Gentle Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Skillet for Small Portions
This gentle creamy chicken and mushroom skillet is a perfect dish for one or two people. It offers soft textures and mild flavors that make cooking and eating simple and enjoyable.
When cooking for one or two, it’s helpful to have recipes that avoid large batches and long, complicated instructions. This creamy chicken skillet comes together quickly using common kitchen staples, saving both time and energy.
The tender chicken and soft mushrooms in a smooth sauce make every bite pleasant and easy to chew. This recipe is ideal when you want a warm, simple meal without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 small boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 6-7 oz), cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms (white or cremini)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or mild vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ⅓ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or mixed herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste (use sparingly)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
You can serve this creamy chicken skillet with a small side of rice, mashed potatoes, or soft bread if you like.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Heat the oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking gently until soft and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook for 4–5 minutes, turning until lightly browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the mushrooms and cook for another 3 minutes until they soften.
- Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle with dried thyme. Let it simmer gently for 3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Lower the heat and stir in the Greek yogurt until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Heat gently without boiling to avoid curdling.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Tips and Easy Variations
Texture and prep
- Cut chicken into small, uniform pieces for a softer bite.
- Slice mushrooms thinly so they cook quickly and blend into the sauce.
- Add a splash of milk when mixing yogurt to loosen the sauce if desired.
Salt and digestion
- Use low-sodium broth and limit added salt to keep it gentle.
- Cook onions well to soften them and ease digestion.
- Choose plain Greek yogurt for gentler creaminess than sour cream.
Quick add-ins
- Add a handful of baby spinach or peas with the mushrooms for gentle veggies.
- Finely chopped carrots can be added early and cooked until very soft.
- Fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon brightens the finished dish.
Quick gentle tips
- Cut ingredients small for easy chewing and even cooking.
- Mix yogurt with a little broth before adding to prevent curdling.
- Reheat on low heat and add water or broth if the sauce tightens.
Storage and Leftovers
Fridge
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freezer
Avoid freezing when possible because the dairy sauce may separate when thawed.
Reheating
Reheat gently on low heat, adding a little water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken and mushroom skillet is a comforting, gentle meal designed just for small portions. Its simple steps and soft textures make cooking and eating enjoyable without complexity or waste.
If you’re interested in similar comforting dishes, you might also enjoy a creamy turkey and sweet potato skillet or a cozy chicken and herb skillet for gentle meals.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?▶
Yes, just thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even gentle cooking.
Is there a dairy-free substitute for the yogurt?▶
You can try a small amount of coconut cream as a substitute, though it will change the flavor slightly.