why make this recipe

This dish is simple and rich in flavor. It uses easy ingredients and cooks fast. It is good for a weeknight meal or a small dinner with guests.

introduction

Creamy Mushroom Chicken is tender chicken in a smooth mushroom sauce. The sauce is mild and tasty. If you like creamy chicken, you may also enjoy this baked caprese chicken recipe for another simple option.

how to make Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe

Follow the steps below. Work in order: prepare ingredients, cook chicken, make the sauce, and finish.

Ingredients :

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
8 oz (about 225 g) mushrooms, sliced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thicker sauce)
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Directions :

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken to the pan and sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Add onions and cook until soft, about 2 minutes.
Add mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and brown, about 5 minutes.
Stir in garlic and thyme and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms if you want a thicker sauce. Stir and cook 1 minute.
Pour in chicken broth and scrape the pan to loosen brown bits.
Add the heavy cream and stir. Let the sauce simmer 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Stir in Parmesan cheese if using. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
Return the chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over it. Heat 2–3 minutes until chicken is warm and coated.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.

how to serve Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe

Serve the chicken over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken and the side.

how to store Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe

Cool the dish to room temperature. Place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce is too thick. Do not freeze cream-based sauce if you want the best texture.

tips to make Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe

Pat chicken dry before searing to get a good brown crust.
Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking mushrooms; cook in batches if needed.
Use heavy cream for a richer sauce, or use half-and-half for a lighter version.
If the sauce is too thin, simmer a few more minutes. If too thick, add a little broth.
Taste and adjust salt at the end, after adding broth and cream.

variation (if any)

Add spinach: stir in fresh spinach at the end until wilted.
Use white wine: replace half the broth with white wine for more depth.
Add bacon: cook chopped bacon first and use the fat for more flavor.
Make it lighter: use Greek yogurt stirred in off heat instead of heavy cream (may change texture).

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Bone-in or boneless thighs work well. Cook until they reach a safe internal temperature and adjust searing time.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Skip the flour or use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.

Q: How long does the sauce keep after cooking?
A: The sauce keeps with the chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and stir well before serving.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: You can cook the chicken and sauce, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat slowly and add a splash of broth if needed.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Freezing is not recommended because cream can separate and change texture when thawed. If you must freeze, use a freezer-safe container and know the texture may change.