If you are searching for a dish that wraps you in cozy, comforting flavors while still feeling indulgently luxurious, then this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite. The tender chicken breasts swimming in a rich and velvety sauce studded with sautéed mushrooms create a symphony of textures and tastes that feels both upscale and homey. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests without hours in the kitchen. Each bite is a luscious hug that satisfies without overwhelming, making this recipe a total winner every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe is made from simple, but carefully selected ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, enhancing the dish’s savory depth, creamy consistency, and earthy appeal.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- Fresh garlic: Adds a fragrant pungency that wakes up every other flavor.
- Button or cremini mushrooms: Provide a meaty texture and earthy undertone to the dish.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that luxurious, silky sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
- Chicken broth: Brings savory depth and thins the sauce just enough for perfect consistency.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Enhances umami without overwhelming the creaminess.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding sharpness and a nutty finish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish.
- Olive oil: Used to sear the chicken and sauté the mushrooms for that golden color and flavor.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken
Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts liberally with salt and pepper to bring out their natural flavor. Once the pan is hot, sear the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. This step locks in juices and creates a tasty base for the creamy sauce. After searing, remove the chicken and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms
In the same skillet, add a splash of olive oil to keep things moist and flavorful. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, stirring frequently. The mushrooms will soften and release their earthy juices while the garlic becomes fragrant, which builds the rich foundation for your creamy sauce. This stage takes about 5 minutes, and it’s where the dish starts really coming to life.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Next, pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavor. Then add the heavy cream, soy sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly until the cheese melts and the sauce transforms into a silky, luscious coating for the chicken. The combination of these ingredients is what gives this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe its unforgettable richness.
Step 4: Finish Cooking and Combine
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Allow them to cook for another 5 minutes, letting the chicken absorb the creamy mushroom goodness and finish cooking through perfectly. This step ensures every bite is juicy, tender, and soaked with flavor. By the time you’re done, your kitchen will be filled with a mouthwatering aroma that’s impossible to resist.
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top to add a vibrant green color and brief freshness that balances the richness. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese can also enhance both the visual appeal and taste, making each plate feel special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This creamy mushroom chicken shines brightly alongside simple, complementary sides. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus bring a crispness to the plate, while garlic mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles serve as excellent vehicles to soak up all that decadent sauce. A crisp garden salad adds a refreshing crunch and lightness that rounds out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t hesitate to experiment with plating by serving the chicken sliced atop a bed of creamy polenta or wild rice for a rustic twist. You can also try piling the sauce and chicken into a warm baguette for a creamy, cozy sandwich variation. These creative presentations make this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe versatile enough for casual dinners or more formal occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing to maintain the creaminess and avoid spoilage.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawing, do so overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor preservation.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power to avoid breaking the creamy sauce. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream during reheating can help regain the original smooth texture if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms in the recipe?
Absolutely! While button or cremini mushrooms are classic here, shiitake, portobello, or baby bella mushrooms will also add delicious earthiness and depth to the sauce. Just be sure to slice them evenly for consistent cooking.
Is there a dairy-free substitute for the heavy cream and Parmesan?
Yes, you can substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan to make this dish dairy-free. The flavor will be a bit different but still rich and satisfying.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply let it simmer a few minutes longer before adding the chicken back in, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can stir in a small slurry of cornstarch and water until the desired consistency is reached.
Can this recipe be made with boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Boneless thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving, making them a great alternative. Adjust cooking times slightly, as thighs might take a bit longer to cook through.
What’s the best way to avoid overcooking the chicken?
Using a meat thermometer is ideal; remove the chicken once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Also, searing and then finishing in the sauce as instructed helps maintain juicy tenderness without drying out.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe is truly a treasure that balances luxurious creaminess with hearty earthiness and the satisfying texture of perfectly cooked chicken. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve when you want to impress. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a try—the warm, rich flavors and comforting textures will have you coming back for seconds, and maybe even thirds.
Print
Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and creamy mushroom chicken recipe featuring tender seared chicken breasts cooked in a rich garlic mushroom sauce made with heavy cream, chicken broth, soy sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 40 minutes, this comforting dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce and Mushrooms
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 8 oz button or cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper evenly on both sides.
- Sear Chicken: Add olive oil to the hot skillet and sear the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Once cooked on the outside, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Mushrooms and Garlic: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, then sauté the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic for about 5 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and fragrant.
- Prepare Sauce: Pour chicken broth into the skillet with the mushrooms and garlic, letting it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the heavy cream, low-sodium soy sauce, and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined, forming a creamy sauce.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for an additional 5 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavorful sauce.
- Serve: Serve the creamy mushroom chicken hot, drizzling extra sauce over the chicken breasts for maximum flavor. Enjoy with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Use chicken breasts of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce may be less thick.
- Cremini mushrooms add a deeper flavor compared to button mushrooms but both work well.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete meal.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
