Creamy Parmesan Herb Mushroom Chicken
This dish features chicken thighs pan-seared and oven-roasted, then served with a creamy Parmesan sauce enriched with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and Italian herbs. The sauce uses evaporated milk thickened with cornstarch and includes fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for a velvety texture and savory depth. Optional vegetables like spinach or steamed broccoli can be stirred in for added color and nutrition.
Ingredients
FOR THE CHICKEN:
- 6 chicken thighs skin on or off, bone in or out
- 2-3 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
FOR THE SAUCE:
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 400 g mushrooms sliced
- 1 teaspoons basil dried
- 1 teaspoons oregano dried
- 2 teaspoons parsley chopped, fresh
- 1½ cups evaporated milk half and half or cream if using: see notes
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder or stock powder
- 1 pinch salt to taste
- 1 pinch black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch cornflour mixed with 2 tablespoons of extra 2% milk
- ¾ cup Parmesan Cheese fresh grated, divided
- ¼ cup parsley chopped, to serve, fresh
OPTIONAL ADD IN:
- 2 cups spinach
- 2 cups broccoli lightly steamed, florets
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C | 400°F.
- Season chicken with garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Heat cooking oil spray in a large, non stick and oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Sear chicken thighs until golden and crispy on each side (about 3-4 minutes each side).
- Transfer chicken to the oven and roast until completely cooked through, (about 25-30 minutes).
- Once chicken is done, transfer to a warm plate and set aside. Drain some of the excess fat from the skillet, reserving 2 tablespoons for added flavour.
- Return skillet to the stove over medium-high heat and sauté the garlic in the pan juices until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add the mushrooms, herbs and 2 teaspoons of parsley and fry until mushrooms begin to soften.
- Reduce heat to low-medium heat, add the milk (or cream) and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and being careful not to boil. Add in the bullion powder and season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Pour the milk/cornstarch mixture to the centre of the pan, and continue to simmer while quickly stirring the mixture through until the sauce thickens.
- Add ½ cup of parmesan cheese; allow sauce to simmer for a further minute until cheese melts through the sauce. Add the chicken back into the pan and allow to simmer for 1-2 minutes in the cream to take on the flavours. Taste test and add extra salt or pepper, if desired.
- At this point, add in the optional add-ins, if desired. Allow spinach to wilt (if using).Sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup of parsley and ¼ cup parmesan cheese.
- Serve with steamed rice, over steamed vegetables or pasta.
Notes
- Chicken breasts can replace thighs; cook breasts by simmering in sauce until fully cooked rather than oven roasting.
- If dried basil and oregano are unavailable, substitute with 2 teaspoons Italian herbs.
- For dairy-free versions, use plant-based milks like almond, coconut, or rice milk instead of evaporated milk, but adjust thickness accordingly.
- Alternatively, use half and half, heavy cream, or reduced-fat cream without cornstarch thickening.
- Look for gluten-free cornstarch if gluten avoidance is necessary.
- The recipe has been tested for consistent outcomes; follow instructions for best results.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 296
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 296kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 14g | 5% |
| Protein | 32g | 64% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.02g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 124mg | 41% |
| Sodium | 474mg | 20% |
| Potassium | 857mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 1.62IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 36mg | 40% |
| Calcium | 364mg | 36% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.