Chicken thighs with mushroom sauce

Chicken thighs with mushroom sauce – a savory and comforting dish, perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests. This recipe combines the rich flavors of mushrooms with the tenderness of chicken, resulting in a meal that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Let's embark on this culinary experience together step by step!

Preparation time
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4

Ingredients
- 4 boiled chicken thighs (preferably free-range for a more intense flavor)
- 300 g fresh mushrooms (champignon or forest mushrooms, according to preference)
- 1 small onion
- 1 cup meat broth (chicken or beef, for added flavor)
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 300 g sour cream (ideally, use heavy cream for a creamy sauce)
- Salt, pepper to taste
- Fresh dill
- Fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the thighs
If you have boiled chicken thighs, this step is already complete. If not, you can boil the thighs in salted water with a few peppercorns for about 25 minutes or until the meat is tender and easily separates from the bone. This step is essential, as the boiled thighs will add juiciness and flavor to the sauce.

Step 2: Preparing the mushroom sauce
1. Sautéing the onion: In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil or butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté over medium heat until it becomes golden and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. The onion is key to adding depth to the sauce.

2. Adding the mushrooms: When the onion is ready, add the finely chopped mushrooms, either with a knife or a food processor. Sauté them together with the onion for 5-10 minutes, until the mushrooms release their liquid and become tender.

3. Adding the broth: Pour the meat broth over the onion and mushroom mixture. Let it simmer on low heat, allowing the flavors to combine, for about 10 minutes. This is the perfect time to add a touch of warmth with your favorite spices: salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Creating the creamy sauce
1. In a small bowl, mix the flour with the sour cream until you get a smooth paste. This mixture will give the sauce consistency and prevent lumps from forming.

2. Add the sour cream and flour mixture to the skillet, stirring vigorously to incorporate it into the sauce. Continue cooking on low heat for 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.

Step 4: Finishing the dish
1. Add the boiled chicken thighs to the skillet and let them warm in the sauce for 5 minutes. This step will allow the thighs to absorb the delicious flavors of the mushroom sauce.

2. Finally, sprinkle fresh chopped dill for an extra touch of freshness and flavor.

Serving
This dish is best served alongside warm polenta or mashed potatoes, which will perfectly complement the creamy mushroom sauce. Give it a special touch by sprinkling fresh parsley on top for a color contrast and a splash of freshness. You can accompany this dish with a glass of dry white wine or herbal tea for a complete culinary experience.

Tips and tricks
- Ingredient variations: You can experiment with other types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or portobello, to add a more intense flavor. You can also add sautéed garlic to the sauce for an extra flavor boost.
- Storing the sauce: If you have leftover sauce, it can be stored in the fridge and reused for a later meal. You can use it to accompany pasta or rice.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen chicken thighs? Yes, but make sure to fully thaw them before boiling.
- How can I adapt the recipe to be healthier? You can use light sour cream or Greek yogurt to reduce the calorie count.

Calories and nutritional benefits
This dish offers an excellent balance of protein and healthy fats, with a moderate calorie content. Depending on the ingredients used, a serving can contain approximately 450-600 calories. Chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein, while mushrooms are rich in fiber and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy diet.

A personal note
This recipe for chicken thighs with mushroom sauce reminds me of family meals from my childhood, when everyone gathered around the table to enjoy dishes cooked with love. I hope you bring this joy into your home and share this dish with your loved ones!

Cook with your heart and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen. Bon appétit!