Chicken breast with mushrooms

Chicken with Mushrooms and Bacon - A Simple and Delicious Recipe for the Whole Family

When it comes to dishes that combine flavor with simplicity, the Chicken with Mushrooms and Bacon recipe is one of the most beloved. This meal is not only easy to make, but it also offers an explosion of flavors that will delight the taste buds of the entire family. I invite you to discover the steps of this recipe and let yourself be carried away by its deliciousness.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 1 chicken breast (approximately 500 g)
- 300 g fresh mushrooms (preferably champignon or oyster mushrooms)
- 300 g sour cream (ideally with 20% fat for a creamier texture)
- 200 g smoked bacon (can be replaced with pancetta for a different taste)
- 50 g butter
- 3 egg yolks
- 3 cloves of garlic (all fresh for an intense flavor)
- 3 green onions (or one small onion, depending on your preference)
- 200 ml white wine (a dry wine will add a touch of elegance)
- Salt, black pepper, thyme (to taste)

A Bit of History

This recipe combines traditional elements with modern influences, serving as a perfect example of comfort food. Dishes with chicken and mushrooms are often associated with family meals, having a long-standing tradition of bringing people together. In various cultures, mushrooms are considered a versatile ingredient, rich in nutrients, and the combination with chicken makes this dish a healthy and satisfying choice.

Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cleaning and washing the chicken breast. Cut it into small, even-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Also, wash the mushrooms under cold running water and slice them. If using green onions, chop them finely, and you can either finely chop or crush the garlic cloves to release their aroma.

Step 2: Searing the Chicken
In a large skillet, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear them on all sides for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Cooking the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, deglaze with vegetable broth (or water if you don't have broth on hand) and add the chicken pieces. Add the chopped garlic, pepper, and thyme, and then salt to taste. Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Adding the Sour Cream
After 20 minutes, add the sour cream and let it simmer for another 3 minutes. This step will add a wonderful creaminess to the sauce.

Step 5: Preparing the Bacon
In a separate skillet, add a piece of butter and let it melt. Add the bacon slices and let them sauté until tender, about 10 minutes. Add the wine and cook until the alcohol evaporates and the bacon is well cooked.

Step 6: Boiling the Mushrooms
In another pot, boil the mushrooms for 15 minutes in salted water. This step will help eliminate the earthy taste and ensure a more pleasant texture.

Step 7: Assembling the Dish
In a greased baking dish, layer a portion of the bacon slices, followed by the chicken pieces. Continue with another layer of bacon and finish with the boiled mushrooms. Pour the remaining sour cream from the chicken over the last layer.

Step 8: Final Sauce
Use the liquid from the bacon and mix it with the 3 beaten egg yolks. This combination will create a rich and delicious sauce. Pour the sauce over the mushrooms.

Step 9: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the dish for 30 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely and a light golden crust forms on top.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot, alongside steaming polenta or mashed potatoes to complete the meal. A fresh green salad drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar would add a note of freshness. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine will perfectly balance the rich flavors of the dish.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the Meat: Opt for fresh, skinless chicken breast for a healthier option. You can also use chicken thighs for juicier meat.
- Bacon: If you don't have bacon, pancetta is an excellent alternative, providing a similar flavor but less smokiness.
- Mushrooms: Feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or porcini, to add a unique touch to the dish.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Be sure to marinate them well to impart flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe offers an excellent combination of protein from the chicken and mushrooms, vitamins and minerals from the onion and garlic, while the sour cream adds a calcium boost. Bacon, although fattier, provides an intense and rich flavor, and the white wine adds antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I replace the sour cream with something else?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or a plant-based alternative to reduce fat content.

2. Can the dish be frozen?
Yes, the dish can be frozen, but it is recommended not to add the sour cream until you are ready to cook it.

3. How long does it last in the fridge?
It can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container.

4. Can it be adapted for special diets?
Absolutely! You can adapt the ingredients to fit a gluten-free or keto diet by replacing the sour cream with a lower-calorie option and excluding the bacon.

Happy cooking, and don't forget to enjoy every bite! This Chicken with Mushrooms and Bacon recipe is perfect for gathering the family around the table and creating delicious memories. Bon appétit!