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#### Instructions:
##### Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
1. Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also sprinkle a little bit of dried thyme or rosemary on the chicken if you like.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
3. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest. This will ensure the juices stay locked in the chicken.
##### Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic
1. In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes, or until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown.
3. Add the minced garlic to the mushrooms and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
##### Step 3: Make the Sauce
1. Once the mushrooms and garlic are cooked, pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This will help create a flavorful base for the sauce.
2. Add the lemon zest and fresh thyme or rosemary to the skillet, stirring to incorporate the flavors.
3. If you want a creamier sauce, add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting it thicken slightly. If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can skip the heavy cream and simply let the broth reduce a bit for a thinner sauce.
##### Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Sauce
1. Return the chicken to the skillet, placing it on top of the mushroom and garlic mixture. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to coat it.
2. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 3-4 minutes to reheat and absorb some of the flavors from the sauce.
3. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
##### Step 5: Serve and Garnish
1. Once the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Serve the chicken breasts on plates, spooning the garlic mushroom sauce over the top.
3. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and a touch of freshness.
4. Serve with your choice of side dishes, such as **rice, mashed potatoes**, or a **simple salad**.
### Tips and Variations for the Perfect Garlic Mushroom Chicken with Lemon Zest
– **For Extra Flavor:** Try marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will infuse the chicken with even more flavor.
– **Mushroom Varieties:** You can mix different types of mushrooms (e.g., cremini, shiitake, portobello) to add complexity to the dish. Mushrooms like shiitakes bring a rich, meaty flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken and garlic.
– **Add a Kick:** If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic to give the dish a spicy edge.
– **Make It Lighter:** For a lighter version, skip the heavy cream and focus on the chicken broth, which will still create a flavorful sauce. You can also substitute the butter for more olive oil to reduce fat content.
– **Serve with a Side:** This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, sautéed greens, or a light pasta. The richness of the sauce complements vegetables like **asparagus**, **green beans**, or **broccoli**.
### Conclusion
**Garlic Mushroom Chicken with Lemon Zest** is a dish that combines savory, earthy, and refreshing flavors in the most satisfying way. The creamy garlic and mushroom sauce, balanced with the zing of lemon zest, creates a chicken dish that’s both comforting and refreshing. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a dinner party with friends and family.
Whether you’re looking to spice up your usual chicken recipes or impress your guests with something new, this flavorful, aromatic chicken dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!
