Garlic Mushroom Chicken with Lemon Zest 

---

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
4. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

2️⃣ Sauté the Mushrooms

1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add a bit more olive oil or butter if needed.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture.

3️⃣ Make the Garlic Mushroom Sauce

1. Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the mushrooms and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and continue to cook, allowing the sauce to thicken for another 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the sauce, stirring well. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

4️⃣ Combine the Chicken and Sauce

1. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the garlic mushroom sauce over the top of the chicken.
2. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring it is heated through and fully coated with the creamy mushroom sauce.

5️⃣ Serve and Garnish

1. Transfer the chicken to serving plates, spooning the mushroom sauce over the top.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and, if desired, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Serve immediately with your favorite side dish, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple green salad.

---

🍽 Tips & Variations

✔ Add Veggies: For a more hearty dish, consider adding sautéed spinach, asparagus, or zucchini to the mushroom mixture.
✔ Mushroom Varieties: Feel free to mix different types of mushrooms such as shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms for added depth of flavor.
✔ Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or low-fat milk, though the sauce will be a bit less rich.
✔ Make it Extra Creamy: For an even creamier sauce, stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or parmesan cheese once the heavy cream is added.
✔ Serve with Sides: This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, roasted potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

---

✨ Final Thoughts

Garlic Mushroom Chicken with Lemon Zest is the epitome of a simple yet flavorful dish that doesn’t require a lot of effort but delivers big on taste. The tender chicken, rich mushroom sauce, and the bright burst of lemon zest create a beautifully balanced meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re serving it to family or guests, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy.

💬 Tried this recipe? Let us know how it turned out! 🍗🍄🍋

Looking for more easy chicken recipes or want to experiment with different flavor combinations? Let me know, and I’ll be happy to share more delicious ideas!