If there’s one dish that never fails to impress at the dinner table, it’s Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms. With its juicy chicken breasts swimming in a silky mushroom sauce kissed by garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, this comforting skillet meal is pure bliss in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family on a cozy weeknight or serving friends at a special gathering, Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms brings together that irresistible trifecta: hearty, easy, and absolutely divine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When you keep things simple, you let great ingredients speak for themselves! Each item here is handpicked to build the rich flavors and luscious texture that makes Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms so unforgettable – so don’t skip a thing!
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless so they cook quickly and soak up all the creamy sauce goodness.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out every savory note in your chicken and sauce.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and earthy aroma to round out the flavors.
- Garlic powder: A double-dose of garlicky flavor starts here and intensifies with fresh garlic later.
- Olive oil: For that perfect golden sear on your chicken and a pleasant undertone to the whole dish.
- Unsalted butter: Ensures the mushrooms caramelize beautifully while contributing an irresistible richness.
- Cremini or white mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms bring an earthy complexity and soak up the creamy sauce.
- Fresh garlic: Just a bit of minced garlic lifts the entire dish with bold aroma and flavor.
- Chicken broth: Deglazes all those flavorful bits in the pan and deepens the sauce.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that dreamy, luxuriously creamy sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, lending a salty nuttiness that ties everything together.
- Italian seasoning: An herb blend that gives the dish an instantly familiar, comforting Italian twist.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle for freshness, color, and a hint of garden flavor at the finish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by sprinkling both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This not only ensures every bite is packed with flavor, but it also starts building the layers that make Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms so craveable. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. When it shimmers, lay in the chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until each piece boasts a beautiful golden crust and is cooked through. Set the chicken aside for a brief rest while you work on the sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt down, then toss in your sliced mushrooms. Give them 5 to 7 minutes, stirring just occasionally, and let them take on a deep, toasty brown. This concentrated flavor is what will anchor your creamy sauce! Stir in the minced garlic and sauté a minute longer until fragrant—trust me, your kitchen will smell absolutely mouthwatering.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up those caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan. This is the ticket to intense flavor! Lower the heat and swirl in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, just until everything melds into a rich, dreamy consistency. This step is where the Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms really comes to life!
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Return your chicken to the skillet and tuck each piece into its luscious mushroom sauce bath. Spoon some of the creamy sauce over the top, then let the whole dish simmer gently for another 2 to 3 minutes. Right before serving, a sprinkle of fresh parsley wakes up all those warm, cozy flavors. Now you’re ready to plate up!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms
Garnishes
A flourish of fresh chopped parsley not only makes Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms look beautiful, but it also brings a burst of fresh flavor. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add a pinch more Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving for an elevated touch.
Side Dishes
This main dish absolutely begs to be paired with something that can catch every last drop of sauce. Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms is incredible served over buttery mashed potatoes, pillowy rice, or classic pasta. For something lighter, try it with sautéed spinach or steamed green beans—the sauce soaks in, transforming simple veggies into something special.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make this dish the star of your next gathering? Plate the chicken on a large serving platter, spoon the mushroom sauce generously over the top, and finish with a shower of herbs. Or, slice the chicken before returning it to the sauce for an elegant, shareable approach. For a cozy dinner, I love serving it straight from the skillet at the table—family style, with lots of bread for scooping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms (lucky you!), let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll nestle happily in your refrigerator for up to three days. Just make sure to store the chicken and sauce together, so the flavors keep mingling and the chicken stays moist.
Freezing
Want to stock your freezer with comfort? You can absolutely freeze Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms. Pop cooled portions into a freezer-safe container or bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that creamy sauces may separate a bit when thawed, but a gentle reheat will usually bring everything back together.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring the sauce often to help it re-emulsify. If it seems a little thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. In a pinch, the microwave works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring between each, to avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are packed with extra flavor and stay nice and juicy—just adjust the cooking time, since thighs can take a few extra minutes to cook through.
What’s the best kind of mushroom for this recipe?
Both cremini (baby bella) and classic white mushrooms shine here, each contributing their own earthy flavor. Don’t be afraid to mix and match, or try shiitake for a gourmet twist!
Can I make Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms dairy-free?
You sure can—swap the heavy cream with a rich, unsweetened non-dairy milk or coconut cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese. The sauce will still be luscious and packed with flavor.
Is there a lower-fat version?
Yes! Try using half-and-half or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt in place of the heavy cream, and reduce the Parmesan if you like. The sauce will be a bit lighter but still wonderfully creamy.
What if my sauce gets too thick?
No worries! Just whisk in a splash more chicken broth or a bit of cream, and let it warm through. The sauce loosens up beautifully and retains all that gorgeous flavor.
Final Thoughts
Once you make Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms, it’s bound to earn a regular spot in your recipe rotation. It’s rich, crowd-pleasing, and—the best part—oh-so-easy to whip up any night of the week. Give it a try, and watch everyone come running to the table for seconds!
Print
Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this delectable Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms recipe. Tender chicken breasts smothered in a luscious mushroom cream sauce, this dish is a flavor-packed delight that is sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Mushroom Cream Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare the Mushroom Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté mushrooms in butter until browned. Add garlic, then chicken broth. Stir in cream, Parmesan, and seasoning. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Return chicken to skillet, coat with sauce, and heat through. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Enhance flavor with a splash of white wine while deglazing.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a complete meal.
- Opt for skin-on thighs for added taste, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
