When it comes to creating a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for everyone in the family, this delicious chicken recipe for the whole family is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chicken drumsticks and thighs simmered in a creamy mushroom sauce, filled with aromatic flavors of thyme, garlic, and parsley. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table and leaves no leftovers behind.
Whether it’s a weekend dinner, a family gathering, or just a cozy night in, this chicken recipe is simple to prepare and bursting with rich, comforting flavors. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create this family-friendly meal.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Recipe
- Perfect for family meals: The combination of tender chicken and creamy sauce is a universal favorite.
- Simple ingredients: Everything you need is easy to find and probably already in your kitchen.
- Rich, flavorful sauce: The mushroom and cream sauce elevates the dish into something special.
- Versatile: Serve it with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it in advance and reheat when ready to serve.
This dish is the perfect way to bring everyone together over a delicious, home-cooked meal.
Ingredients for the Delicious Chicken Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy and flavorful chicken recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken drumsticks | 6 pcs |
| Chicken thighs | 4 pcs |
| Butter | 3 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 2 pcs |
| Mushrooms (sliced) | 300 g |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Flour | 1 tablespoon |
| Dry white wine | 120 ml |
| Chicken broth | 450 ml |
| Cream | 160 ml |
| Parsley (chopped, for garnish) | To taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Delicious Chicken Recipe
1. Prepare the Chicken
The key to flavorful chicken is seasoning and browning it well:
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle the chicken drumsticks and thighs generously with salt and black pepper.
- Brown the chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown on all sides. This process locks in flavor and creates a rich base for the sauce. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Aromatics
Building a flavorful base is essential for a great sauce:
- Sauté onions: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the finely chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent.
- Add mushrooms: Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are browned and have released their moisture.
- Garlic time: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Make the Sauce
The sauce ties the whole dish together:
- Add flour: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir to combine. Cook for a minute or two to remove the raw taste of the flour.
- Pour in the wine: Slowly add the dry white wine, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Let it simmer for a minute to cook off the alcohol.
- Chicken broth and cream: Stir in the chicken broth, cream, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
4. Cook the Chicken
The chicken absorbs all the flavors of the sauce as it cooks:
- Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken cook for about 30 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Finish and Serve
The final touches bring everything together:
- Remove bay leaves: Take out the bay leaves from the skillet.
- Taste and adjust: Check the seasoning and add more salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Serve: Serve the chicken with the creamy mushroom sauce over a bed of rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a complete meal.
Tips for Making Perfect Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
- Don’t skip browning: Browning the chicken adds a deep, savory flavor to the dish.
- Use fresh mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms provide the best flavor and texture for the sauce.
- Choose the right cream: Use heavy cream or whipping cream for a rich, velvety sauce.
- Wine substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, replace it with additional chicken broth.
- Thicken the sauce: For a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
Nutritional Benefits of This Chicken Recipe
This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients:
- Chicken: A great source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Mushrooms: Rich in antioxidants, B vitamins, and minerals like selenium.
- Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties and heart health benefits.
- Parsley: Adds freshness and is high in vitamins A, C, and K.
Creative Ways to Serve This Chicken Dish
This recipe is versatile and pairs well with many sides:
- With pasta: Serve over fettuccine or tagliatelle for a comforting Italian-inspired meal.
- With rice: Fluffy white or brown rice soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- With potatoes: Pair with mashed or roasted potatoes for a hearty dinner.
- With vegetables: Serve alongside steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots for added nutrition.
FAQs About This Delicious Chicken Recipe
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of drumsticks and thighs?
Yes, you can. However, chicken breasts tend to cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
2. What can I use instead of dry white wine?
You can replace the wine with extra chicken broth or use apple cider vinegar for a slight tangy flavor.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish up to the point of simmering the chicken. Let it cool, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat gently when ready to serve.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
5. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze it. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
6. What type of mushrooms work best?
Cremini or button mushrooms are great choices, but you can also use shiitake or portobello mushrooms for a deeper flavor.
Conclusion: A Recipe Your Family Will Love
This delicious chicken recipe for the whole family is a surefire way to bring comfort and joy to your dinner table. With tender chicken simmered in a creamy mushroom sauce, it’s a dish that’s easy to prepare yet packed with flavor. Serve it over your favorite side dish and watch your family dig in with smiles.
So, why wait? Gather your ingredients and start cooking this irresistible chicken recipe today. Your family will thank you, and you’ll have a new go-to meal for any occasion!
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Delicious Chicken Recipe for the Whole Family!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
Description
Tender chicken drumsticks and thighs are cooked to golden perfection and then simmered in a creamy, savory mushroom sauce infused with thyme, garlic, and a hint of white wine. This delicious chicken recipe for the whole family is a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners. Pair it with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 4 chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 300 g mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 120 ml dry white wine
- 450 ml chicken broth
- 160 ml cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken drumsticks and thighs with salt and black pepper.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent.
- Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are browned and their moisture has evaporated.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Make the Sauce:
- Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well to combine. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw taste of the flour.
- Slowly pour in the dry white wine, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth, cream, bay leaves, and thyme. Stir and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. Cook the Chicken:
- Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer for about 30 minutes, or until cooked through and tender.
5. Finish and Serve:
- Remove the bay leaves from the skillet.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch.
- Serve the chicken with the creamy mushroom sauce over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Use fresh mushrooms, such as cremini or button mushrooms, for the best flavor and texture.
- If you don’t have white wine, substitute with extra chicken broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: International
