There is something truly irresistible about the combination of juicy chicken and a luscious sauce, which is exactly what you get with this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and a little bit fancy, perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The earthy mushrooms meld beautifully with the rich cream sauce, while the tender, pan-seared chicken soaks up every bit of flavor. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to meals that’s both satisfying and easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each bringing something special to the table. They combine simple pantry staples and fresh produce to create a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and inviting color.
- Chicken breasts (2 large): The star protein, cut into cutlets for quick and even cooking.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Crucial for seasoning and highlighting every flavor.
- Flour (for dredging): Helps create a golden crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce slightly.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For searing the chicken to perfection.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and depth to the mushroom sauté.
- Mushrooms (12 ounces, sliced): Cremini or white mushrooms provide an earthy, meaty texture that’s unbeatable.
- Italian seasoning (1/4 teaspoon): A fragrant blend that elevates the mushrooms’ flavor.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): The aromatic backbone that adds warmth and a slight bite to the sauce.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and savoriness, helping build a flavorful sauce base.
- Lemon juice (1/2 teaspoon): A tiny hit of brightness and acidity to balance the richness.
- Dijon mustard (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the sauce a subtle tang that complements the cream beautifully.
- Heavy/whipping cream (1 cup): The key to the sauce’s luscious, silky finish.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Dredge the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you end up with four thin cutlets. This helps them cook quickly and evenly. Season each piece generously with salt and pepper, then dredge them in flour, shaking off any excess. This coating not only helps the chicken develop a beautiful golden crust but also thickens your sauce later on.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet and Sear the Chicken
Warm your olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Add the chicken cutlets, cooking them for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they’re gorgeously golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove them from the pan and set them aside on a plate—this is where the magic happens next.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms
In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt fully. Toss in your sliced mushrooms along with the Italian seasoning. Cook these, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their water, which then cooks away, allowing them to brown and develop a deep, savory flavor. This step adds a wonderful texture and earthiness to your dish.
Step 4: Make the Sauce Base
Remove the mushrooms from the pan and set them next to the chicken to rest. Now, add the minced garlic directly to the skillet, cooking just until fragrant—it’s amazing how garlic transforms the flavor here. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard, stirring well to combine. Let this mixture reduce until it’s about half its original volume, roughly 3 to 4 minutes. This reduction intensifies the flavors and makes for a fantastic base.
Step 5: Finish with Cream, Chicken, and Mushrooms
Pour in the heavy cream, then nestle the chicken cutlets and mushrooms back into the pan. Let everything simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to finish cooking and the sauce to thicken beautifully. Give it a taste, then season with additional salt and pepper as needed. This final step brings everything together into the creamy, comforting dish you’re craving.
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To add freshness and a pop of color, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top right before serving. A little sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese also works wonders for an extra savory touch. Garnishes are a simple way to elevate presentation and add nuanced flavors that brighten the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles soak up the sauce beautifully, while a crisp green salad cuts through the richness. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans add both color and crunch for a well-rounded plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, serve the chicken atop a bed of creamy polenta or wild rice. You can also plate the chicken individually with a drizzle of the mushroom cream sauce on top and a sprig of fresh herbs. This approach makes it feel special enough for guests or a cozy dinner date.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe keeps its flavor well, but be sure to reheat gently to prevent the cream from breaking.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but it’s best to do so without the cream-based sauce if possible, as cream can separate when frozen and thawed. Freeze the cooked chicken and mushrooms separately in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to help restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Microwaving on medium power in short bursts with stirring works too, just be careful not to overheat, which can lead to a watery or separated sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would work wonderfully and stay extra juicy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, half-and-half can work, or you can try coconut cream for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the sauce may not be as thick or rich.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the butter for olive oil and use a dairy-free cream alternative. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan if you add it as a garnish. The flavor will shift slightly but still be delicious.
How should I plate the Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe for guests?
Consider serving it over a simple starch like mashed potatoes or rice, then spooning the sauce and mushrooms over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful, inviting look.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! You can prepare a batch, portion it out, and save it for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just be mindful of how you store and reheat it to preserve the creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s rich, comforting, and surprisingly simple to make, making it a perfect addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser that everyone will ask you to make again. So go ahead, give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy mushroom chicken recipe is a delightful blend of tender chicken cutlets and perfectly sautéed mushrooms in a rich, velvety cream sauce. It’s a quick and comforting meal that combines the earthiness of mushrooms with subtle notes of garlic, lemon, and Dijon mustard, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Flour (for dredging, about 1/4 cup)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Mushroom Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 12 ounces mushrooms (cremini or white mushrooms, sliced)
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut your chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make four thinner cutlets. Season them generously with salt and pepper, then coat each piece evenly in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat the Oil: Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat and allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the floured chicken cutlets in the hot skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until each side is golden brown and the chicken is nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Add the butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Add the sliced mushrooms and sprinkle the Italian seasoning over them. Cook the mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture, the water evaporates, and they develop a nice sear and golden color.
- Remove Mushrooms: Take the mushrooms out of the skillet and place them on the same plate as the chicken to keep them warm.
- Make the Sauce Base: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté briefly until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Stir well to dissolve the mustard and allow the mixture to reduce by half, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Finish the Sauce with Cream and Chicken: Pour in the heavy cream and return the cooked chicken and mushrooms to the skillet. Let everything simmer together for about 5 more minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- You can use any type of mushrooms you prefer, such as shiitake or button mushrooms, but cremini offers a nice earthy flavor.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or over pasta for a complete meal.
- If desired, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for added color and flavor.
- Cook chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
