Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

• 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced

• 5 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 small onion, finely diced (optional)

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half for lighter version)

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Chicken:
   Season chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.

2. Sear Chicken:
   Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Cook Mushrooms & Garlic:
   In the same skillet, add mushrooms and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic (and onion, if using) and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Make Sauce:
   Pour in chicken broth and simmer 2 minutes, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Add cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir until sauce is smooth and begins to thicken.

5. Finish Chicken:
   Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over top, and simmer 5–7 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is creamy.

6. Serve:
   Garnish with parsley. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a complete meal.