The Ina Garten Chicken with Morels Recipe is rich, flavorful and perfect for a special dinner. This dish combines tender chicken, earthy morel mushrooms and a creamy sauce.
It is elegant yet simple enough to make at home. Many people love this recipe because it is comforting, luxurious and full of deep flavors.
Today, I will show how to make Ina Garten Chicken with Morels Recipe step by step, with tips for best results and easy cooking at home.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first cooked this dish for a family dinner. The aroma of sautéed mushrooms and roasted chicken filled my kitchen. The creamy sauce coated the chicken perfectly.
Everyone loved the earthy flavor of the morels combined with tender chicken. It felt like a restaurant meal at home.
The recipe was straightforward and easy to follow. I enjoyed how the flavors melded together beautifully. It became a favorite for special occasions and weekend dinners alike.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Chicken with Morels
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: French / American
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl for sauce ingredients
- Serving platter
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Chicken with Morels Recipe
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 pound fresh morel mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Season the Chicken
Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper. This enhances flavor and ensures juicy meat.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Cook Morel Mushrooms
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté morels until soft and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
4. Deglaze with Wine
Pour in white wine to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any browned bits from the skillet for extra flavor.
5. Make the Cream Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. Stir in heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Return Chicken to Skillet
Place chicken back in the skillet. Spoon sauce and mushrooms over chicken. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
7. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over chicken. Serve hot with sauce and mushrooms on top for a beautiful presentation.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Chicken with Morels
- Use fresh morel mushrooms for best flavor
- Pat chicken dry to ensure perfect sear
- Simmer sauce gently to avoid curdling cream
- Use a good-quality white wine for depth
- Garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking chicken; it can become dry
- Using dried morels without rehydrating first
- Boiling cream; it may separate
- Skipping deglazing; you lose flavor from browned bits
- Not seasoning mushrooms; they enhance the overall taste
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ina Garten Chicken with Morels with roasted potatoes, buttered rice or fresh pasta. A simple green salad pairs well. It makes an elegant main course for family dinners or special occasions.
Variations You Can Try
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for richer flavor
- Add shallots or onions to the mushrooms
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for lighter sauce
- Include a splash of brandy for a gourmet twist
- Serve with sautéed asparagus or green beans for extra vegetables
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking chicken
- Do not freeze cream sauce; texture may separate
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Protein | 36 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
Health Benefits
This dish provides high-quality protein from chicken and vitamins from mushrooms. Morel mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and minerals.
Using fresh ingredients makes it healthier than store-bought sauces. It is a nutrient-rich meal that is both satisfying and flavorful.
Ina Garten Chicken with Morels Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 pound fresh morel mushrooms cleaned and sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Season the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper. This enhances flavor and ensures juicy meat.
Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
Cook Morel Mushrooms
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté morels until soft and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
Deglaze with Wine
- Pour in white wine to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any browned bits from the skillet for extra flavor.
Make the Cream Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium. Stir in heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Return Chicken to Skillet
- Place chicken back in the skillet. Spoon sauce and mushrooms over chicken. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over chicken. Serve hot with sauce and mushrooms on top for a beautiful presentation.
Notes
- Use fresh morel mushrooms for best flavor
- Pat chicken dry to ensure perfect sear
- Simmer sauce gently to avoid curdling cream
- Use a good-quality white wine for depth
- Garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness
FAQs about Ina Garten Chicken with Morels Recipe
Can I use frozen morel mushrooms?
Yes, thaw them first. Frozen mushrooms may release more water, so cook until liquid reduces.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prepare mushrooms and sauce in advance. Reheat and add cooked chicken before serving.
What wine works best in this recipe?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay is ideal. Avoid sweet wines for balance.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs remain juicy and add extra flavor. Adjust cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
How long does the sauce keep in the fridge?
Store sauce separately in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Final Thoughts
The Ina Garten Chicken with Morels Recipe is elegant, comforting and full of flavor. Learning how to make Ina Garten Chicken with Morels ensures a restaurant-quality meal at home.
The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms and creamy sauce is irresistible. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or weekend dinners.
With fresh ingredients and simple steps, anyone can cook this dish successfully. Try it once, and it may become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!