If you’re looking for a rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying meal, Creamy Mushroom Chicken is the perfect recipe. This dish features tender, juicy chicken simmered in a luxuriously creamy mushroom sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese. It’s an easy one-pan meal that feels restaurant-quality yet takes less than 30 minutes to prepare!
Whether you’re serving it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice, this flavor-packed dish is bound to become a family favorite. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What is Creamy Mushroom Chicken?
Creamy Mushroom Chicken is a classic comfort food dish that combines seared chicken breasts with a rich mushroom sauce made from butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. The mushrooms bring earthy depth, while the creamy sauce ties everything together into a silky, indulgent dish.
This recipe is versatile, meaning you can swap ingredients, add extra vegetables, or even make it dairy-free if needed. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a dish for guests, this meal is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with simple steps.
✔️ One-Pan Meal: Fewer dishes to clean up!
✔️ Rich & Creamy: A velvety mushroom sauce with a perfect balance of flavors.
✔️ Customizable: Works with chicken breasts, thighs, or even shrimp.
✔️ Pairs with Everything: Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or low-carb options like cauliflower mash.
Ingredients for Creamy Mushroom Chicken
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (adds subtle smokiness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
For the Creamy Mushroom Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (baby Bella, cremini, or white mushrooms)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (adds depth of flavor)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or thyme
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps with browning.
- Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Mushroom Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium and melt butter in the same pan.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze.
- Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard, stirring until smooth.
- Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
- Return the seared chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over the top.
- Simmer for 2-3 more minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Creamy Mushroom Chicken
- Use Fresh Mushrooms: Fresh cremini or baby Bella mushrooms add the best flavor.
- Deglaze the Pan: Scraping the browned bits from the pan into the sauce adds depth.
- Simmer the Sauce Slowly: Avoid high heat to prevent curdling.
- For Extra Thickness: Add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water).
- Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
What to Serve with Creamy Mushroom Chicken
This dish is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides:
🥔 Mashed Potatoes – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
🍞 Garlic Bread – Great for mopping up every last drop!
🥦 Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add freshness.
🍚 Rice or Pasta – A simple carb base that lets the flavors shine.
Beverage Pairings:
🍷 White Wine – Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complement the creaminess.
🍋 Lemon Iced Tea – A refreshing, non-alcoholic choice.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
FAQs About Creamy Mushroom Chicken
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay juicy and work great in this recipe.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and dairy-free Parmesan.
3. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer longer or mix in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water).
4. Can I add vegetables?
Of course! Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas add extra flavor and color.
5. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! This dish is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly, especially if served with cauliflower rice or zoodles.
Conclusion: A Comforting, Creamy Chicken Dish You’ll Love
Creamy Mushroom Chicken is the perfect balance of flavor, richness, and ease. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something special for guests, this dish delivers every time. The tender chicken, buttery garlic mushrooms, and silky sauce come together in a one-pan wonder that feels like comfort food at its finest.
So, grab your skillet and get cooking—your new favorite chicken dinner is just minutes away!
Don’t forget to share your thoughts and comment below if you try this recipe!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
a. Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika on both sides. - Sear the Chicken:
a. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
b. Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside. - Sauté the Mushrooms:
a. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
b. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes until they become golden and tender.
c. Stir in the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. - Create the Creamy Sauce:
a. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
b. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard (if using), stirring until well combined.
c. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. - Combine Everything:
a. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy mushroom sauce over the chicken.
b. Let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). - Serve:
a. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.