If you’re looking for a dish that feels restaurant-worthy but is secretly a breeze to whip up on a busy weeknight, Chicken with Mushroom Sauce is your new best friend. Imagine golden, juicy chicken breasts bathed in a rich, creamy sauce loaded with earthy mushrooms, a hint of garlic, and a touch of fresh herbs. This recipe brings together comfort, elegance, and irresistible flavor all in one skillet, making it a staple you’ll want to return to again and again.

Chicken with Mushroom Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken with Mushroom Sauce lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient serves a purpose, whether it’s adding savory depth, velvety texture, or a pop of color. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need and why each part matters:

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless for quick cooking and a lean, protein-packed base.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and complexity.
Olive oil: Gives the chicken a beautiful golden sear and a hint of fruity flavor.
Unsalted butter: Enriches the sauce and helps the mushrooms caramelize perfectly.
Cremini or white mushrooms: Earthy and hearty, they soak up the sauce and bring the dish to life.
Garlic: Just a few cloves infuse the sauce with irresistible aroma and depth.
Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and forms the savory backbone of the sauce.
Heavy cream: Delivers that creamy, dreamy finish that makes the sauce luxurious.
Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and complexity that elevates the entire dish.
Dried thyme: Brings a gentle, herby note that pairs beautifully with mushrooms.
Fresh parsley (optional): Brightens everything up with a fresh, green garnish.

How to Make Chicken with Mushroom Sauce

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then sprinkle both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This helps lock in moisture and ensures every bite is flavorful right from the start.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering hot, add the chicken breasts. Let them cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes per side until they’re beautifully golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm—you’ll bring it back in at the end.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and let them cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re deeply browned and have released their juices. This is where all that savory mushroom flavor develops!

Step 4: Add Garlic and Deglaze

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Next, pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any golden bits stuck to the bottom of the pan—those are flavor gold!

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Add the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme to the skillet. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, until it’s slightly thickened and silky smooth.

Step 6: Return Chicken and Finish

Return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the creamy mushroom sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top and let everything simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes, just to heat through and meld the flavors. If you love a pop of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving.

How to Serve Chicken with Mushroom Sauce

Garnishes

A scatter of fresh parsley is classic and adds a bright, herby finish. You could also try a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or even a dusting of grated Parmesan for a little extra luxury.

Side Dishes

Chicken with Mushroom Sauce begs for something to soak up all that luscious creaminess. Think fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed white rice, or a swirl of buttery pasta. For a lighter touch, try roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken and fanning it out over a bed of creamy polenta, then drizzling the mushroom sauce over the top. Or, serve it family-style in the skillet for a rustic, inviting look—perfect for passing around at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken with Mushroom Sauce keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making for a delicious next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind that cream sauces can sometimes separate upon thawing. For best results, cool the chicken and sauce completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat the chicken and sauce together in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to restore the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from breaking.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add even more juiciness and flavor to Chicken with Mushroom Sauce. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

What kind of mushrooms work best?

Cremini and white mushrooms are classic, but feel free to experiment with baby bellas, shiitake, or even a wild mushroom mix for deeper, more complex flavors in your sauce.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream or use light cream for a slightly lighter sauce. The final dish will still be creamy and satisfying, just a touch less rich.

Can I make Chicken with Mushroom Sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! Prepare the dish as directed, cool it slightly, and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, gently reheat and finish with fresh parsley.

What wine pairs well with Chicken with Mushroom Sauce?

A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce beautifully, while a light Pinot Noir works well if you prefer red wine with your meal.

Final Thoughts

Chicken with Mushroom Sauce is one of those dishes that always impresses yet never feels fussy. I hope you’ll give it a try and let it become a regular star in your kitchen—because once you’ve tasted that savory, creamy goodness, you’ll be hooked!

Chicken with Mushroom Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Chicken with Mushroom Sauce recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful creamy mushroom sauce made with garlic, Dijon mustard, and fresh thyme. Perfect for an easy and elegant weeknight dinner, this dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

Mushroom Sauce

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Season and Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Prepare Mushroom Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5–7 minutes until they are browned and softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Deglaze and Simmer Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to add flavor. Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the mushroom sauce over the top. Simmer everything together for an additional 2–3 minutes to reheat the chicken and allow flavors to meld.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm, ideally over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a complete meal.

Notes

Serve this dish over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to make a satisfying complete meal.
You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer darker meat with more flavor.
For a lighter sauce, replace heavy cream with half-and-half.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free chicken broth.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American