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Tender Chicken Delight

By deiv3 on August 28, 2024

Ingredients:4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional, but recommended)

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Cooked rice or pasta, for serving

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken and help create a delicious base for the sauce.
Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be cooked through but still tender. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, or until fragrant. If you're using mushrooms, add them now and cook until they are tender and browned.
Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds great flavor to the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Continue to simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
Finish the Dish: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over them. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and has absorbed some of the sauce's flavor. Stir in the lemon juice and Parmesan cheese, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce and add a rich, creamy texture.
Garnish and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve the Tender Chicken Delight over cooked rice or pasta to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Tips:For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can make a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water, then adding it to the simmering sauce.

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor