. You can also add other seasonings, such as paprika, garlic powder, or dried herbs, for more flavor.
- Use a large skillet or saucepan with a heavy bottom and a lid. This will allow you to cook everything in one pan and prevent the sauce from burning or sticking. The lid will help trap the steam and moisture, which will keep the chicken moist and tender.
- Use butter and olive oil to cook the chicken, the leeks, and the mushrooms. Butter will add more flavor and richness, while olive oil will prevent the butter from burning and add more healthy fats. You can also use canola or vegetable oil.
- Cook the leeks and the mushrooms separately from the chicken. This will allow you to caramelize them and bring out their natural sweetness and flavor. To do this, cook the leeks first over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and golden.
Then, cook the mushrooms over medium high heat, without stirring, until they are golden. You can also add some garlic or shallots to the leeks and mushrooms for more flavor and aroma. Use heavy cream to make the sauce. This will give you a thick and creamy sauce that will coat the chicken and the vegetables.
You can use any herbs that you like, such as parsley, thyme, rosemary, sage, or tarragon. You can also add some mustard, cheese, or bacon for more flavor and texture.
- Simmer the sauce until it is reduced and thickened. This will concentrate the flavor and make the sauce more luscious and velvety.
Easy 30-Minute Creamy Chicken Breasts with Mushroom and Leek
Equipment
- 1 Measuring Spoons I love these spoons
Ingredients
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- salt and pepper
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 1/2 pound brown mushrooms about 16-18 mushrooms gently cleaned with a damp paper towel
- 3 leeks sliced into 1/8 inch rounds white and pale green parts only
- 1/3 cup drinkable white wine
- 1 cup cream or half and half, or milk
Instructions
- To prepare the chicken, start at the thicker end of the chicken breast and use a sharp knife to cut the chicken breast in half into two thinner cutlets. Trim any excess fat and season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 tablespoon each of butter and olive oil until the butter melts. Place 3 chicken breasts in the pan and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until one side is nicely browned and cooking through. Flip with tongs and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the thickest part reaches 160°F. Transfer to a plate, tent with aluminum foil, and let it rest.
- Using paper towels, wipe the pan and add 1/2 tablespoon of butter along with the remaining olive oil. Repeat the process with the remaining three chicken breasts and transfer them to the plate with the previously cooked chicken.
- Wipe the pan once more and melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and leeks to the pan with a pinch of kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for approximately 5 minutes or until the mushrooms are softened, and the leeks are softened.
- Pour in the wine and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Introduce the cream or half and half, increase the heat to medium-high, and cook for 5 minutes until the cream coats the back of a spoon and slightly reduces. Stir in the last tablespoon of butter for added gloss, and adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Add the chicken breasts back to the pan and top with the sauce, or transfer to serving plates and spoon sauce over them then.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Nutrition
Easy 30-Minute Creamy Chicken Breasts with Mushroom and Leek Pairs well with:
