Creamy Mushroom Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, tender chicken breasts simmered in a silky, buttery mushroom cream sauce that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly. Made with just a handful of everyday ingredients, this one-pan dinner is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or when you want a restaurant-style meal without the fuss.
The magic lies in the balance: golden-seared chicken for flavor, sautéed mushrooms for earthiness, and cooking cream for that luscious finish. Simple, satisfying, and endlessly versatile.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor
- Rich & Creamy – Comforting sauce without complexity
- Quick to Make – Ready in about 25 minutes
- Family-Friendly – Mild, crowd-pleasing flavors
- Budget-Friendly – Simple, affordable ingredients
- Versatile – Pairs with pasta, rice, or veggies
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 2–3 chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
- 2 tbsp butter
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup cooking cream (or heavy cream)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
Garlic, fresh thyme or parsley, grated Parmesan
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden on both sides and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside. - Sauté the Mushrooms
In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms. Sauté until softened and lightly browned, scraping up any flavorful bits from the pan. - Make It Creamy
Pour in the cooking cream and stir well. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. - Simmer
Return chicken to the skillet. Reduce heat and simmer gently until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked. - Serve & Enjoy
Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
How to Serve
- Classic: Over rice or mashed potatoes
- Italian-Style: With pasta or gnocchi
- Low-Carb: With sautéed spinach or zucchini noodles
- Rustic: With crusty bread to soak up the sauce
Add a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Helpful Tips
- Slice chicken evenly for quick, even cooking
- Don’t rush browning—it builds flavor
- Keep heat low once cream is added to prevent splitting
- Let sauce simmer gently to thicken naturally
- Finish with fresh herbs for brightness
Variations
- Garlic Mushroom Chicken: Add minced garlic before mushrooms
- Cheesy Version: Stir in Parmesan at the end
- Herb-Infused: Add thyme or rosemary
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cream and olive oil
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach in the last minute
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Up to 3 days in an airtight container
- Freeze: Not recommended (cream sauce may separate)
- Reheat: Gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy.
What mushrooms are best?
Button, cremini, or baby bella all work well.
Is cooking cream the same as heavy cream?
Cooking cream is slightly lighter but both work great here.
Can I make this ahead?
It’s best fresh, but leftovers reheat well.
Conclusion
Creamy Mushroom Chicken is proof that simple ingredients can create an incredibly comforting, elegant meal. With golden chicken, tender mushrooms, and a velvety cream sauce, this dish is a guaranteed hit, easy enough for weeknights and special enough for guests.