Chicken in Creamy Mushroom Sauce

A luxurious yet simple dish, Chicken in Creamy Mushroom Sauce is the perfect comfort food — combining tender, juicy chicken with a silky, flavorful sauce enriched by fresh mushrooms and cream. This classic meal is quick enough for a weekday dinner but elegant enough for special occasions.

From rustic French kitchens to modern family tables, this dish has earned its place among timeless favorites. Whether you’re pairing it with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables, it brings warmth and satisfaction to every bite.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 chicken breasts (or substitute with thighs or drumsticks)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter

For the Creamy Mushroom Sauce:

• 250g fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or hot water with a bouillon cube)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or cooking cream)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme or Italian herbs (optional)
• 1/2 cup white wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
• Additional salt and pepper, to taste

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe blends the earthy flavor of mushrooms with the richness of cream, elevated by the slight sharpness of garlic and a touch of wine for complexity. It strikes a beautiful balance between rustic simplicity and restaurant-style sophistication.

If you’re interested in exploring more about sauce-making techniques and how to perfect cream-based dishes, check out this helpful cream sauce guide from Serious Eats. Also, for more mushroom varieties that can boost flavor, visit The Mushroom Council to choose the perfect ones for your meals.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

• Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
• Add the chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes on each side (depending on thickness) until golden brown and fully cooked.
• Remove from skillet and set aside.

2. Make the Mushroom Sauce

• In the same pan, add a touch of butter if needed.
• Sauté the onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until softened.
• Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5–7 minutes until they release their juices and begin to caramelize.
• (Optional) Pour in the white wine and simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce.

3. Create the Creamy Base

• Add the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Stir in the cream and herbs.
• Let the sauce thicken slightly, about 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Combine & Simmer

• Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce.
• Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes to marry the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
• Best accompanied by:
  • Steamed rice
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Grilled or roasted vegetables
  • Crusty bread to mop up the creamy sauce

Tips & Troubleshooting

Chicken isn’t fully cooked?

• Always check internal temperature (should be 165°F/74°C).

Sauce too thin?

• Let it simmer longer uncovered or add a touch of cornstarch mixed with water.

Sauce too thick?

• Add a splash of broth or cream until desired consistency is reached.

Don’t like wine?

• Omit it entirely or substitute with a teaspoon of lemon juice.

Want more flavor?

• Add Parmesan cheese, paprika, or a spoon of Dijon mustard to deepen the profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the sauce and chicken, then store them separately. Combine and reheat gently before serving.

Can I freeze it?

You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce, though cream may slightly separate. Thaw and reheat gently while stirring.

Can I use different mushrooms?

Absolutely! Try cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms for varied flavor and texture.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use coconut cream or dairy-free alternatives, though flavor may differ.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Mushroom Chicken is one of those dishes that feels fancy yet is delightfully easy to make. Whether you serve it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, it never fails to impress. With just a few pantry ingredients and some care in cooking, this comforting recipe becomes a cherished go-to in your kitchen.

Once you’ve mastered this dish, consider pairing it with another Italian classic like Torta della Nonna or trying a cheesy no-oven bread to complete the comfort meal experience.