Cheesy Chicken Mushroom Bake (Printable)
Tender chicken and mushrooms baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce—simple, comforting dinner ready in under an hour.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
→ Vegetables
02 - 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
→ Sauce & Dairy
05 - 3/4 cup heavy cream
06 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
07 - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
08 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
→ Spices & Herbs
11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
14 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
02 - Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
04 - Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and all released liquid has evaporated.
05 - Sprinkle the flour over the cooked mushrooms and stir continuously for 1 minute to form a light roux and cook off the raw flour taste.
06 - Gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
07 - Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in half of the mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
08 - Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Pour the mushroom-cheese sauce evenly over each piece of chicken.
09 - Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the assembled casserole.
10 - Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the top is bubbly and golden brown.
11 - Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- That golden, blistered cheese crust on top hides the laziest, most satisfying weeknight dinner you will ever make.
- Everything cooks in one pan on the stove before it finishes in the oven, so cleanup is almost embarrassingly easy.
02 -
- Do not rush the mushroom browning step because soggy, pale mushrooms will water down the entire sauce.
- A splash of dry white wine added with the cream completely transforms the depth of flavor.
03 -
- Let the assembled bake sit for five full minutes before cutting in or the sauce will run everywhere and you will lose that beautiful presentation.
- If your chicken breasts are very thick, slice them in half horizontally so they cook through without the cheese burning on top.