Mediterranean Creamy Dill Chicken and Mushrooms
This dish brings together the earthy flavor of mushrooms, the freshness of dill, and the richness of a creamy Mediterranean-style sauce. The tender chicken pairs beautifully with the savory mushroom base, while the dill adds a bright, herby finish that lifts the whole dish. It’s elegant enough for a special dinner but simple enough for a weeknight meal.
Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
For the Chicken
Chicken breasts or thighs
Salt and pepper, to taste
Seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika)
Olive oil for cooking
For the Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Mushrooms (cremini, button, or other varieties), sliced
Garlic, minced
Chicken broth or stock
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Fresh dill, chopped
(Optional) Parmesan cheese, white wine, or fresh parsley
Instructions
Prepare the chicken:
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and your choice of garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
Cook the chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the mushrooms:
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil or butter if needed. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
Add garlic and deglaze:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. (If using white wine, pour a splash in now to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits.)
Make the creamy sauce:
Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
Add herbs and cheese:
Stir in the chopped dill and, if desired, a small handful of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Combine and serve:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spoon the creamy mushroom sauce over it, and simmer for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Serve:
Garnish with extra dill or parsley and serve warm with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Tips & Variations
Choose the Right Chicken:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts give a leaner, lighter meal, while thighs stay juicier and add more flavor. If using breasts, pound them slightly for even cooking.
Season Well:
Don’t skimp on seasoning. A mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika enhances the chicken’s flavor before it even touches the pan.
Perfect Golden Crust:
Cook the chicken undisturbed for a few minutes per side to form a golden crust. This adds both texture and flavor to the final dish.
Mushroom Variety:
Cremini or baby bella mushrooms give a deeper, richer flavor. White button mushrooms work fine too. Mix different types (like oyster or shiitake) for more complexity.
Deglazing Makes a Difference:
After cooking the mushrooms, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine, chicken broth, or even lemon juice to lift the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
Cream Options:
Rich flavor: Use heavy cream for a velvety sauce.
Lighter option: Half-and-half or evaporated milk also works.
Dairy-free: Try coconut cream for a subtle twist—it pairs nicely with dill.
Don’t Overcook the Sauce:
Once you add cream, keep the heat low and stir gently until it thickens slightly. Overheating can cause the sauce to separate.
Dill Timing:
Add fresh dill at the end of cooking so it keeps its bright flavor and aroma. If you add it too early, it can lose its freshness.
Add Parmesan Wisely:
If using Parmesan cheese, add it gradually to avoid clumping. Stir continuously so it melts evenly into the sauce.
Serving Ideas:
This creamy dill chicken pairs beautifully with:
Buttered noodles or lemon rice
Roasted potatoes or couscous
A simple green salad or sautéed spinach on the side
Flavor Variations:
Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Mix in a spoon of Dijon mustard for a slight tang.
Swap dill for fresh tarragon or basil for a different Mediterranean twist.
Q&A
Q: Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
Yes, you can. Use about one-third the amount of dried dill since it’s more concentrated. Add it earlier in the cooking process to let the flavor infuse into the sauce.
Q: How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat on low after adding the cream and avoid boiling. Stir continuously and add the cream slowly so it blends smoothly with the broth.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce silky. Avoid microwaving on high—it can separate the sauce and toughen the chicken.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. You can cook the chicken and make the sauce separately, then combine and reheat before serving. Add the dill right before serving for the freshest flavor.
Q: What sides go best with this dish?
It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or buttered noodles. Add a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Nutrition
(per serving, serves 4)
Calories: ~420
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fat: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: ~410mg
(Values vary based on cream and chicken cut used.)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Creamy Dill Chicken and Mushrooms is a comforting, flavorful dish that feels both rich and refreshing. The creamy sauce, infused with fresh dill and earthy mushrooms, creates a perfect balance against the savory chicken. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and ideal for weeknight dinners or elegant occasions. Serve it over pasta, rice, or potatoes, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy meal ready in under 40 minutes.