Ingredients:
- 1.5 lb chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken stock
- ¾ cup light cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Instructions:
- Prep the meat. Season your chicken cutlets with salt and pepper, then lightly dust them with flour. Note: Shake off the excess; you only want a thin veil of flour.
- Sear the chicken. Heat olive oil in your 12 inch skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook 3-5 minutes per side until a mahogany colored crust forms. Transfer to a plate.
- Brown the mushrooms. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add sliced mushrooms in a single layer and cook without stirring for 2 minutes until they are deeply browned.
- Add aromatics. Stir in the minced garlic and thyme. Cook for about 60 seconds until you smell that garlic fragrance hitting the air.
- Deglaze the pan. Pour in the chicken stock. Use your spoon to scrape all those brown bits (the fond) off the bottom of the pan.
- Create the base. Stir in the light cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Note: Don't let it boil violently or the cream might separate.
- Finish the sauce. Once it thickens slightly, whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce looks velvety and smooth. According to [USDA FoodData](https://fdc.nal.usda.gov), adding cheese and cream provides the necessary fats to carry the thyme and garlic flavors.
- Combine. Return the chicken to the pan. Spoon the sauce over the meat and simmer for 1 minute until everything is hot and glossy.