If you’re looking for a delicious, hearty meal that’s both easy to make and full of flavor, this Mushroom Chicken recipe will quickly become your go-to. Tender chicken breasts or thighs are smothered in a rich and creamy mushroom sauce that’s loaded with garlic, herbs, and a touch of white wine. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a special occasion meal but can be prepared in no time. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This Mushroom Chicken is everything you want in a weeknight meal: it’s quick, flavorful, and feels like something you’d enjoy at a fancy restaurant. The creamy mushroom sauce adds a depth of flavor to the chicken, and the combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and a splash of wine gives it that perfect balance of richness and freshness. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a side of crispy veggies, making it a versatile dish that will never disappoint.
Ingredients
(Full list of ingredients is available at the end of this post)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Fresh mushrooms (button or cremini work great)
- Garlic (minced)
- Onion (diced)
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Olive oil or butter
- White wine (optional, but adds great flavor)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary
- Salt and pepper
Directions
1. Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts (or thighs) generously with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. You don’t need to cook the chicken all the way through at this point; just get a nice sear. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add a little more butter or olive oil if needed. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the Mushrooms
Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and sauté for about 5-6 minutes, until they’re golden and tender. If the mushrooms begin to release too much moisture, increase the heat slightly to allow the liquid to evaporate.
4. Make the Sauce
Once the mushrooms are cooked, pour in the white wine (if using), scraping up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let the wine cook for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes to reduce a bit more and concentrate the flavors.
5. Add the Cream
Once the broth has reduced, stir in the heavy cream and fresh herbs. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to simmer for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
6. Return the Chicken to the Pan
Now, add the seared chicken back into the pan, spooning some of the mushroom sauce over the top. Cover the pan and let it simmer for another 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Serve the chicken with the creamy mushroom sauce poured over the top. This dish is perfect with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of roasted vegetables to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the chicken before cooking adds so much flavor to the dish. It locks in the juices and creates that golden, crispy texture that complements the creamy sauce.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary are great for adding depth to the sauce, but you can also use dried herbs if that’s what you have on hand. Just use a little less since dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. The sauce won’t be as rich, but it will still be flavorful.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Mushroom Variety: You can swap out the button mushrooms for any kind of mushrooms you like. Cremini, shiitake, or portobello mushrooms all bring a different texture and flavor to the sauce.
- Add More Veggies: For extra flavor and nutrients, feel free to toss in some spinach, kale, or even a handful of peas towards the end of cooking. The spinach will wilt beautifully in the creamy sauce.
- Chicken Alternatives: While this recipe is fantastic with chicken, you can also use pork chops or turkey cutlets in place of the chicken for a different twist.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Mushroom Chicken is a one-pan wonder that’s great on its own, but it’s even better when paired with sides that soak up all that delicious creamy sauce. Here are some ideas:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce is perfect for smothering over buttery mashed potatoes.
- Rice: Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of fluffy white rice or a hearty brown rice for a complete meal.
- Roasted Veggies: A side of roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans balances the richness of the dish with freshness and crunch.
- Crusty Bread: Don’t forget some fresh, warm bread to soak up any leftover sauce!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers are just as tasty! Store any leftover Mushroom Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. You can also reheat it in the microwave, though the stovetop is best to maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency.
4 FAQs
1. Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. They’re slightly juicier than breasts and will cook up just as tender.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep the mushroom sauce and sear the chicken ahead of time. Then, when you’re ready to eat, just heat everything up and let the chicken finish cooking in the sauce.
3. Can I freeze Mushroom Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked and let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
4. Can I skip the white wine?
Yes, if you don’t have white wine or prefer not to use it, you can substitute with an extra splash of chicken broth or a little bit of lemon juice for acidity. The dish will still be delicious!
Conclusion
This Mushroom Chicken recipe is the epitome of comfort food with a touch of elegance. The creamy, garlicky mushroom sauce is the perfect complement to the tender chicken, making it a dish that’s both satisfying and sophisticated. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish will be a hit every time. Easy to make, full of flavor, and utterly delicious—what’s not to love?
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Mushroom Chicken: A Simple Yet Elegant Comfort Dish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Pan-Searing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Description
Tender chicken breasts or thighs are smothered in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce made with garlic, herbs, and a touch of white wine. It’s an elegant comfort dish that’s quick and easy to prepare—perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 4 pieces)
- Fresh mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced (2 cups)
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves)
- Onion, diced (1 medium)
- Chicken broth (1 cup)
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup)
- Olive oil or butter (2 tbsp)
- White wine (optional, 1/4 cup)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (1 sprig or 1 tsp dried)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Chicken:
-
- Season the chicken breasts (or thighs) generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
-
Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add a bit more butter or oil to the skillet. Sauté the diced onion for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
-
Cook the Mushrooms:
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and tender.
- If mushrooms release moisture, increase heat to allow the liquid to evaporate.
-
Make the Sauce:
- Pour in the white wine (if using), scraping up brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine reduce for about 2 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth and simmer for 5 minutes to reduce.
-
Add the Cream:
- Stir in the heavy cream and fresh herbs.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
-
Return the Chicken to the Pan:
- Add the seared chicken back to the pan and spoon some sauce over it.
- Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve with the creamy mushroom sauce poured over the top, paired with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted veggies.
Notes
- Searing the chicken adds depth of flavor and helps keep the chicken juicy.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary are ideal, but dried herbs work as well (use half the amount).
- Adjust the creaminess with half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (with sauce)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg