Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe
Sink your fork into heaven with Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken, a dish that wraps tender, golden chicken breasts in a blanket of velvety garlic-infused sauce brimming with earthy mushrooms and a rich Parmesan finish. This one-pan wonder combines everyday staples with a restaurant-worthy flair, promising a weeknight meal that tastes like a warm hug—and is much easier to make than you’d guess. Whether you’re serving this to family, friends, or simply treating yourself, Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken delivers bold, luscious flavors in every comforting bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken is that every ingredient truly shines. We’re talking about simple, fresh items that each bring something special: think depth from the mushrooms, a creamy sauce that clings to each bite, herby brightness, and that unmistakable zing of garlic. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Chicken Breasts: Using boneless breasts puts all the focus on juicy, tender meat that soaks up that dreamy sauce.
- Flour: Lightly coating the chicken not only gives a golden crust but also helps the sauce thicken to restaurant-level silkiness.
- Salt and Garlic Powder: An essential seasoning duo for layering savory depth right into the chicken from the start.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle bit of heat that makes the creaminess pop even more.
- Olive Oil and Butter: The combination gives you a perfectly browned exterior on the chicken and gorgeous flavor throughout.
- Baby Button Mushrooms: Sliced and sautéed, they bring an earthy richness and irresistible bite.
- Heavy/Double Cream: This is what gives the sauce its irresistible deluxe texture and richness.
- Chicken Stock: Deepens flavor without making the sauce too heavy; helps balance richness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for maximum melt and a salty, nutty finish.
- Garlic: Finely diced for a fragrant, punchy kick that permeates both chicken and sauce.
- Fresh Parsley and Chives: Chopped herbs bring vibrant color and a pop of freshness—don’t skip them!
- Lemon Juice: Just a little brightens and balances the creamy, savory sauce.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Final seasoning makes every bite sing.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by laying your chicken breasts flat and carefully slicing each one horizontally to create four even, thinner pieces. This trick ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and lets more surface soak up that luscious sauce. Bringing the chicken close to room temp before cooking helps guarantee tender, juicy results every time.
Step 2: Season and Dredge
In a large shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Dredge each chicken breast through the seasoned flour so it’s lightly coated on all sides, shaking off any excess. This thin dusting creates the perfect golden crust that locks in juiciness and later helps thicken the sauce so it clings to every bite.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high in a large skillet or frying pan. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and pan-fry for a few minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and almost cooked through—don’t worry if they aren’t done in the center yet. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate; it’ll finish cooking in the sauce soon.
Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms and Aromatics
Add another tablespoon of butter to the pan if needed, then toss in your sliced mushrooms. Cook them until they’re beautifully golden and have developed a flavorful crust, stirring occasionally. Once the mushrooms have taken on color, reduce the heat and stir in the diced garlic, letting it sizzle and release its fragrance for a minute or two.
Step 5: Build the Creamy Garlic Mushroom Sauce
Pour in the chicken stock and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—these are pure flavor gold! Stir in the fresh parsley and chives, then let everything simmer together for about five minutes until the sauce just begins to thicken. Add in the Parmesan and a gentle squeeze of lemon juice, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to thicken to your preferred consistency.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Nestle the seared chicken back into the pan and spoon the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for a minute or two to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and infused with all that creamy, garlicky goodness. Serve immediately and bask in the applause—Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken is always a showstopper.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken
Garnishes
Finish your Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken with a cascade of fresh parsley and chives for a burst of color and subtle crunch. A last grind of black pepper and a little more grated Parmesan over the top amps up the flavor beautifully. If you’re feeling indulgent, try a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving—the little details make a difference.
Side Dishes
This dish begs for sides that can soak up all that decadent sauce. Fluffy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or creamy polenta all work like magic here. For balance, add a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some simply roasted seasonal vegetables to lighten the plate and make every bite complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken into a dinner party centerpiece by serving it over individual mounds of mashed potatoes on wide, shallow plates. For a cozy family-style approach, bring the whole skillet to the table and let everyone help themselves. Or, try tucking thin ribbons of fresh pasta underneath the chicken before draping everything in sauce—a true showpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the leftover Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken cool before transferring to an airtight container. Tucked into the fridge, it’ll keep beautifully for up to three days—the flavors might get even deeper overnight, so leftovers are a treat in themselves!
Freezing
While this dish is at its best fresh, you can freeze Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken if needed. Cool thoroughly, then portion into freezer-safe containers with as much sauce as possible. Freeze for up to two months, but be aware that cream sauces can sometimes separate slightly after freezing (a gentle reheat helps).
Reheating
To reheat, warm your Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of stock or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwaving on low in short bursts also works fine, just watch so the chicken stays moist and the sauce doesn’t break.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add even more richness and stay juicy. Just slice them to an even thickness and cook through as directed—they’ll work perfectly with the creamy garlic mushroom sauce.
What kind of mushrooms are best for Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken?
Button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms are my go-to for their mild, earthy flavor and ability to soak up the sauce. Feel free to experiment with wild varieties like shiitake or even sliced portobello for a deeper, woodsy flavor.
Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
Yes, you can! Swap the cream for a thick, unsweetened non-dairy milk (like cashew or coconut) and use vegan butter and Parmesan replacements. The flavor profile will shift a bit, but you’ll still get a rich, luxurious sauce.
How do I avoid overcooking the chicken?
Since the breasts are halved into thinner pieces, they cook fast. Sear just until golden and nearly cooked through, then finish them gently in the sauce—it only takes a couple of minutes to become perfectly juicy and tender.
Is Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken gluten-free?
The classic version uses flour for dredging, but you can easily swap in a gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch for the coating. The flavor and texture will still be spot-on.
Final Thoughts
Few dishes wrap up comfort, elegance, and pure flavor quite like Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken. Whether you’re looking to tempt picky eaters or treat yourself to something special, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Give it a try and discover why it’s an instant classic in so many kitchens!
Print
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken recipe is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy mushroom sauce. Perfect for a special dinner or a cozy night in!
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2x 9oz/250g Chicken Breasts, brought close to room temp
- 1/4 cup / 40g Flour
- 1 tsp EACH: Salt, Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp EACH: Olive Oil, Butter (preferably unsalted)
Sauce
- 9oz / 250g Baby Button Mushrooms, sliced fairly thin
- 3/4 cup / 180ml Heavy/Double Cream, at room temp
- 3/4 cup / 180ml Chicken Stock
- 1oz / 1/3cup / 30g freshly grated Parmesan
- 2 large cloves of Garlic, finely diced
- 1 tbsp finely diced Fresh Parsley, plus more to garnish if desired
- 1 tbsp finely diced Fresh Chives
- 1 tbsp Butter, preferably unsalted (can sub oil, this is to fry the mushrooms)
- 1/2 – 1 tsp Lemon Juice
- Salt & Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Horizontally slice each chicken breast right through the centre to create 4 even-sized breasts.
- Heat up 1 tbsp oil and butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and fry both sides for a few mins, or until golden on the outside and just about cooked through the centre. Remove and place chicken to one side.
- Melt in 1 tbsp butter and add the mushrooms. Fry until they form a golden crust, then reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and fry for another 1-2 mins. Pour in stock and cream, then add chives and parsley. Simmer for 5 mins or so, until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.
- Stir in parmesan, then add a very gentle squeeze of lemon juice and salt & pepper to taste. Simmer for another minute or so to thicken a little more if you need to.
- Add chicken back in and baste in the sauce. Serve up and enjoy!
In a large shallow dish combine 1/4 cup flour with 1 tsp garlic powder & salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Dredge each chicken breast through the flour to coat, then shake off excess and place to one side.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are brought close to room temperature for even cooking.
- Adjust lemon juice to personal preference for acidity in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying, Simmering
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 475 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken, Chicken with Mushroom Sauce, Creamy Chicken Recipe
