Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake 🍗🍄
Rich, Cozy, and Full of Flavor!
A heartwarming casserole made with seared chicken, buttery mushrooms, and a luscious creamy sauce—all baked under a gooey layer of Muenster cheese. Perfect for chilly nights or weeknight comfort.
Ingredients
- 3 large chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Flour for coating + 2 tbsp for thickening
- ½ cup dry sherry (or halal white grape juice as substitute)
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 6 slices Muenster cheese
Instructions
1. Prep and Sear the Chicken
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, then lightly coat each piece with flour.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden (doesn’t need to be fully cooked).
- Transfer chicken to a lightly greased baking dish.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook until browned and liquid evaporates—about 6–8 minutes.
- Spread mushrooms over the chicken in the baking dish.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
- Melt remaining 2 tbsp butter in the same pan.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Stir in 2 tbsp flour and cook for 1 minute, forming a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the dry sherry (or grape juice), scraping up the brown bits.
- Slowly add the heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens—about 3–5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. Assemble and Bake
- Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken and mushrooms.
- Lay Muenster cheese slices on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
To Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and serve with buttery mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up all that creamy goodness!
Chef’s Tips
- Don’t skip searing the chicken—it adds a deep, savory flavor base.
- Muenster cheese melts beautifully, but feel free to try mozzarella or provolone for variation.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, reduce the flour or add a splash of chicken broth at the end.
