Steps by steps making Spanish-Style Chicken with Mushrooms

During a recent expedition through the heart of Spain, a land renowned for its rich culinary traditions and vibrant flavors, I was fortunate enough to discover a dish that truly captures the essence of Spanish cuisine: Spanish-Style Chicken with Mushrooms. This sumptuous recipe is a blend of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic thyme leaves, bathed in a sauce that enriches its hearty flavors. The chicken, succulent and juicy, pairs impeccably with the mushrooms, which soak up the sauce, creating a medley of flavors enhanced by the subtle, yet distinct taste of thyme.

Motivated by this culinary discovery, I embarked on a quest to recreate the magic of this dish in my own kitchen. Through a process of experimentation and a deep dive into the realm of Spanish cooking, I mastered the recipe, striking the perfect balance between the robust flavors of the chicken and mushrooms with the delicate aroma of thyme. It is with immense pleasure and a spirit of shared gastronomical adventure that I present this Spanish-Style Chicken with Mushrooms recipe to you, inviting you to experience a taste of Spain’s illustrious culinary heritage from the comfort of your home.

Spanish-Style Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe

Spanish-Style Chicken with Mushrooms

The Spanish-Style Chicken with Mushrooms recipe is an exquisite showcase of Spain's culinary prowess, brought to life through a journey of discovery in the vibrant landscapes of Spain. This dish harmoniously combines succulent chicken, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic thyme leaves in a rich sauce that beautifully encapsulates the heartiness and depth of Spanish flavors. The tender chicken melds perfectly with the robustness of the mushrooms, while the thyme infuses the dish with a touch of elegance and fragrance. After encountering this splendid dish during travels and experimenting with its composition back home, the recipe was perfected, capturing the essence of Spanish cuisine in every bite. Now shared with enthusiasm, this Spanish-Style Chicken with Mushrooms recipe invites others to explore the rich tapestry of flavors Spain offers, bringing a piece of Spanish culinary tradition to tables around the world. It's a testament to the simplicity of ingredients coming together to create a meal that's both comforting and distinctly flavorful, celebrating the joy of cooking and the pleasure of sharing good food.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Spanish

Servings 4 people

Calories 589 kcal

Equipment

• 1 large cast-iron pan

Ingredients

  

• 11/2 cups chicken stock
• Fresh parsley to serve
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 teaspoons Spanish paprika
• 4 chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon thyme leaves
• 1 yellow onion
• 1 pound button mushrooms
• 2/3 cup dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

 

• Dress the chicken breasts with salts and dried basil before cooking.
• Steam the olive oil in a large cast-iron pan or grill over moderate flame.
• On both ends, grill the chicken thighs uniformly.
• Transfer the pan to the heat and add the vegetables, cooking for an additional five minutes.
• Shift the oven temperature until the wine has decreased.
• Stir together the carrots, ginger, paprika, and a pinch of salt.
• Continue to sauté for another minute.
• Decrease to a moderate heat area.
• Transfer the chicken thighs to the pan with the chicken broth, then cover with a cap.
• Serve immediately with clean parsley on top.

Keyword chicken stock, chicken thighs, Spanish paprika

Cooking tips about Spanish-Style Chicken with Mushrooms

• Chicken Preparation: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their richer flavor and tenderness compared to chicken breasts. Before cooking, season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and a touch of smoked paprika to infuse it with a deep, Spanish character right from the start.
• Mushroom Selection: Choose fresh, firm mushrooms for this recipe. Cremini or button mushrooms work wonderfully due to their earthy undertones and ability to absorb flavors. Clean them gently with a damp cloth instead of washing under water to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Enhancing Aromatics: Begin by sautéing finely chopped onions and garlic in olive oil until they’re soft and fragrant. This creates a flavorful foundation for the dish. The addition of fresh thyme leaves at this stage helps infuse the oil, adding another layer of flavor to the chicken and mushrooms.
• Deglazing with Sherry: After browning the chicken and mushrooms, deglaze the pan with a good quality dry sherry. Not only does this step add complexity to the dish’s flavor, but it also allows you to scrape up the delicious brown bits from the bottom of the pan, incorporating them back into the sauce.
• Simmering Strategy: Once all ingredients are combined in the pan, cover and simmer on a low heat. This slow cooking process melds the flavors together and ensures the chicken becomes tender and fully imbued with the aromatic essence of the mushrooms and thyme.
• Sauce Thickness: If you find the sauce too thin after the chicken and mushrooms are cooked, you can thicken it with a slurry of cornstarch and water. Add this mixture gradually, stirring continuously, until you reach the desired consistency.
• Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Sometimes a splash of lemon juice or a bit more salt is all it takes to elevate the flavor profile.
• Garnishes: Garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley to add color and freshness to the dish. Serving it with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice makes for an ideal way to enjoy the savory sauce.

Serving suggestions about Spanish-Style Chicken with Mushrooms

• Plating Technique: Serve the Spanish-Style Chicken with Mushrooms on a warm, earthenware platter to highlight the rustic elegance of the dish. The vibrant colors of the chicken paired with the earthy tones of the mushrooms make for a visually appealing presentation that invites diners to delve in.
• Side Dishes: To balance the hearty flavors, consider serving the dish with light, airy sides such as saffron-infused rice or a crisp garden salad dressed with a sherry vinaigrette. These sides complement the robustness of the chicken and mushrooms without stealing the spotlight.
• Wine Pairing: A bottle of full-bodied Spanish red wine, such as a Rioja or Tempranillo, pairs wonderfully with this dish. The wine’s rich flavors and subtle oak undertones harmonize beautifully with the savory chicken and mushrooms, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Bread Accompaniment: Offering slices of crusty, fresh bread allows guests to savor every last bit of the flavorful sauce. A traditional Spanish baguette, lightly toasted, can act as the perfect vehicle for this purpose.
• Garnish and Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the finished dish just before serving. This not only adds a burst of color but also introduces a fresh contrast to the warm, hearty flavors of the chicken and mushrooms.
• Ambiance Settings: Set the table with warm, inviting colors and soft lighting to mimic the cozy ambiance of a Spanish inn. Playing a selection of Spanish guitar music softly in the background can further enhance the cultural atmosphere, making the dining experience even more authentic and enjoyable.
• Communal Serving: Embrace the Spanish tradition of sharing by serving the dish family-style, encouraging diners to help themselves. This fosters a warm, communal feeling that is at the heart of Spanish dining culture.

Top 5 FAQs about Spanish-Style Chicken with Mushrooms

• What type of mushrooms is best for the Spanish-Style Chicken with Mushrooms recipe? For this dish, selecting fresh, firm mushrooms is recommended to ensure they hold up during cooking and provide a nice texture contrast to the tender chicken. Cremini or button mushrooms are excellent choices due to their earthy undertones and ability to absorb flavors, but you could also experiment with other varieties such as portobello or shiitake for a different flavor profile.
• Can I substitute chicken thighs with another type of chicken? Yes, while boneless, skinless chicken thighs are preferred for their richer flavor and tenderness, you can use chicken breasts if you’re looking for a leaner option. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, and chicken breasts might require less time to cook through. To prevent drying out, consider pounding the breasts to an even thickness before cooking.
• Is there a non-alcoholic alternative to dry sherry for deglazing the pan? Absolutely! If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute dry sherry with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth. This will still allow you to scrape up those delicious browned bits from the pan and contribute to the sauce’s richness, although it might lack the unique complexity that sherry brings to the dish.
• How can I ensure the sauce has the right consistency? After cooking the chicken and mushrooms, if you find the sauce too thin, you can thicken it with a slurry made from cornstarch and water (about 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water). Gradually stir this into your sauce over medium heat until it reaches your desired thickness. Remember to cook the sauce for a minute or two after adding the slurry to eliminate any raw starch taste.
• What are good side dishes to serve with Spanish-Style Chicken with Mushrooms? To complement the rich flavors of the chicken and mushrooms, consider serving the dish with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice to absorb the delicious sauce. For a light contrast, a crisp garden salad dressed with a sherry vinaigrette or a side of saffron-infused rice could balance the meal beautifully.

The Spanish-Style Chicken with Mushrooms recipe stands as a proud representation of Spain’s rich culinary heritage, combining uncomplicated ingredients to craft a dish bursting with complex flavors and comforting textures. Through the tender chicken, the earthy mushrooms, and the aromatic presence of thyme, this dish brings to the table a symphony of taste that speaks volumes of the Spanish tradition of using fresh, local produce to create food that warms the heart and delights the palate.