If you’re looking for a comforting yet elegant dinner that feels a little fancy but comes together easily, I have just the thing for you. This Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a silky, garlicky mushroom sauce that’s absolutely irresistible. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become one of your go-to weeknight favorites!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I've made this Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe countless times, and each meal brings that cozy, rich flavor that feels like a warm hug on your plate. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough if you have guests over.
- Rich Creamy Sauce: The sauce is velvety, cheesy, and loaded with earthy mushrooms — a perfect complement to juicy chicken breasts.
- Quick to Prep: It only takes about 30 minutes to make, so it’s great for when time is tight but you still want a homemade meal.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can tweak the herbs, add veggies, or adjust the creaminess easily to suit your cravings.
- One-Pan Goodness: Minimal cleanup—everything cooks right in the skillet, which makes life easier!
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe is chosen to build layers of flavor and silky texture. You want fresh mushrooms and a good-quality cream to get that luscious sauce, plus a bit of Parmesan for that savory punch.
- Chicken breasts: I go for boneless and skinless for quick cooking and easy slicing; smaller breasts work perfectly for even heat.
- Butter and olive oil: A combo that offers flavor and helps the chicken get that golden sear without burning.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the sauce a fragrant, irresistible aroma.
- White mushrooms: Their mild, earthy taste softens nicely in the sauce and adds body.
- Flour: Just a bit to thicken the sauce while keeping it silky.
- White wine: Adds brightness and depth — but if you don’t have wine, you can swap it with extra chicken broth.
- Chicken broth: Builds savory foundation for the sauce.
- Heavy cream: The heart of that luscious sauce; makes everything so rich and comforting.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best here, adding nutty, salty notes that blend beautifully.
- Parsley or chives: A fresh pop of green brightness at the end.
Make It Your Way
What I love most about this Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe is how much you can customize it. Whether you want to add fresh herbs, toss in some greens, or switch up the tang factor, there’s room to make it truly yours.
- Herb Boost: I often add a pinch of thyme or rosemary when sautéing the mushrooms; it infuses the sauce with wonderful warmth.
- Greens Upgrade: Throwing in a handful of baby spinach right before serving is my go-to trick to sneak in some veggies without altering the creamy texture.
- Zing Factor: A splash of lemon juice finishes the sauce beautifully, balancing out the richness and adding brightness.
- Spicy Twist: When I want a little kick, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard stirred into the sauce works like a charm without overpowering.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry and seasoning generously with salt and pepper. I usually do this right before cooking to keep things simple. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt a tablespoon of butter with the olive oil. When it’s hot and shimmering, add the chicken and let it cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Don’t rush this – that sear is crucial for flavor. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
Step 2: Deglaze with White Wine
Pour the white wine into the skillet to deglaze it, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to lift all those tasty browned bits. Let it simmer for about 30 seconds or until the wine mostly evaporates—this adds depth to the sauce that’s key to making this dish special. If you prefer not to use wine, extra chicken broth works just fine here.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic
Add the remaining butter to the pan and toss in the sliced mushrooms. Cook until they’re soft and golden, and their liquid has mostly evaporated—this usually takes around 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it cooks quickly and could turn bitter.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and garlic, stirring constantly for about 1 minute. This cooks out the raw flour taste and helps the sauce thicken nicely. Lower the heat to medium-low, and slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Turn the heat back up just enough to bring it to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Season
Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese, adding it in batches and stirring constantly until it melts smoothly into the sauce. This step is where the sauce picks up its signature cheesy richness. Give it a quick taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Then, let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens to your liking—around 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Warm the Chicken in the Sauce
Return the chicken breasts and any juices on the plate back into the skillet. Let everything simmer together for another 2 minutes, so the chicken warms through and soaks up the creamy mushroom flavor. If you’re using a thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s perfectly cooked.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Then, dig in while it’s nice and hot—you’ll be amazed by how something so simple tastes so luxurious!
Top Tip
I’ve learned some tricks over the many times I’ve made this Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe that really boost the texture and flavor. These tips have saved me from common pitfalls and elevated the dish effortlessly.
- Don’t Skip the Sear: Getting a golden crust on the chicken adds so much flavor, and it seals in the juices, keeping it moist.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese just doesn’t melt the same, plus fresh Parmesan has a brighter, nuttier flavor.
- Careful with the Heat: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer when adding cream and cheese to avoid curdling.
- Season in Layers: Season your chicken and sauce separately, and taste as you go to balance the flavors perfectly.
How to Serve Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley because it adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, I swap parsley for finely chopped chives or even a little thyme if I’ve added it to the sauce.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. I love serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up every bit of that mushroom sauce. Roasted asparagus or green beans sautéed with garlic lend a nice crisp contrast. For something lighter, a simple mixed green salad works beautifully too.
Creative Ways to Present
One time I plated this recipe with a swirl of sauce over the chicken atop a bed of wilted spinach, garnished with finely shaved Parmesan and a lemon wedge for zest at the table. It felt like a restaurant-quality presentation, perfect for when I had friends over and wanted to impress without the fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After dinner, any leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, so when you’re ready to eat it again, just gently warm it on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish before with good results. Freeze the chicken and sauce in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stovetop, again adding some liquid to revive the cream sauce’s texture and prevent separation.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low-medium heat. Stir occasionally and add small amounts of chicken broth, cream, or even water if the sauce seems too thick. This approach keeps the flavors fresh and the sauce silky, avoiding drying out the chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Cremini, shiitake, or even portobello mushrooms work wonderfully and bring their own unique flavor profiles to the sauce. Just slice them similarly to white mushrooms for even cooking.
No worries! You can substitute white wine with additional chicken broth or even apple cider vinegar diluted with water. The key is to have a liquid that lifts those flavorful brown bits from the pan, so the sauce stays rich and tasty.
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. They’re a bit more forgiving and stay juicy, though they take slightly longer to cook. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Make sure to add the cream while the pan is at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil. Stir continuously and keep the heat moderate. Gradually warming the cream and cheese helps everything melt smoothly into that luscious sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s a perfect balance of simple ingredients and big flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, it delivers comfort and a touch of elegance every time. I highly recommend giving it a try—once you do, I’m sure it’ll become one of your favorites too.
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Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce made with garlic, white wine, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting and elegant dinner, garnished with fresh herbs for added aroma and flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5-8 oz. each)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz. white mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup white wine
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Garnish
- Parsley or chives, chopped, to garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 12" skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear until golden brown on each side, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Cook for about 30 seconds until the wine mostly evaporates.
- Sauté mushrooms: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet and sauté the sliced mushrooms over medium heat until they soften and release their liquid, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
- Add flour: Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and garlic, and cook while stirring for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly as you bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Add the grated Parmesan cheese in batches, stirring continuously until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Season and simmer: Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens and becomes creamy.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the chicken breasts and any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes until the chicken is warmed through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the chicken and sauce, then serve hot and enjoy this delicious creamy mushroom chicken dish.
Notes
- If chicken breasts are large, slice them in half lengthwise to make 4 thinner cutlets for quicker cooking.
- Enhance the flavor by adding herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning to the chicken before searing or directly into the sauce while simmering.
- Incorporate some baby spinach into the sauce for added vegetables and nutrition.
- Add a drizzle of lemon juice to brighten the flavors in the creamy mushroom sauce.
- Mix in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to introduce a subtle tang and depth to the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
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