If you’re craving a hearty, home-cooked dish that brings together tender chicken, aromatic spices, and a rich, creamy mushroom sauce, this Creamy Braised Chicken with Mushrooms and Herbed Potatoes is exactly what you need. This rustic yet elegant recipe combines the depth of curry, cumin, and paprika-marinated chicken with a velvety cream and mushroom sauce that wraps every bite in comfort. Paired with buttery herbed potatoes sautéed with onions and fresh green herbs, this complete meal feels both gourmet and soul-soothing.
Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or looking for a dish to impress family or guests, this recipe delivers robust flavor with just a touch of indulgence. Let’s dive into the details and build a restaurant-worthy plate right from your kitchen.
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Mushroom Cream Sauce:
-
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
-
1 tablespoon butter
-
4 chicken shanks (drumsticks or thighs work well)
-
Salt and black pepper to taste
-
1 teaspoon curry powder
-
1 teaspoon ground cumin
-
1 teaspoon paprika
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 onion, finely chopped
-
3 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 ½ cups mushrooms, sliced
-
1–2 celery stalks, diced
-
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
-
300 ml chicken broth (about 1¼ cups)
-
200 ml heavy cream (about ¾ cup)
For the Herbed Potatoes:
-
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
-
1 tablespoon butter
-
5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
-
1 onion, chopped
-
Salt and black pepper to taste
-
2 tablespoons chopped green onion
-
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, place the chicken shanks. Season with salt, black pepper, curry, cumin, and paprika. Drizzle with olive oil and rub the spices into the chicken. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 2 hours.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Sear the chicken on all sides until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the Mushrooms and Celery
Add the sliced mushrooms and diced celery to the pan. Cook until mushrooms release moisture and become golden brown.
5. Stir in the Flour
Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly. This will help thicken the sauce.
6. Add the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth slowly while stirring to prevent lumps. Let the mixture come to a simmer and thicken slightly.
7. Return the Chicken and Braise
Return the chicken to the pan. Reduce the heat, cover, and braise gently for 10–15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
8. Add the Cream and Continue Braising
Stir in the heavy cream, cover again, and cook for another 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is rich and velvety.
9. Prepare the Herbed Potatoes
In a separate skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced potatoes and chopped onion. Season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden and cooked through (about 20 minutes).
10. Finish the Potatoes with Herbs
Stir in chopped green onions and parsley for a fresh, herby finish.
11. Plate and Serve
Spoon the creamy mushroom chicken onto plates and serve alongside a generous helping of herbed potatoes. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 4)
Calories: ~620 kcal
Protein: 32 g
Fat: 38 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 4 g
Calcium: 120 mg
Iron: 3.5 mg
Potassium: 1050 mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This recipe draws inspiration from both classic French cuisine and Middle Eastern spice blends. Cream-based braised chicken dishes such as coq à la crème are iconic in French country kitchens, while the inclusion of curry, cumin, and paprika reflects the influence of Levantine and North African cooking.
As global fusion food continues to thrive, recipes like this one have gained popularity for blending comfort-food familiarity with exotic spice appeal. It’s a dish that feels homey and adventurous at the same time—perfect for today’s home cooks.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
-
The chicken is incredibly tender and flavorful from the spice marinade
-
The mushroom cream sauce is rich and comforting without being heavy
-
Herbed potatoes provide the perfect starchy companion
-
One-skillet cooking for easy cleanup
-
Ideal for both casual meals and entertaining
-
Customizable with seasonal veggies or different spice blends
-
Balanced meal with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs
Health Benefits
-
Chicken: Lean source of protein, essential for muscle repair and immune health
-
Mushrooms: Rich in antioxidants, vitamin D, and immune-boosting compounds
-
Celery: High in fiber and anti-inflammatory nutrients
-
Potatoes: Provide potassium, vitamin C, and resistant starch
-
Spices: Curry and cumin offer anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits
Serving Suggestions
-
Serve with crusty bread to mop up the sauce
-
Add a green salad or steamed green beans for a veggie boost
-
A side of roasted carrots or beets makes a colorful, earthy addition
-
For a low-carb version, replace potatoes with cauliflower mash
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Not marinating the chicken long enough: This step enhances flavor—don’t skip it
-
Overcrowding the pan: Sear chicken in batches if needed for proper browning
-
Rushing the cream step: Let the sauce simmer gently to avoid curdling
-
Undercooking potatoes: Dice them evenly and cook fully for best texture
-
Using low-fat cream: It can split when heated—use heavy or full-fat cream
Pairing Recommendations
-
Wines: Chardonnay, Viognier, or Pinot Gris complement the creamy sauce
-
Beer: A Belgian blonde or amber ale pairs beautifully
-
Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon or iced rooibos tea
-
Dessert: Finish with a citrus sorbet or fruit compote to cleanse the palate
Cooking Tips
-
For extra depth, deglaze the pan with white wine before adding broth
-
Add a sprig of thyme or bay leaf for more herbal notes
-
Use a mixture of mushrooms—cremini, shiitake, and button—for richer flavor
-
You can make the sauce separately and freeze it for quick future meals
-
Double the sauce and use leftovers over pasta or rice
Similar Recipes to Try
-
Chicken Stroganoff
-
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pork Chops
-
Butter Chicken with Rice
-
Braised Chicken with Leeks and White Wine
-
Chicken Fricassée with Root Vegetables
Variations to Try
-
Low-Carb: Use cauliflower mash instead of potatoes
-
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and olive oil only
-
Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or harissa to the marinade
-
Vegetarian: Replace chicken with tofu or seitan, and use vegetable broth
-
Add Greens: Stir in spinach or kale at the end of braising
Ingredient Spotlight: Mushrooms
Mushrooms are nutritional powerhouses that add umami, fiber, and antioxidants to your meals. Low in calories but rich in flavor, they blend seamlessly into creamy sauces, enhancing both texture and depth. Their earthy taste balances rich cream and savory chicken, making them indispensable in dishes like this one.
Conclusion
Creamy Braised Chicken with Mushrooms and Herbed Potatoes is a perfect example of a comforting, flavorful meal made with real ingredients and satisfying textures. From the spiced chicken to the rich, creamy sauce and golden herbed potatoes, every bite tells a story of balance and warmth. Make it once, and it just might become a regular in your weekly rotation.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of shanks?
Yes, but reduce the braising time to avoid drying them out.
2. How can I make this gluten-free?
Substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour for thickening.
3. What kind of mushrooms work best?
Cremini, button, or a mix of wild mushrooms all work wonderfully.
4. Can I prep this in advance?
Yes, both components can be made a day ahead and reheated gently.
5. What’s a good vegetarian alternative?
Use tofu or mushrooms as the protein and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
6. How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
7. Can I freeze it?
The cream may separate when thawed. If freezing, do so before adding cream.
8. Is it spicy?
No, the spices are aromatic, not hot. Add chili if you prefer heat.
9. Can I use milk instead of cream?
It’s possible, but the sauce will be thinner and may not emulsify as well.
10. Can I add cheese?
Yes—Parmesan or Gruyère can be stirred into the sauce for extra richness.