Chicken & Mushrooms

One of my favorite recipes to pull out is a classic chicken and mushrooms. This recipe is so simple and includes only a few ingredients. It's not uncommon to hear people say that they don't like mushrooms--in fact the fungus treat is often feared. However, this recipe utilizes their natural flavor with simple techniques to create a savory chicken dish. I highly recommend this one, so much so that even my wife raves about it despite her mushroom inhibitions. I got this recipe from a favorite food blog of mine by Chef John, its called Foodwishes.com; you should check it out for all sorts of great ideas with a little humor (http://foodwishes.blogspot.com/2011/03/just-chicken-and-mushrooms.html).

• Ingredients:
• Chicken breasts with skin on
• Mushrooms
• oil
• Butter
• Salt/Pepper
• Water
• Use a skillet or pot that can be used on the stove and in the oven. 
• Directions
1. Heat the skillet with a little oil on the stove at medium heat
2. Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C)
3. Season the chicken breasts generously on both sides
4. Place the chicken skin-side down in the oil
5. Cook for 7 mins
6. Flip the chicken breasts and cook for 7 mins. Add the sliced mushrooms and turn up the heat to high. Add salt and pepper to the mushrooms. The mushrooms will give off a lot of water, so allow them to cook in the high heat. 
7. Remove the skillet from the stove and put it in the oven. Cook for 15-20 mins. 
8. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Lightly cover it with aluminum foil.
9. In the skillet, saute the mushrooms for  5 mins. Then add 2 tablespoons of butter and a little water. 
10. Stir until the butter is melted and the sauce is completely mixed. Pour it over the chicken. 
• Recommendations:
• I have found that it goes great with a nice couscous, but can also be served with a little rice.
• Prepare a nice green vegetable like steamed broccoli, or cooked green beans.