If you’re craving something rich, comforting, and downright elegant without much fuss, this Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe is a total game-changer. It’s one of those dishes I come back to when I want a cozy dinner that feels special but is still easy enough for any night. Stick with me and I’ll walk you through every step!
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 first made this Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe on a cold evening when I wanted something rich but not too heavy. The result? Dinner guests kept asking for seconds—and it seriously became a weeknight staple in my house. The balance of tender chicken and dreamy sauce is just unbeatable.
- Simple Ingredients: Most of what you need is probably already in your kitchen, making it perfect for last-minute meals.
- Decadent Sauce: The creamy mushroom sauce is silky and flavorful, a total crowd-pleaser that elevates plain chicken to gourmet level.
- Quick to Make: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 30 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties.
- Flexible: You can swap mushrooms, add herbs, or adjust the richness to fit your mood or dietary needs.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe is a beautiful harmony of classic ingredients that come together to create maximum flavor with minimal effort. Here’s why each element plays its part perfectly.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These cook quickly and stay tender. I love using smaller breasts—or slicing larger ones thinly for even cooking.
- Butter and olive oil: A combo that helps you get a golden sear on the chicken without burning and builds richness in the sauce.
- White mushrooms: Their earthy flavor adds depth and texture that pairs perfectly with creamy sauce.
- Garlic: Minced for a fragrant boost—the kind that makes you swoon the second it hits the pan.
- Flour: Just a bit to thicken the sauce without making it gloopy.
- White wine: The secret layer of acidity and brightness, deglazing the pan and lifting all those browned, flavorful bits.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps balance the creaminess.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety base of the sauce everyone loves.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for that salty, nutty umami hit that pulls the whole sauce together.
- Parsley or chives: Adds freshness and a splash of color that really finishes the dish.
Make It Your Way
This recipe is like a blank canvas for your flavor ideas—over time I’ve tossed in all kinds of tweaks that made it my own, and I encourage you to do the same. The base is so forgiving, you can experiment with herbs, seasonings, and extras to match what you love.
- Variation: Once, I added a splash of lemon juice right at the end—it brightened the creamy sauce beautifully and added a fresh zing that’s perfect in spring or summer.
- Herbs: Rosemary or thyme stirred into the sauce lend an aromatic earthiness I adore. Feel free to add these with the broth and cream to infuse the sauce.
- Veggies: Baby spinach folded in right before serving sneaks in some greens without overpowering the dish.
- Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds just enough kick when you want the sauce to dance on your tongue.
- Mustard: Dijon stirred in with the cream adds a subtle tang that lifts the sauce wonderfully—try it if you like a little more complexity.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear That Chicken
First, I pat those chicken breasts dry and season them generously with salt and pepper. In a big skillet over medium-high heat, I melt butter and drizzle olive oil to balance flavor and prevent burning. When the pan’s hot, I add the chicken and sear it until each side is golden brown—about 4 to 5 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and creates a beautiful crust. Once done, I move the chicken to a plate and keep it warm. Don’t skip seasoning well; it makes all the difference!
Step 2: Deglaze the Pan with White Wine
With the chicken resting, I pour in a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan—this means scraping up all those golden bits stuck to the bottom (they’re pure flavor gold). This step adds incredible depth to the sauce. I let the wine simmer about 30 seconds until it mostly evaporates, which concentrates those flavors.
Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic
Next, in the same skillet, I toss in the remaining butter and add the sliced mushrooms. I sauté them until they’re soft and their liquid has mostly cooked off—around 5 minutes. That’s a crucial moment because it intensifies their earthiness. Then, I stir in minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. It smells heavenly already!
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
I sprinkle in the flour and stir robustly for a minute—this cooks out the raw flour taste and helps thicken the sauce later. Turning the heat to medium-low, I gradually pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly to keep it smooth. Then comes the star: I add Parmesan cheese little by little, stirring until it melts into that dreamy, velvety sauce. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper at this point; it’s all about balancing the richness and seasoning.
Step 5: Finish Up with Chicken and Simmer
Finally, I nestle the chicken back into the sauce along with any juices from the plate. Then I let it simmer gently for another two minutes to meld everything together and warm the chicken through—aiming for an internal temp of 165°F. That’s it! Garnished with fresh parsley or chives, it’s ready to serve hot and savor every bite.
Top Tip
Having made this Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few insider tips that make all the difference between good and unforgettable.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking chicken or mushrooms, give them room to brown properly—this helps build flavor and prevents steaming.
- Use Fresh Mushrooms: I find fresh white mushrooms have the best texture and mild earthiness that suits this creamy sauce perfectly.
- Deglaze with Wine or Broth: It’s the secret step that boosts the sauce depth, so never skip it—even a splash makes a huge difference.
- Grate Parmesan Fresh: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly, so fresh really brings the sauce together silky and smooth.
How to Serve Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives. Not only do they add a pop of bright green color, but their fresh, slightly oniony flavor cuts through the richness beautifully. Sometimes I even toss a few microgreens on top just for fun.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken pairs perfectly with simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles—they soak up all that luscious sauce. For a lighter touch, steamed green beans or a crisp Caesar salad offer fresh contrast. I love making extra sauce just to drizzle over roasted asparagus or grilled zucchini as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I sometimes serve slices of the chicken on a bed of creamy polenta, topped with the mushroom sauce and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts. It feels fancy but is so easy. Or try plating on individual warm shallow bowls with a bright herb garnish and a lemon wedge on the side—that pop of acid really enlivens the flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftover chicken and creamy mushroom sauce in an airtight container in the fridge and it usually keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, so I recommend loosening it with a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, too! I portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
Reheating
When reheating, I warm the chicken and sauce on low heat in a skillet, stirring often and adding a little broth or cream if the sauce is too thick. Microwaving works in a pinch, but stirring midway helps it heat evenly without splitting.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You can substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine, and swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a cashew cream alternative. Just be mindful that the sauce texture and flavor will vary slightly. Also, omit the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese substitute.
White button mushrooms are classic and mild, complementing the creamy sauce well. Cremini mushrooms add a bit more earthiness and richness. Avoid watery mushrooms like shiitake here, as they may change the sauce texture.
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking time, as thighs might take a bit longer to cook through than breasts. The creamy mushroom sauce will pair beautifully with thighs!
To avoid curdling, keep your heat on medium-low when adding and simmering the cream sauce. Stir frequently and avoid rapid boiling. Adding cheese gradually and stirring helps maintain a smooth texture. If using a non-dairy cream alternative, watch the temperature carefully as these vary more.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe has been a reliable crowd-pleaser and comfort food hero in my kitchen for years, and I hope you find it as satisfying and easy as I do. The luscious sauce and tender chicken combo is pure comfort with a touch of elegance—perfect for impressing guests or just spoiling yourself after a busy day. Give it a try and let me know if you add your own twists—I love hearing how friends make it their own!
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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
A succulent chicken dish featuring boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked in a creamy mushroom sauce enriched with garlic, white wine, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a comforting dinner with rich flavors and a smooth, velvety sauce.
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 evenly to enhance flavor before cooking.
- Sear Chicken: In a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add olive oil. Sear the chicken on each side until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Cook for about 30 seconds until most of the wine has evaporated, adding deep flavor to the sauce base.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet and sauté the sliced mushrooms until softened and their liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds, to infuse the sauce with aroma.
- Incorporate Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste and thicken the sauce.
- Add Liquids: Lower the heat to medium-low. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Melt Cheese: Gradually add the Parmesan cheese in batches, stirring constantly until it melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
- Season Sauce: Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce gently simmer until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy, about 3 minutes.
- Finish Cooking Chicken: Return the chicken breasts along with any juices collected on the plate back into the skillet. Simmer everything together for 2 minutes until the chicken is heated through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the finished dish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your meal.
Notes
- Use smaller chicken breasts (5-8 oz. each) for even cooking; if breasts are large, slice them in half lengthwise to create cutlets.
- Enhance flavor by adding herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning during searing or in the sauce.
- For added nutrition, stir in baby spinach or other greens when simmering the sauce.
- A splash of lemon juice added to the cream sauce can brighten the flavors.
- Adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce can elevate the taste with a subtle tang.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg

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