Chicken cutlets with mushrooms

 

Chicken cutlets with mushrooms are a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for beginners. The tender chicken pairs beautifully with the rich, earthy flavours of sautéed mushrooms. This easy recipe is great for a quick dinner or lunch and goes well with mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad.

This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated techniques. The mushrooms add a lot of flavour to the dish, and the creamy option makes it even more comforting. Plus, it’s a versatile meal that you can pair with different sides.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken cutlets (thinly sliced chicken breasts)
• 200g (7 oz) mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
• 1/4 cup cream (optional, for a creamier sauce)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken:

• Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper on both sides.
  
  
• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Cook the Mushrooms:

• In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
  
  
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  
  
• Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes until the mushrooms are golden brown and have released their moisture.

Make the Sauce:

• Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and stir to combine with the mushrooms. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
  
  

• For a creamier sauce, you can stir in the cream at this point. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Combine and Serve:

• Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the pan, nestling them into the mushroom sauce. Let them heat through for 2-3 minutes.
  
  

• Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve the chicken cutlets with your choice of sides.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken cutlets cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, which can make them dry.
  
  
• Use Fresh Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms like buttons or cremini add a rich, earthy flavour to the dish. If you want more intense flavours, you can use a mix of mushrooms like shiitake or oyster.
  
  
• Customise the Sauce: The broth-based mushroom sauce is still delicious without cream. You can also add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavour.