If you're in the mood for comfort food that's elegant but easy, this Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s got juicy chicken, rich mushroom sauce, and a creamy finish that’ll have you coming back for seconds. Stick with me—I’ll show you exactly how to get it just right.
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, especially on those evenings when I want fuss-free dinner that tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen. It hits that perfect blend of silky sauce and tender chicken that’s just irresistible.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh mushrooms to create deep, comforting flavors without complicated prep.
- Quick to Make: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties.
- Versatile: Easily customized with different herbs, veggies, or even a splash of wine for your own personal twist.
- Impressively Delicious: Looks and tastes fancy but comes together effortlessly—your guests won’t believe how easy it was!
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe plays a role in building a rich, balanced dish. When you combine the earthy mushrooms with the creamy sauce and cheesy Parmesan, it creates layers of flavor that elevate simple chicken breasts.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: They cook quickly and soak up the sauce beautifully; I recommend smaller breasts or slicing larger ones into cutlets for even cooking.
- Butter and olive oil: Combining both gives you a perfect sear and rich flavor without burning the butter.
- Garlic: Adds that aromatic punch that pairs so well with mushrooms.
- White mushrooms: Their mild earthiness makes the sauce hearty without overpowering the chicken.
- Flour: Helps thicken the sauce gently and keeps it silky rather than runny.
- White wine: Deglazes the pan and brings a subtle acidity that balances the cream.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth to the sauce base.
- Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, velvety texture we’re here for.
- Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding umami and a touch of saltiness that perfectly complements the mushrooms.
- Parsley or chives: Fresh herbs cut through the richness with a bright finishing note.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe is how flexible it is — you can truly make it your own. Whether you want it extra garlicky, or swap in fresh herbs, it adapts beautifully.
- Variation: I like to add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce to deepen the flavor and give it a tiny kick — it really wakes up the creamy sauce without overpowering it.
- Herb Boost: Thyme or rosemary tossed in when sautéing the mushrooms adds a wonderful fragrant twist I've grown to love.
- Vegetable Addition: Toss in some baby spinach right at the end of simmering the sauce for a pop of color and nutrition.
- Lighter Version: You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half, but just keep an eye on the sauce thickness as it’ll be a bit lighter.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
First things first: pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. I find that drying the chicken helps you get a golden crust when searing. Heat a large skillet on medium-high, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with olive oil, and sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until it’s nice and golden brown. Don’t rush this step—letting the chicken sit undisturbed helps it brown beautifully. Once seared, remove it to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Deglaze with White Wine
With the chicken out, pour in a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up those browned bits stuck to the bottom — that’s where all the flavor lives! Cook for about 30 seconds to let the alcohol mostly evaporate; it leaves behind a subtle tang that brightens the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic
Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan, then toss in your sliced mushrooms. Cook them down for about 5 minutes until they soften and the liquid cooks off. When mushrooms look tender, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn, or the garlic will turn bitter!
Step 4: Build and Thicken the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir continuously for about a minute. This step is key to removing the raw flour taste and helping your sauce thicken smoothly. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add your Parmesan cheese in batches, stirring until it melts completely into the sauce.
Step 5: Season and Simmer
Give your sauce a taste test and season with salt and pepper as needed. Simmer the sauce gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens to your liking. Then, nestle your seared chicken back into the skillet along with any juices on the plate. Simmer everything together for another couple of minutes until the chicken is warmed through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Before plating, sprinkle chopped parsley or fresh chives on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve your chicken with creamy mushroom sauce hot, and get ready for some serious compliments.
Top Tip
I’ve learned a few things that really help this Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe shine every time. Small details make a huge difference here, so keep these tips in mind!
- Dry Your Chicken Well: I can’t stress enough how drying the chicken first helps you get that beautiful sear instead of steaming the meat.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the chicken and mushrooms in batches if necessary keeps everything from steaming and helps develop great flavor.
- Low and Slow for Sauce: Once you add cream and cheese, keep the heat moderate to low—this prevents curdling and keeps your sauce silky.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning gradually. Parmesan adds saltiness, so wait until after it melts to decide if more salt is needed.
How to Serve Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I typically garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives — they add a bright bite that balances the richness of the sauce and make the dish look inviting. Sometimes I toss a little lemon zest on top for an unexpected twist that lifts the whole plate.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes (because who doesn’t love soaking up sauce?), buttery egg noodles, or even a simple garlic-infused rice. For a lighter counterpoint, I like roasted asparagus or steamed green beans tossed with a bit of lemon and olive oil.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I sometimes serve the chicken over a bed of creamy polenta or wild mushroom risotto to amplify the mushroom love. You can also drizzle a little extra sauce around the plate and sprinkle toasted pine nuts or crispy shallots on top for a fun textural contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually pop leftover chicken and sauce into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so be prepared to loosen it with a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Freezing
While I don’t freeze this dish often because I prefer fresh sauce, it does freeze okay if you want to save time. Freeze the chicken and sauce separately if possible to maintain better texture. When thawing, do it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat is gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back that creamy texture. Microwaving can work in a pinch, but watch for uneven heating.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender, and they work beautifully in this sauce. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through.
You can easily skip white wine or substitute it with extra chicken broth or a splash of white grape juice with a bit of vinegar to add acidity. This keeps the sauce flavorful.
Cook the sauce over medium-low heat once you add the cream and cheese, and avoid boiling vigorously. Stir frequently and don’t rush the simmering process.
You can substitute the butter for dairy-free margarine or oil, and use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative instead of heavy cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for the cheesy flavor. The texture and taste will be slightly different but still tasty.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe is a go-to in my kitchen because it’s the perfect balance of rich and comforting without being complicated. I love how it feels fancy but is actually a quick, weeknight-friendly meal. I hope you’ll enjoy making it just as much as I do—there’s something so satisfying about digging into that creamy mushroom sauce with perfectly cooked chicken, and I promise, your family or guests will feel the same way.
Print
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 seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich, flavorful sauce made with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, white wine, chicken broth, cream, and Parmesan cheese. It's an easy and elegant dish perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5-8 oz. each)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz. white mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon flour
- ¼ cup white wine
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Parsley or chives, to garnish
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon butter and olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour white wine into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits. Cook for 30 seconds until most of the wine evaporates.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until soft and liquid reduces.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle flour over mushrooms and garlic, stirring to incorporate and cook for 1 minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Make Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Slowly add chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing to a gentle boil. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and sauce is smooth.
- Season Sauce: Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Reduce Sauce: Simmer sauce on low for 2-3 minutes until it thickens and becomes creamy.
- Reheat Chicken: Return the chicken breasts along with any plate juices to the skillet. Simmer for 2 minutes until chicken is warmed through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over the dish and serve hot.
Notes
- Use smaller boneless, skinless chicken breasts or cut larger ones in half lengthwise to create cutlets for even cooking.
- Add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning to the chicken or sauce for extra flavor.
- Add baby spinach to the sauce for a nutritious veggie boost.
- A drizzle of lemon juice brightens the cream sauce wonderfully.
- Mix in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to enhance the sauce's flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.
- Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safe consumption.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 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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