Creamy & Delicious Italian Chicken and Mushrooms Dish | Pollo al Funghi Recipe

The Delicious Taste of Chicken and Mushrooms

There's nothing quite as satisfying as a hearty and flavorful chicken dish after a long day. Pollo al funghi, or chicken with mushrooms, is a classic Italian recipe that delivers comfort with every bite. This creamy, aromatic dish is simple to prepare but packs a serious punch when it comes to taste.

The Best Ingredients for Pollo al Funghi

At the foundation of any great pollo al funghi is fresh, high-quality ingredients. Free-range organic chicken delivers more flavor and nutrition than conventional chicken. For the mushrooms, opt for trimmed button, cremini or portobello mushrooms or a mix. The hearty texture and earthy notes of the mushrooms pair perfectly with the chicken.

To lend a rich, creamy sauce, butter and olive oil do the trick beautifully. Fresh garlic, white wine, chicken stock, parsley, thyme and flour round out the ingredients for a sauce that perfectly coats each bite of chicken and mushrooms.

The cooking Process Behind This Italian Favorite

The secret behind pollo al funghi with sauce that clings to each forkful is a simple cooking process. Start by sautéing the mushrooms in the skillet until golden brown. Remove and set aside. Use the same skillet to cook the chicken pieces in batches until lightly browned then set those aside as well.

After cooking the chicken and mushrooms, the flavorful sauce comes together right in the skillet. Butter, olive oil, garlic and herbs create an aromatic base. Splash in some white wine and chicken stock and simmer. Then sprinkle in flour and continue simmering until the sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon.

Return the cooked chicken and mushrooms to the skillet and let them bathe in the sauce for 5-10 minutes. The result is chicken and mushrooms smothered in a mouthwatering creamy sauce infused with garlic, herbs and wine.

Serving Up Your Pollo al Funghi

This heavenly chicken and mushrooms dish is fantastic served up simply with crusty bread for dipping in the sauce. The rich flavors pair well with rice, pasta or creamy polenta too. For a classic Italian presentation, serve pollo al funghi heaped over pappardelle pasta or alongside roasted vegetables.

This satisfying dish makes the perfect weekday meal since it comes together in just 30 minutes. It also works very well for entertaining. Just multiply the recipe to feed a crowd and serve up Italian-style comfort food that everyone loves.

Tips for the Best Pollo al Funghi

With just a few tips and tricks, you can take your pollo al funghi to the next level of flavor and texture:

• Use a hearty mix of mushrooms like button, cremini and shiitake.
• Cook the chicken first until browned for texture then set aside before making the sauce.
• Sauté the mushrooms separately from the chicken so they get perfectly golden brown.
• Stir frequently when simmering the sauce so it doesn't stick or burn.
• Let the chicken and mushrooms soak in the finished sauce for 5+ minutes to absorb all the flavors.
• Garnish with chopped Italian parsley just before serving.

Variations on Chicken and Mushrooms

Once you master the classic pollo al funghi recipe, there are all kinds of ways to put your own twist on it:

• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for even more tender, juicy meat.
• Add other vegetables like broccoli, peas, asparagus or spinach.
• Stir in some cream cheese or mascarpone for an ultra creamy sauce.
• Season with sage, rosemary or Italian seasoning instead of thyme.
• Top with shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese before serving.

The possibilities are endless when experimenting with such a versatile chicken dish. Play around with different herbs, vegetables, mushrooms and cheeses to make it your own.

Enjoy an Italian Favorite at Home

For a quick yet impressive chicken dish loaded with comfort and flavor, look no further than pollo al funghi. Sautéed mushrooms and chicken come together in a rich and aromatic garlic and white wine sauce that feels like a big hug with every bite. In just over 30 minutes, you can enjoy an authentic Italian favorite without leaving your home kitchen.

With fresh ingredients, a simple cooking method and a few variations, pollo al funghi is sure to earn a regular spot in your weeknight dinner rotation. So break out the mushrooms, chicken and olive oil and transport your tastebuds to Italy with creamy, dreamy chicken and mushrooms.

FAQs

What type of mushrooms work best for pollo al funghi?

The best mushrooms to use are button, cremini or portobello. You can also use a mix of hearty mushroom varieties like shiitake or oyster as well. The key is to use fresh, quality mushrooms rather than canned or frozen.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of bone-in chicken?

Yes, you can absolutely use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Simply adjust the cooking time as breasts will cook faster than bone-in thighs. They key is to cook the chicken until browned and cooked through before finishing in the sauce.

What can I serve with chicken and mushrooms?

Pollo al funghi is delicious served over pasta, rice, polenta or roasted vegetables. It also pairs well with a green salad or fresh, crusty bread for dipping in the creamy sauce.

How long does this recipe take from start to finish?

The entire recipe, from initial prep to finishing the dish with sauce, takes right around 30 minutes. That makes it a great weeknight dinner option when you want something hearty but don't have tons of time.