Creamy Mushroom Chicken, where juicy chicken meets a velvety mushroom sauce. A deliciously satisfying dish for family dinners!
Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of Creamy Mushroom Chicken, a dish that’s as comforting as it is elegant. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a delightful balance of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and earthy mushrooms.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these essential ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 lb cremini mushrooms (sliced), 1/2 cup chopped onion, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds depth!), 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tsp dried thyme, salt and pepper to taste. For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of cremini and shiitake mushrooms. Learn more about mushroom varieties to elevate your dish.
Preparing the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt, pepper, and thyme. This ensures even cooking and maximum flavor infusion. Check out this video for expert chicken-cutting tips.
Sautéing the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the foundation of the dish’s rich flavor profile.
Cooking the Mushrooms
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 7-10 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you may need to do this in batches. Properly cooked mushrooms are key to a delicious Creamy Mushroom Chicken. See our guide on cooking mushrooms perfectly.
Creating the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and onions, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will thicken the sauce. Gradually whisk in the white wine (if using), allowing it to reduce slightly. Then, slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken further. For an extra layer of richness, consider adding a splash of chicken broth.
Adding the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the creamy mushroom sauce. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink (about 10-15 minutes), stirring occasionally to ensure it’s fully coated in the sauce. Discover more chicken recipes on our website.
Finishing Touches
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. The Parmesan adds a salty, umami depth that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) before serving. Consider serving this dish with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Creamy Mushroom Chicken hot, over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with various side dishes. For a complete meal, consider adding a simple green salad. Find more side dish ideas here.
This Creamy Mushroom Chicken recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Its ease of preparation and rich, satisfying flavors make it a perfect choice for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of mushrooms work best? Cremini mushrooms are classic, but you can experiment with shiitake, button, or a mix for a more complex flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! The dish tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What if I don’t have white wine? You can omit the wine or substitute with an equal amount of chicken broth.
Can I use different cheese? Asiago or Gruyère would be delicious substitutes for Parmesan.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs tend to be more tender.
How to thicken cream of mushroom chicken?
Optional: if you want a thicker sauce then in a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water and mix to combine. Remove the chicken and set aside, add the slurry to the sauce and whisk to combine. Simmer for 1 minute to thicken (add more if you want it thicker)
What to serve creamy mushroom chicken with?
What to Serve with Creamy Mushroom Chicken?13 Best Side Dishes
- 1 – Parmesan Risotto.
- 2 – Garlic Butter Smashed Potatoes.
- 3 – Sautéed Spinach with Lemon.
- 4 – Truffle Mashed Cauliflower.
- 5 – Rosemary Roasted Carrots.
- 6 – Herb-Infused Polenta.
- 7 – Creamy Pea and Mint Salad.
- 8 – Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts.
Can you reheat creamy mushroom chicken?
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave, taking care not to overheat and dry out the chicken. The sauce’s texture will change as the oil splits from the cream (the taste will remain unaffected). Not suitable for freezing.
What is the best way to thicken mushroom sauce?
In addition to thickening the sauce with some heavy cream, you can also add a little flour and create a roux. Prior to adding the cream, add equal parts butter and flour to the pan with the mushrooms and whisk it to combine fully. Then, add the cream, and the mixture will thicken substantially.
How to make creamy chicken mushroom pie?
Method
- Melt the butter in a pan and brown the chicken breast chunks until fully cooked.
- Add the diced onions, garlic, mushrooms and thyme to the pan with the chicken.
- Add the wine, reduce for a few minutes, then add the cream.
- Cook gently for another 10 minutes, then transfer into a pie dish approx.
