Muenster Chicken and Mushrooms: A Creamy, Delicious Recipe for Dinner

Are you looking for a comforting and flavorful dinner that’s easy to make? Look no further than Muenster Chicken and Mushrooms! This recipe features tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with melty, gooey Muenster cheese. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

This dish combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the mild, buttery taste of Muenster cheese, creating a harmonious and satisfying experience. The creamy sauce adds richness and depth, making each bite a delight. Plus, it’s relatively quick and easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

## Why You’ll Love This Muenster Chicken and Mushrooms Recipe

* **Flavorful and Delicious:** The combination of mushrooms, creamy sauce, and Muenster cheese creates a truly irresistible flavor profile.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for beginner cooks.
* **Comfort Food:** The creamy sauce and melty cheese make this dish incredibly comforting and satisfying.
* **Versatile:** Serve it over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by adding different vegetables, herbs, or spices.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients:

* **Chicken Breasts:** Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the dish. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer.
* **Mushrooms:** Cremini mushrooms are a classic choice, but you can also use button mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, or a combination of different varieties.
* **Muenster Cheese:** This mild, buttery cheese melts beautifully and adds a delicious flavor to the dish. Don’t substitute with overly sharp cheese, as it will overpower the dish.
* **Heavy Cream:** The key to the creamy sauce. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
* **Chicken Broth:** Adds depth and flavor to the sauce.
* **Garlic:** Minced garlic provides a pungent aroma and enhances the overall flavor.
* **Onion:** Diced onion forms the base of the sauce and adds sweetness.
* **Butter:** Used for sautéing the vegetables and adding richness to the sauce.
* **Olive Oil:** Used for searing the chicken breasts.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** Used to thicken the sauce.
* **Dried Thyme:** Adds a subtle herbal note.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh parsley, chives, or green onions for garnish.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
* Cutting Board
* Knife
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
* Wooden Spoon or Spatula

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to make Muenster Chicken and Mushrooms:

### Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them sear properly and develop a nice golden-brown crust.
2. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Don’t be shy with the seasoning, as it will add flavor to the chicken.

### Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. The oil should be shimmering but not smoking.
2. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, sear the chicken in batches.
3. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Tent it with foil to keep it warm.

### Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
4. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened and browned, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

### Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mushrooms and onions. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
2. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits. These browned bits add flavor to the sauce.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

### Step 5: Add the Chicken and Cheese

1. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy mushroom sauce.
2. Top each chicken breast with slices of Muenster cheese. Use a generous amount of cheese for maximum meltiness.
3. Cover the skillet and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, you can place the skillet under the broiler for a minute or two to melt the cheese.

### Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or green onions, if desired.
2. Serve immediately over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or alongside your favorite vegetables.

## Tips for the Best Muenster Chicken and Mushrooms

* **Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing the chicken.** Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pan and prevent the chicken from browning properly. Sear the chicken in batches if necessary.
* **Use fresh, high-quality ingredients.** The better the ingredients, the better the flavor of the dish.
* **Don’t overcook the chicken.** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
* **Adjust the seasoning to your liking.** Taste the sauce and adjust the salt, pepper, and thyme as needed.
* **For a thicker sauce,** simmer it for a longer period of time. For a thinner sauce, add a little more chicken broth.
* **If you don’t have Muenster cheese,** you can substitute with provolone, mozzarella, or Gruyere cheese. However, Muenster is really the best choice for this recipe because of its mild, buttery flavor and excellent melting properties.
* **Add a splash of white wine to the sauce** after sautéing the vegetables for added depth of flavor. A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well.
* **A squeeze of lemon juice** at the end brightens the flavors of the dish.
* **Consider adding spinach:** Add a few handfuls of fresh spinach to the pan during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing it to wilt into the sauce for added nutrients and color.

## Serving Suggestions

Muenster Chicken and Mushrooms is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Over Rice:** Serve it over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or wild rice for a simple and satisfying meal.
* **Over Pasta:** Toss it with your favorite pasta, such as fettuccine, linguine, or penne.
* **With Mashed Potatoes:** Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and classic combination.
* **With Vegetables:** Serve it alongside your favorite vegetables, such as roasted broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
* **With Crusty Bread:** Serve with a crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Chicken Thighs:** Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a richer flavor.
* **Different Mushrooms:** Experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake, oyster, or portobello mushrooms.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
* **Herbs:** Use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs for a more vibrant flavor. Rosemary or oregano would be nice additions.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots.
* **Lighter Version:** Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce. You can also use a lighter butter substitute.
* **Dairy-Free Version:** Substitute the butter with olive oil and the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

## Make Ahead and Storage

* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the chicken and mushroom sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and add the chicken and cheese.
* **Storage:** Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat leftovers in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce is too thick.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 450-550 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g

*Note: This is just an estimate. Actual nutritional values will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Muenster Chicken and Mushrooms Recipe

Here is the complete recipe for Muenster Chicken and Mushrooms:

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 45 minutes
**Servings:** 4

**Ingredients:**

* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
* 8 ounces Muenster cheese, sliced
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 small onion, diced
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional garnishes: Fresh parsley, chives, or green onions

**Instructions:**

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened and browned, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mushrooms and onions. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
6. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
7. Stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Top each chicken breast with slices of Muenster cheese.
9. Cover the skillet and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, broil for a minute or two to melt the cheese.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or green onions, if desired.
11. Serve immediately over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or alongside your favorite vegetables.

Enjoy your delicious Muenster Chicken and Mushrooms!

## Conclusion

Muenster Chicken and Mushrooms is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple instructions, and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal!