Introduction:

If you're a fan of French cuisine, Poulet à la Crème et aux Champignons—Chicken in Cream and Mushroom Sauce—is a must-try classic. This rich, velvety dish is the epitome of French comfort food. With tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a luxuriously creamy sauce, it's perfect for a cozy dinner or an elegant weekend meal.

Whether you're hosting guests or just want to treat yourself, this dish brings the taste of the French countryside straight to your kitchen.

🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4):

For the chicken:

4 chicken breasts or thighs (boneless or bone-in, as preferred)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 tbsp butter

1 tbsp olive oil

For the sauce:

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

250g (about 2 cups) fresh mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced

150ml (2/3 cup) dry white wine (optional but recommended)

200ml (about 3/4 cup) crème fraîche or heavy cream

1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional for extra flavor)

Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

🍳 Instructions:

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

  1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

  2. In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat butter and olive oil over medium-high heat.

  3. Sear the chicken pieces on both sides until golden brown (about 5–6 minutes per side).

  4. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Mushroom Base

  1. In the same pan, add a bit more butter if needed and sauté the chopped onions until soft and translucent.

  2. Add garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms release their water and begin to brown (about 8–10 minutes).

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine (Optional)

  1. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any browned bits.

  2. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 4: Add Cream and Simmer

  1. Lower the heat to medium-low.

  2. Stir in crème fraîche or cream and Dijon mustard.

  3. Return the chicken to the pan. Spoon some sauce over the chicken.

  4. Cover and simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

Poulet à la Crème et aux Champignons is best served hot with:

Freshly cooked tagliatelle or buttered egg noodles

Mashed potatoes or steamed rice

A side of green beans or light salad

Don’t forget a crusty French baguette to mop up the creamy sauce!

👩‍🍳 Tips & Variations:

Mushroom types: Mix wild mushrooms like chanterelles or shiitake with button mushrooms for deeper flavor.

Crème fraîche vs. cream: Crème fraîche offers a slight tang and thicker texture. Use what you have, but avoid low-fat versions for best results.

Make it rustic: Use bone-in chicken thighs for more flavor and a traditional feel.

🇫🇷 A Taste of France at Home

With just a few ingredients and simple steps, Poulet à la Crème et aux Champignons transforms your everyday chicken into a rich and elegant French dish. Whether you're dining solo or impressing guests, this creamy chicken will win hearts with every bite.

Bon appétit! 🍷🐔