Creamy Mushroom Chicken (Easy One-Pan Dinner)
A rich, silky, and ultra-tender chicken dish cooked in a creamy mushroom sauce, this Creamy Mushroom Chicken recipe is a cozy dinner that tastes gourmet but comes together in just 25 minutes. Made with golden seared chicken, garlic, and fresh mushrooms (learn more about mushrooms here: Mushrooms, the sauce becomes velvety, flavorful, and perfect for serving over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Whether enjoyed with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser. Here is the full step-by-step guide to making the best Creamy Mushroom Chicken at home.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Mushroom Chicken
This dish has everything people love about comfort food:
• One-pan recipe: less cleanup, more flavor.
• Quick cooking: ready in 20–25 minutes.
• Rich and comforting: garlicky, creamy, deeply satisfying.
• Flexible: works with chicken breast or thighs.
• Family friendly: everyone loves the creamy sauce.
• Ideal for meal prep: reheats beautifully.
Creamy Mushroom Chicken is truly restaurant-style cooking made easy for beginners.
Ingredients You Need
Chicken
• 2 large chicken breasts (halved lengthwise)
• Salt and black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables & Aromatics
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 250 g mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
Creamy Sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Finishing
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season and Sear the Chicken
Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and lightly crispy, then remove and set aside.
This creates flavor and keeps the chicken tender.
2. Cook the Mushrooms and Onions
In the same pan, melt the butter and add the onion and mushrooms.
Cook 5–6 minutes until golden and caramelized, then add garlic for 30 seconds.
3. Build the Cream Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the browned bits from the pan.
Add the cream, Parmesan, and thyme.
Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Return the Chicken to the Skillet
Place the chicken back in the sauce and simmer 3–4 minutes until tender and fully coated.
5. Finish and Serve
Top with fresh parsley and serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or steamed greens.
Leftovers taste even better the next day.
What to Serve With Creamy Mushroom Chicken
Here are some perfect pairings:
Creamy Starches
• Mashed potatoes
• Garlic butter pasta
• Rice pilaf
• Egg noodles
If you enjoy easy chicken recipes, you’ll love my Chicken Taquitos Recipe, a crispy and flavorful option that pairs perfectly with quick weeknight meals.
Vegetable Sides
• Steamed broccoli
• Roasted carrots
• Green beans almondine
• Sautéed spinach
Bread
• Garlic bread
• Toasted baguette
• Buttered dinner rolls
Variations & Substitutions
Protein Variations
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts
• Turkey breast works well
• Skip chicken and use mushrooms only for a vegetarian version
If you’re looking for a low-carb or keto-friendly dinner idea, try my Keto Taco Meatloaf, a protein-packed, flavorful option.
Cream Alternatives
• Half-and-half for a lighter version
• Coconut cream for dairy-free
Add-in Ideas
• Fresh spinach
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Extra Parmesan
• A touch of paprika
You can customize this recipe in endless ways while keeping the base deliciously creamy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Freeze up to 1 month (sauce may slightly separate).
Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream.
Avoid high heat microwaving it may cause splitting.
FAQ Answering What Google Users Ask
Can I make creamy mushroom chicken without cream?
- Yes use half-and-half, evaporated milk, or coconut cream for lighter versions.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
- Absolutely. Thighs are juicier and work perfectly.
What mushrooms work best for this recipe?
- Button mushrooms, cremini, or sliced portobello all work well.
Can I add pasta into the sauce?
- Yes, combine cooked pasta directly into the skillet for a creamy mushroom chicken pasta dinner.
Expert Tip for Maximum Flavor
After searing the chicken, don’t wipe the skillet the browned bits at the bottom help create a rich sauce when deglazed with broth. This is the secret to restaurant-level flavor.
For beautifully healthy presentation, serve this dish on natural wood plates like these acacia wood serving plates, which bring warm, natural style to your table and help reinforce a wholesome dining experience.