Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe
If you’re hungry for a comforting, restaurant-worthy dinner in just over half an hour, Creamy Mushroom Chicken is about to become your new favorite go-to! Picture tender chicken breasts, blanketed in a dreamy, velvety mushroom sauce with savory garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of Parmesan—each bite warm and cozy with flavor. This skillet recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, yet elegant enough to serve when you want to impress. No complicated steps, just a handful of ingredients and a little TLC stand between you and melt-in-your-mouth satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Mushroom Chicken is how such a short list of fresh, everyday ingredients creates incredible flavors and texture. Each component has its own job: from juicy chicken to earthy mushrooms to that luscious sauce, nothing is wasted, and everything is absolutely scrumptious.
- Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless pieces for quick, even cooking and a natural canvas for the sauce.
- Salt: Enhances every layer and ensures the chicken is flavorful from the inside out.
- Black Pepper: Gives a warm, gentle kick that lifts all the rich flavors.
- Olive Oil: Great for searing—locks in moisture and creates gorgeous golden color.
- Butter: Adds richness and silkiness to the sauce while helping deglaze those savory pan bits.
- Cremini or White Mushrooms: Their earthiness is the backbone of that superstar mushroom flavor—slice them thick for big bites!
- Garlic: Delivers aromatic depth—use fresh and mince for best results.
- Chicken Broth: The secret to deglazing the pan and boosting umami—scrape up every tasty bit!
- Heavy Cream: Creates the creamy, dreamy consistency and silkiness that makes this dish unforgettable.
- Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce for tangy, salty richness—grate it yourself for the best melt.
- Dried Thyme: Adds a subtle herbal note that elevates the whole skillet and pairs beautifully with mushrooms.
- Onion Powder: Infuses mellow sweetness and savory depth without needing fresh onions.
- Fresh Parsley: A vibrant, fresh finish that pops visually and brightens the final bite.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom Chicken
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Sprinkle both sides of your chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once the oil shimmers, lay in the chicken and let it sear for 5 to 7 minutes per side. You’re looking for a golden crust and fully cooked centers—don’t rush the browning, that crispy exterior brings extra flavor! Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it to keep warm while you build your sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic
Drop butter into the same skillet (yes, keep all that good chicken flavor!) and let it melt. Add your sliced mushrooms and give them 5 to 6 minutes to brown and tenderize, stirring occasionally. As soon as the mushrooms look glossy and caramelized, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 1 more minute—short but mighty, as it infuses the pan with aromatic goodness.
Step 3: Deglaze and Start the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and quickly use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits from the skillet. This step loads your sauce with rich, savory notes! Let the broth simmer for a minute to reduce slightly, deepening the flavor base for your Creamy Mushroom Chicken.
Step 4: Add Cream, Cheese, and Herbs
Turn the heat down to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream—watch how the sauce turns instantly rich! Stir in the grated Parmesan, dried thyme, and onion powder, letting everything gently simmer together for 3 to 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken to that perfect, luscious consistency that’ll coat each bite of chicken beautifully.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Return your chicken to the skillet, nestling each piece into its creamy mushroom bath. Spoon sauce over the top, and let everyone mingle over low heat for another 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is warmed through. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, serve hot, and get ready for big smiles at the table!
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Chicken

Garnishes
A bright sprinkle of fresh parsley is a must—its grassy pop balances all that richness while making the dish visually appealing. For a little extra zing, you can add a few shavings of Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Mushroom Chicken loves starchy, soak-up-the-sauce sides. Pile it over fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or your favorite pasta. For a lighter meal, opt for garlic-sautéed green beans or a crisp green salad to pair with all that creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve family-style in the skillet for rustic charm, or plate individually over a nest of buttery noodles with a swirl of sauce on each piece. For date night, serve with roasted asparagus and crusty bread to mop up every drop. Leftovers make a decadent chicken sandwich or a show-stopping topping for baked potatoes, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Creamy Mushroom Chicken into an airtight container once it’s cooled. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days—the flavors actually mingle and deepen beautifully overnight, making lunch the next day a real treat!
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cooked and cooled chicken and sauce together in a well-sealed container for up to 2 months. Be aware that the sauce may separate a little upon thawing due to the cream, but a quick whisk when reheating brings it right back to life.
Reheating
Gently reheat your Creamy Mushroom Chicken in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring between each, for quick weeknight leftovers that taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay extra juicy—just increase the cook time a touch to make sure they’re cooked through.
What mushrooms are best for Creamy Mushroom Chicken?
Cremini or white button mushrooms are classic, but feel free to experiment with baby bellas, shiitakes, or a mix for even more mushroom flavor and texture.
Can I make Creamy Mushroom Chicken dairy-free?
Try swapping the cream with full-fat coconut milk and using a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The taste will be a bit different, but still rich and satisfying!
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat low once you add cream, and avoid boiling—simmer gently and stir, and the sauce will stay silky smooth every time.
Is Creamy Mushroom Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as written! If you’re especially sensitive, always double-check ingredients like broth and cheese for hidden gluten.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something ultra comforting but still quick and beginner-friendly, this Creamy Mushroom Chicken is pure magic. Don’t hesitate to make it your own and share it with the people you love—there’s nothing quite like that first creamy, savory, home-cooked bite. Enjoy every forkful!
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Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Creamy Mushroom Chicken recipe. Tender chicken breasts smothered in a decadent mushroom sauce, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- fresh parsley for garnish
For the Chicken:
For the Sauce:
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add mushrooms and cook until browned. Stir in garlic, then pour in chicken broth.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, thyme, and onion powder. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer briefly. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 145mg