There’s something about a dish that combines creamy and tangy flavors—it’s like a little culinary symphony. When I stumbled upon this Creamy Balsamic Chicken with Mushrooms recipe, it felt like discovering a secret garden of taste. Imagine tender chicken bathed in a luscious balsamic sauce, with mushrooms adding an earthy note—it’s comfort and elegance on a plate.
Steps
- Combine balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and dried thyme in a small bowl to make the sauce. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and cook the chicken until browned and fully cooked, about 8 minutes on the first side and 5 minutes on the second.
- While the chicken is cooking, clean and halve the mushrooms. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and cover it to keep warm.
- Add the mushrooms to the same skillet, using the leftover oil and chicken fat. Sauté them until they are tender and browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the prepared balsamic sauce into the skillet. Stir to loosen any browned bits from the skillet’s bottom, and let the sauce simmer until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the butter until it melts into the sauce. Return the chicken to the skillet, turning it to coat in the sauce, and let it simmer briefly to rewarm.
- Serve the dish hot, ensuring to drizzle the extra pan sauce over the chicken and mushrooms for added flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (approximately 1.25 lbs total)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons butter
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1289.6 kcal | Carbohydrates: 33.12 g | Protein: 114.4 g | Fat: 81.4 g | Sodium: 2803.32 mg | Fiber: 2.52 g
FAQ
- What can I serve alongside Balsamic Chicken and Mushrooms?
- This dish pairs wonderfully with Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes and steamed green beans. The flavorful balsamic sauce also complements Browned Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Roasted Asparagus and Tomatoes, Roasted Vegetable Couscous, or Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad.
- Which mushrooms are suitable for this recipe?
- Baby bella mushrooms are recommended, but white button mushrooms can also be used. The sauce is so rich and flavorful that it will enhance any type of mushroom used.
- Should I be concerned about the brown bits in the skillet?
- Not at all! These browned bits, known as fond, are packed with flavor. Making a pan sauce helps dissolve them, adding depth to your dish and making clean-up easier.
- How do I make a simple pan sauce?
- First, brown your meat in a skillet and then remove it. Add a liquid like broth, stock, or balsamic vinegar to the skillet and stir to release the browned bits. Let the liquid reduce by half, then add butter and stir to thicken. Pour over your cooked meat and enjoy!
- Can I modify the pan sauce with other ingredients?
- Absolutely! Consider enhancing the sauce with garlic, shallots, herbs, spices, or even a touch of jam or jelly for additional flavor.
Tips
- Maximize Flavor with Fond: Don’t be intimidated by the browned bits left in the skillet after cooking the chicken. These are caramelized proteins, known as fond, which are packed with flavor. Using a liquid like balsamic vinegar to deglaze the pan will dissolve these bits and incorporate their rich taste into your sauce.
- Mushroom Selection: While the recipe uses baby bella mushrooms, white button mushrooms can be a suitable alternative. The sauce’s robust flavor ensures that either type will work well without compromising the dish’s taste.
- Thorough Mushroom Sautéing: Ensure the mushrooms are cooked until slightly tender and browned on the outside. This step enhances their flavor and texture, complementing the dish’s overall richness.
- Serve with Complementary Sides: Pair your Balsamic Chicken and Mushrooms with sides that can soak up the delicious sauce, such as Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes or Roasted Vegetable Couscous, to enhance the meal’s flavor profile.
Equipment
- Color Cutting Boards – If you don’t already have a set of dedicated cutting boards, especially color-coded ones for different types of food, it might be helpful to purchase them.
- Chef’s Knife – A good quality chef’s knife is essential for efficiently cutting ingredients like chicken and mushrooms.
- Stainless Steel Pots and Pans – If you don’t have a high-quality stainless steel skillet, investing in one can be beneficial for making pan sauces and achieving a nice sear on meats.
