Oven-baked chicken with mushrooms and cream

Warm, home-cooked food for the whole family

A simple, hearty winter dish that's easy to make, requires no special experience, and is forgiving of small mistakes. If you're just starting to cook, this recipe is ideal. If you're more experienced, you can improve it with small touches and make it your own.

Why you should try it

• Easy and quick to prepare
• Made with simple ingredients you always have on hand
• Stays juicy and tender
• Pairs well with many sides

And best of all? It's one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day as leftovers.

Which chicken cut should I choose?

For this recipe, you can use:

• Drumsticks (stay juicier)
• Portioned chicken
• Chicken breast fillet (for a lighter result)

If you're a beginner, drumsticks are a safer choice because they are less likely to dry out.

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 1 kg chicken (portioned or drumsticks)
• 400 g fresh mushrooms
• 1 yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 200 ml cream
• 1/2 glass white wine (optional)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• A little thyme or rosemary

Preparation - Step by step

1️⃣ Prepare the chicken
Take the chicken out of the refrigerator 20–30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Pat it dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

2️⃣ Sauté for extra flavor
Heat the olive oil in a pan and lightly brown the chicken. It doesn't need to be fully cooked, just browned to seal in the juices. In the same pan, sauté the onion, garlic, and mushrooms until softened. If using wine, add it now and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to evaporate the alcohol.

3️⃣ Assemble the baking dish
Place the chicken in a baking dish, top with the mushrooms, and pour over the cream. For a lighter version, you can mix the cream with a little milk. Add the herbs.

4️⃣ Bake 
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 45–60 minutes, depending on the cut.

The chicken is ready when:

• The sauce has thickened slightly
• The meat comes easily off the bone
• The juices run clear

Little tips for success

✔ Don't overcook chicken breast, as it dries out easily
✔ Don't wash the mushrooms under running water – clean them with a damp cloth
✔ If the sauce is too thick, add 2–3 tablespoons of hot water

What should you serve it with?

Chicken with mushrooms and cream pairs perfectly with:

• Mashed potatoes
• White rice or basmati rice
• Pasta
• Fresh bread for dipping

For a more wintery version, you can also add a few potatoes to the baking dish from the start.

Nutritional value

Chicken is a source of high-quality protein and helps the body function properly. Mushrooms add fiber and minerals, while the cream gives the dish energy and rich flavor.