Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken

This creamy garlic mushroom chicken has transformed my weeknight dinner routine from mundane to magnificent. The velvety sauce envelops tender chicken and earthy mushrooms, creating a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in just 35 minutes.

I first created this recipe when trying to impress my in-laws during their first visit. Three years later, it's still requested whenever they come to town, and has become our family's definition of comfort food.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts chosen for their lean protein and quick cooking time. Look for ones of similar thickness for even cooking
• Olive oil helps achieve that perfect golden crust on the chicken
• Salt and black pepper the foundation of good flavor in any dish
• Garlic powder provides an even base layer of garlic flavor throughout the chicken
• Sliced mushrooms white or cremini both work beautifully. Fresh is vastly superior to canned for this recipe
• Fresh minced garlic nothing compares to the aromatic punch of freshly minced garlic cloves
• Chicken broth preferably low sodium so you can control the salt level yourself
• Heavy cream creates that luxurious texture that makes this dish so special
• Parmesan cheese adds savory depth and helps thicken the sauce naturally
• Butter adds richness and helps the mushrooms caramelize
• Italian seasoning a convenient blend that adds herbal complexity
• Fresh parsley optional but adds a pop of color and fresh flavor at the end

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels first for better browning. Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides, pressing the seasonings into the meat. This creates a flavorful foundation for the entire dish.

Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Place chicken carefully into the hot pan and resist the urge to move it for at least 5 minutes. This patience allows a beautiful golden crust to form. Flip once and cook another 5-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove to a plate and tent loosely with foil.

Sauté the Mushrooms

Add butter to the same unwashed skillet, capturing all the flavorful chicken bits. Add mushrooms in a single layer if possible and let them cook undisturbed for 2 minutes before stirring. This promotes caramelization rather than steaming. Continue cooking until they release their moisture and begin to turn golden, about 5 minutes total.

Build the Aromatics

Add minced garlic to the mushrooms and stir constantly for exactly one minute. Garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter, so watch carefully until it becomes fragrant but not browned.

Create the Sauce Base

Pour chicken broth into the skillet and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it bubble and reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes, concentrating the flavors.

Enrich the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low before adding the heavy cream to prevent curdling. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it coats the back of a spoon.

Reunite the Components

Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over each chicken breast and let everything mingle for 2-3 minutes. The chicken will absorb some of the sauce flavors while keeping warm.

Finish and Serve

If using parsley, chop it finely and sprinkle over the dish just before serving. The bright color and fresh flavor provide a beautiful contrast to the rich sauce.

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The quality of your mushrooms makes a tremendous difference in this recipe. I once made this with wild mushrooms my neighbor foraged, and the earthy depth they added was unforgettable. My daughter, who claimed to hate mushrooms, requested seconds that night and has been a convert ever since.

Storing Leftovers

This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce if it has thickened too much. I find microwaving at 70% power helps prevent the sauce from separating. For best results, store the chicken and sauce separately from any side dishes.

Easy Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptation based on what you have available. Boneless chicken thighs can replace breasts for a more succulent result, just extend cooking time by about 2 minutes per side. No heavy cream? Half-and-half works in a pinch, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. Plant-based cooks can substitute firm tofu for chicken and coconut cream for heavy cream, adjusting cooking times accordingly. The dish remains delicious even with these modifications.

Serving Suggestions

While this creamy chicken is a star on its own, pairing it with the right sides elevates the entire meal. Mashed potatoes make an ideal bed for the sauce, soaking up every flavorful drop. For a lighter option, roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli provides a pleasant color contrast and balances the richness. When entertaining, I serve this with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio and warm crusty bread for sauce-mopping duties that nobody can resist.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe. Adjust cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.

→ What type of mushrooms should I use?

White or cremini mushrooms are ideal, but you can use any variety you prefer or have on hand.

→ Can I substitute heavy cream?

For a lighter option, try using half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cornstarch as a substitute for heavy cream.

→ How do I thicken the sauce if it's too thin?

Allow the sauce to simmer longer to reduce, or mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce.

→ What sides pair best with this dish?

This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or a side of steamed vegetables.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Yes, it can be prepared ahead of time. Reheat it over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce.