If you’re searching for a reliable weeknight dinner that feels like pure comfort, Chicken with Mushroom Sauce absolutely delivers. This dish wraps tender chicken breasts in a luxuriously creamy mushroom and garlic sauce, accented with Parmesan and fresh thyme. It comes together quickly in one skillet, yet the rich aroma and flavor instantly elevate any meal. Whether you’re serving family or guests, Chicken with Mushroom Sauce has a way of gathering everyone around the table with eager forks at the ready!

Chicken with Mushroom Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll create a dish bursting with flavor. Each component not only shines in taste but also balances textures and colors, making Chicken with Mushroom Sauce both comforting and stunning on the plate.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and remain juicy when seared—feel free to substitute with thighs if you prefer.
Salt and black pepper: Generous seasoning is the secret to bringing out the best in the chicken.
Olive oil: Gives you that golden brown crust on the chicken and rounds out the flavor.
Butter: Delivers creamy richness and helps the mushrooms caramelize to perfection.
Cremini or white mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms provide earthiness, texture, and soak up all the delicious sauce.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds bold, aromatic layers as it mingles with mushrooms and cream.
Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan, lifting all those savory browned bits to deepen the sauce.
Heavy cream: The base for luscious, velvety sauce that ties everything together.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan brings salty, nutty goodness to finish the sauce.
Fresh thyme leaves: A little thyme brightens up the creamy sauce with a herby hint—use dried in a pinch.
Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of parsley right at the end adds color and a fresh finish.

How to Make Chicken with Mushroom Sauce

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts dry before generously seasoning both sides with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once shimmering, sear the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side, letting it develop a beautiful, golden crust. The secret here is not to move the chicken too early—let the pan do its magic! Once cooked through, transfer your chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep it hot and juicy.

Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic

Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the butter. As it melts, toss in the sliced mushrooms. Let them sit undisturbed for a few moments to get deeply browned, then stir and continue sautéing for about 5 or 6 minutes until tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds—this opens up that wonderful aroma without letting the garlic burn.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Next, pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of your pan. These little bits infuse the sauce with extra flavor. Let the broth simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes, then stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and thyme. Simmer gently for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken into a luscious, creamy blanket for your chicken.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return your cooked chicken (and those flavorful juices) to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the mushroom sauce. Spoon sauce generously over each piece, and let everything simmer for another 2 minutes so the chicken warms through and melds with the sauce. Finish with a scatter of fresh chopped parsley just before serving for a touch of color and brightness.

How to Serve Chicken with Mushroom Sauce

Garnishes

Don’t skip the garnish! A final touch of chopped parsley gives your Chicken with Mushroom Sauce a pop of freshness, and a light sprinkle of extra Parmesan never hurts. For an elegant touch, a few fresh thyme leaves look lovely on top, too.

Side Dishes

This dish practically begs for something to soak up its creamy sauce. Pile your chicken atop fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery rice, or a tangle of pasta noodles. For a lighter plate, serve it with steamed green beans or roasted broccoli for balance and color.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, slice the chicken and fan it over a bed of risotto or creamy polenta before ladling the mushroom sauce all over. For a rustic, family-style vibe, place everything in a big skillet on the table and let guests serve themselves. Chicken with Mushroom Sauce makes for an instant centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken with Mushroom Sauce is a total blessing for busy days ahead! Store cooled chicken and sauce together in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it even tastier on day two.

Freezing

To freeze, place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. While the cream-based sauce may separate a little after thawing, a gentle stir upon reheating brings it back together. Enjoy within 2 months for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Chicken with Mushroom Sauce gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. If microwaving, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between so the chicken heats evenly without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs, especially bone-in, add extra richness and stay juicy. Just increase the cooking time until fully cooked through, and enjoy a flavorful variation of Chicken with Mushroom Sauce.

What type Main Course

Cremini or white button mushrooms are classic and readily available, but you can easily use baby bellas, shiitake, or even a mix for deeper flavor. Pick your favorite and customize away!

How do I make the sauce lighter?

For a lighter version of Chicken with Mushroom Sauce, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for some or all of the heavy cream. The sauce will be a bit less rich but still deliciously creamy.

Is Chicken with Mushroom Sauce gluten-free?

Yes, this dish is gluten-free as written—no flour is used in the sauce or for dredging. Always double-check labels on your broth and cheese to be absolutely certain if you’re cooking for someone with allergies.

Can I make this dish ahead for guests?

You sure can! Prepare the recipe up to finishing the sauce, then store the chicken and sauce in the fridge. When ready to serve, gently reheat everything in a skillet, spooning the sauce over the chicken until heated through. It’s a fabulous make-ahead main for entertaining.

Final Thoughts

If you love cozy comfort and bold flavor, Chicken with Mushroom Sauce belongs in your recipe rotation. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but always feels a little special. Give this dish a try—you’re about to discover a new favorite dinner!

Chicken with Mushroom Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a delicious and creamy Chicken with Mushroom Sauce for a satisfying meal that’s easy to make. Tender chicken breasts are seared to perfection and topped with a rich mushroom sauce that is sure to impress. Serve this dish over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a complete meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Mushroom Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
8 oz cremini or white mushrooms (sliced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
Chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5–6 minutes until browned and tender. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Finish the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and thyme. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Cook for another 2 minutes to reheat the chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.