If you’re craving a comforting, luscious dinner that feels like a warm hug, this Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. It’s got tender chicken breasts swimming in a dreamy, garlicky mushroom cream sauce that’s just perfect for weeknights or impressing guests without breaking a sweat.
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
Honestly, this Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something fancy yet fuss-free. The rich sauce feels indulgent but comes together in just about 30 minutes. I love how it fills the house with cozy aromas and how versatile it is for any occasion.
- Simple but flavorful: You don’t need a million ingredients for a sauce that tastes complex and rich.
- Quick to prepare: Perfect when time is short but your tastebuds want something satisfying.
- Customizable: Easily add your favorite herbs, veggies, or tweaks to make it your own.
- Always gets rave reviews: I’ve served this at get-togethers and everyone asks for the recipe afterward!
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient plays a star role, coming together to create that creamy, savory sauce with perfectly cooked chicken. Fresh mushrooms bring earthiness, while garlic and Parmesan add layers of flavor that make your mouth water. Here’s the scoop on what makes these ingredients shine.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Easy to cook evenly and absorb the sauce flavors beautifully.
- Butter & olive oil: Butter adds richness while olive oil raises the heat tolerance so chicken sears perfectly.
- Garlic: A little goes a long way, giving that fragrant, warm base flavor.
- White mushrooms: Their mild earthiness softens nicely and melds into the creamy sauce.
- Flour: A small amount thickens the sauce perfectly without clumping.
- White wine: Adds brightness and depth, plus it helps deglaze the pan.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the sauce savory and tender with umami.
- Heavy cream: The soul of the sauce, bringing lusciousness and silkiness.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness and a nutty complexity that really elevates the flavor.
- Fresh parsley or chives: A quick fresh green garnish to brighten every bite.
Make It Your Way
Over time, I’ve played with this recipe and found that altering it to suit your mood or what’s in the fridge only makes it better. Don’t be shy to tweak it to fit your taste or dietary needs—you’ll enjoy the process and result so much more.
- Variation: I sometimes swap heavy cream for half-and-half to lighten the sauce a bit, and it still gives that creamy mouthfeel without being too heavy.
- Herbs and spices: Feel free to add fresh thyme or rosemary when sautéing mushrooms or a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note.
- Veggie boost: Sneaking in some baby spinach or kale into the sauce near the end is a wonderful way to add color and nutrients without changing the flavor.
- For gluten-free: I use cornstarch instead of flour—just mix it with a little water before adding to avoid lumps.
- Wine substitute: If you don’t have white wine or prefer not to cook with alcohol, extra chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice does the trick.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt 1 tablespoon butter with olive oil—this combo helps get a golden-brown crust. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes each side until gorgeous and cooked through (internal temp around 165°F). Then, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. This step locks in those juicy juices we want inside.
Step 2: Deglaze the Pan with Wine for Flavor Magic
Pour in white wine to deglaze the skillet and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any caramelized bits stuck to the pan. Those brown bits are pure flavor gold! Let the wine cook off for about 30 seconds or until mostly evaporated. This step sets a delicious base for your sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic
Add the remaining butter and toss in your sliced mushrooms. Cook them on medium heat until they soften and their water cooks off nicely—about 5 minutes. Once soft, add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, around 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic; watch closely! This combo fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce and Add the Creamy Goodness
Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Then reduce the heat to medium-low and slowly pour in chicken broth and heavy cream while stirring. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil so it starts to thicken.
Step 5: Melt in Parmesan for the Ultimate Creamy Flavor
Add freshly grated Parmesan in batches, stirring until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, then let the sauce simmer until it thickens to that perfect creamy consistency—usually 2-3 minutes. This is where the magic happens and you can almost taste it now, right?
Step 6: Return Chicken to the Sauce and Warm Through
Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors and warm the chicken through. Once it reaches 165°F internally, you’re good to go!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and brightness. Serve hot and get ready for all the compliments!
Top Tip
After making this Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few little tricks that make all the difference in texture and flavor. Trust me, they’re worth remembering!
- Pat chicken dry: Before seasoning, pat those chicken breasts dry with paper towels so they sear instead of steam, getting that beautiful crust.
- Don’t rush the mushrooms: Take your time sautéing the mushrooms so their moisture evaporates and they brown lightly—this deepens their flavor.
- Use fresh Parmesan: Real freshly grated Parmesan melts better and has way more flavor than pre-shredded stuff. It’s worth the tiny extra effort.
- Simmer gently: Keep the heat low when simmering the cream sauce to avoid curdling or separating—it should just bubble softly.
How to Serve Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I love to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top because they add a fresh herbaceous note and a splash of green that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. A couple of lemon wedges on the side never hurt either, especially if you like a touch of zest with that creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
For sides, creamy mashed potatoes make a dreamy pairing because they soak up the sauce so well. I also enjoy roasted asparagus or green beans for a crisp, fresh contrast. If you want something lighter, garlic butter noodles or even a simple buttered rice pilaf work beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I sometimes slice the chicken breasts after cooking and fan the slices out on a platter, ladling the mushroom cream sauce generously over top. Garnish with a few edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant touch. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover chicken and mushroom sauce in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps well for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more overnight, so leftovers are actually better the next day in my opinion!
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, it's best to freeze just the sauce separately to keep the texture fresh. Thaw in the fridge and gently reheat, then add freshly cooked chicken or reheat chicken slowly in sauce to keep it tender.
Reheating
When reheating, do it gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to prevent the cream sauce from separating. Adding a splash of chicken broth can help loosen up the sauce if it thickens too much.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and stay juicy. Just adjust cooking time since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese to lighten the sauce without sacrificing too much creaminess. Just note the texture may be a bit thinner.
Cook on low to medium-low heat when simmering the sauce and avoid boiling it vigorously. Stir frequently and add cheese gradually. Also, temper the cream by stirring in a little hot broth before mixing everything together.
You can prepare the mushroom cream sauce up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat gently on the stove and add freshly cooked chicken just before serving for the best results.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s so reliably delicious and comforting. It’s a recipe that feels like you’re putting effort into something wonderful, but really, it’s straightforward and forgiving to make. If you’re looking for a dish to bring warmth and smiles around your table, give this one a try—you won’t regret it!
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
Tender boneless chicken breasts pan-seared to a golden brown and served with a luscious creamy mushroom sauce made with white wine, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs.
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
Garnish
- Parsley or chives, to garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper evenly to enhance their flavor.
- Sear the chicken: In a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with olive oil. Sear the chicken breasts on each side for 5 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- 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 most of the wine evaporates.
- Sauté mushrooms: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet and sauté the sliced mushrooms until they are soft and their liquid has evaporated, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add flour: Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and garlic, stirring continuously for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Create sauce base: Reduce heat to medium-low, then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Season sauce: Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
- Simmer sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes rich and creamy.
- Reheat chicken in sauce: Return the chicken breasts and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes or until the chicken is warmed through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the finished dish with freshly chopped parsley or chives. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- If using larger chicken breasts, slice them in half lengthwise to create cutlets for even cooking.
- Add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning to the chicken or the cream sauce for extra flavor.
- Include baby spinach or other leafy greens in the sauce for added vegetables and color.
- A splash of fresh lemon juice can brighten the creamy sauce and balance richness.
- For a flavor kick, stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard into the sauce during cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 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: 130 mg
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