This Creamy Mushroom Chicken brings together golden-seared chicken breasts and a silky garlic parmesan mushroom sauce that clings to every bite. I first made this on a rainy Tuesday when I needed something comforting but quick, and it's been my go-to ever since. The sauce comes together in one skillet in just 25 minutes, which means you can have a restaurant-style dinner on the table faster than ordering takeout.
If you're craving more easy weeknight comfort, try my Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe, Easy & Creamy! or these Cabbage Rolls Recipe | Tender, Flavorful & Easy to Make.
The Creamy Mushroom Chicken get deeply browned and tender, the cream turns velvety with parmesan, and that hint of thyme ties everything together. It's the kind of dinner that feels fancy but doesn't stress you out.
Why You Will love this Creamy Mushroom Chicken
Rich, Restaurant-Quality Sauce
The garlic parmesan cream sauce tastes like something you'd pay good money for at a steakhouse, but it comes together in minutes with pantry staples.
One-Pan Wonder
Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to actually enjoy your meal. You sear the chicken, build the sauce in the same pan, and let all those browned bits add flavor.
Quick Weeknight Friendly
From start to finish, you're looking at about 20 minutes. That's faster than most delivery options and way more satisfying.
Flexible and Forgiving
You can skip the bacon if you want to keep it lighter, or add it in for extra richness. The Cajun seasoning is optional too, but it gives the sauce a subtle kick that balances the cream beautifully.
Low-Carb Comfort Food
With only 3 net carbs per serving, this fits perfectly into a low-carb or keto lifestyle without sacrificing any of the creamy, indulgent flavors you're craving.
Jump to:
- Why You Will love this Creamy Mushroom Chicken
- Creamy Mushroom Chicken IngredientS
- How to Make Creamy Mushroom Chicken
- Smart Substitutions
- Making It Kid-Friendly
- Expert Tips
- Equipment For Creamy Mushroom Chicken
- Storage and Reheating Tips
- What to Serve with Creamy Mushroom Chicken
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Creamy Mushroom Chicken
Creamy Mushroom Chicken IngredientS
Here's what goes into this easy Creamy Mushroom Chicken.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Breasts give you tender, juicy protein that soaks up the sauce. Starting with chicken at room temperature helps it cook more evenly.
Sea Salt: Seasons the chicken and brings out all the flavors in the sauce. Don't skip salting both sides of the chicken before you sear it.
Black Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth. Freshly ground pepper works best.
Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and getting that golden-brown crust. It also helps prevent sticking.
Cremini Mushrooms: These brown mushrooms have more flavor than white button mushrooms and turn beautifully tender when sautéed. Slice them evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Cooked Bacon: Optional, but highly recommended. Chopped bacon adds a smoky, salty richness that makes the sauce even more indulgent.
Garlic: Crushed cloves infuse the sauce with warm, aromatic flavor. Fresh garlic is key here.
Fresh Thyme: A few sprigs add an earthy, slightly floral note that pairs perfectly with mushrooms and cream.
Cajun Seasoning: Optional, but it brings a subtle heat and complexity to the sauce. Use it if you like a little kick.
Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce thick, velvety, and luxurious. Whole cream works best for the richest texture.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the cream and adds a nutty, salty depth. Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom Chicken
This Creamy Mushroom Chicken comes together quickly with just a few simple steps.
Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Drying the chicken helps it sear properly and get that golden crust.
Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken and sear for 4 to 8 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it loosely to keep warm.
Cook the mushrooms and aromatics: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms, chopped bacon (if using), crushed garlic, fresh thyme sprigs, and Cajun seasoning (if using). Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and tender. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan as you stir.
Add the cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir often and use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan. This helps the sauce thicken and picks up all those flavorful bits.
Stir in the parmesan: Add the grated parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Let it simmer for another minute or two until it thickens slightly.
Finish the chicken: Return the seared chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Let everything cook together for 1 to 2 minutes until the chicken is heated through and coated in the sauce.
Garnish and serve: Remove the thyme sprigs, then garnish with extra parmesan or fresh parsley if you like. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Smart Substitutions
Swap the chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully here and stay even more tender. You can also use thin-cut chicken cutlets if you want to speed up the cooking time.
Try different mushrooms: Shiitake, baby bella, or a mix of wild Creamy Mushroom Chicken all work well. Each brings a slightly different flavor and texture.
Make it dairy-free: Use full-fat coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the parmesan. The sauce won't be quite as rich, but it's still creamy and delicious.
Skip the bacon: If you want to keep it lighter or you're out of bacon, the dish is still amazing without it. The mushrooms and garlic carry plenty of flavor on their own.
Add vegetables: Throw in some spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers during the last minute of cooking for extra color and nutrients.
Making It Kid-Friendly
Kids tend to love this Creamy Mushroom Chicken, but here are a few tweaks to make it even more appealing to younger eaters.
Skip the Cajun seasoning: Leave out the spice if your kids are sensitive to heat. The sauce is still rich and flavorful without it.
Cut the chicken into strips: Slice the cooked chicken into smaller, bite-sized pieces before serving. It's easier for little hands to manage and feels less intimidating on the plate.
Serve over pasta: Toss the creamy sauce with penne, fettuccine, or even egg noodles. Kids love noodles, and this turns the dish into a creamy chicken mushroom pasta that's hard to resist.
Go easy on the mushrooms: If your kids aren't Creamy Mushroom Chicken fans yet, use just a small handful or chop them finely so they blend into the sauce.)
Expert Tips
Pat the chicken dry: This is the secret to getting a beautiful golden sear. Moisture on the surface will steam the chicken instead of browning it.
Don't overcrowd the pan: If your skillet isn't big enough for all four chicken breasts without touching, sear them in batches. Crowding lowers the temperature and prevents proper browning.
Use room temperature chicken: Let the chicken sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before cooking. It cooks more evenly and stays juicier.
Scrape the pan: Those browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet after searing the chicken are pure flavor. Make sure to scrape them up when you add the cream.
Simmer gently: Once you add the cream, keep the heat at medium or medium-low. Boiling cream can cause it to separate or become grainy.
Equipment For Creamy Mushroom Chicken
You don't need any fancy tools to make this Creamy Mushroom Chicken, just a few kitchen basics.
Large Skillet: A 12-inch skillet with high sides works best. Cast iron or stainless steel are ideal for getting a good sear on the chicken.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring the sauce and scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Kitchen Tongs or Spatula: Makes it easy to flip the chicken without piercing it and losing juices.
Plate: For transferring the cooked chicken while you make the sauce. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This Creamy Mushroom Chicken keeps well and reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.
Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, but it loosens up again when you reheat it.
Freezer: You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
What to Serve with Creamy Mushroom Chicken
This Creamy Mushroom Chicken, saucy chicken pairs beautifully with sides that soak up the sauce or add a bit of freshness.
Mashed Potatoes or Cauliflower Mash: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing, and the sauce puddles perfectly into them. For a low-carb option, cauliflower mash works just as well.
Rice or Pasta: Serve over fluffy white rice, wild rice, or your favorite pasta. The sauce clings to everything and turns it into a complete meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Simple roasted broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add color and a bit of crunch to balance the richness.
Crusty Bread: A warm slice of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
If you're in the mood for more comforting dinners, check out my Easy baked beef empanadas | Golden & Freezer-Friendly for another family favorite.
FAQ
How long does creamy mushroom chicken last in the fridge?
It stays fresh in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so just add a little cream or broth when you reheat it to bring it back to life.
What to have with creamy mushroom chicken?
This Creamy Mushroom Chicken wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread. Anything that can soak up that rich, creamy sauce is a winner.
Is there a big difference between cream of mushroom and cream of chicken?
Yes. Cream of mushroom soup has a deeper, earthier flavor from the mushrooms, while cream of chicken is milder and more neutral. For this recipe, we're making a fresh mushroom cream sauce from scratch, which tastes leagues better than canned soup.
What does creamy mushroom sauce go with?
This sauce is incredibly versatile. It's delicious over chicken, pork chops, steak, or even tossed with pasta. You can also spoon it over rice or use it as a topping for baked potatoes.
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Pairing
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Creamy Mushroom Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the chicken dry using paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 4-8 minutes on each side, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Add the mushrooms, bacon (if using), garlic, thyme, and Cajun seasoning (if using) to the same skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are golden brown.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful bits.
- Add the grated parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the chicken to warm through.
- If desired, sprinkle with more parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving.
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