Get ready to swoon! Creamy Mushroom Chicken is pure weeknight magic—tender, golden seared chicken cutlets smothered in a sun-dried tomato and parmesan cream sauce, brimming with mushrooms, olives, and spinach. It’s a skillet dinner that feels like a restaurant treat but is shockingly easy to pull off at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Savory Sauce: The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and mushrooms makes every bite decadently flavorful.
- Quick & Easy: You’ll have this Creamy Mushroom Chicken on the table in just 30 minutes—from busy weekdays to last-minute company, it’s a total lifesaver.
- Restaurant-Worthy at Home: With classic Mediterranean flavors and the creamiest pan sauce, this dish tastes like something you’d order out—but you control every single ingredient.
- Customizable: Toss in your favorite greens, tweak the spice, or swap the protein—this recipe welcomes all your creative upgrades.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about Creamy Mushroom Chicken is how pantry-friendly and approachable the ingredients are. Each one plays an essential role, whether it’s boosting flavor, creating body in the sauce, or adding pops of color and freshness—don’t skip a thing!
- All-purpose flour: Dredging the chicken makes it golden and helps the creamy sauce cling perfectly.
- Paprika: Adds warmth and a subtle smoky depth to the crust.
- Dried thyme & dried oregano: These earthy herbs layer fragrant flavor throughout both the chicken and the sauce.
- Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning in layers, so every bite pops.
- Chili flakes: Offers a kick of gentle heat—add more or less as you wish.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Sliced in half for quick cooking and extra tenderness.
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken and sautéing all those savory veggies.
- Garlic: Minced for big flavor—the aromatic backbone of the sauce!
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Chewy, tart, and slightly sweet—these little gems make the sauce sing.
- Kalamata olives: Their briny bite perfectly balances the creamy and cheesy elements.
- Mushrooms: Earthy and juicy—essential for that comforting, classic flavor.
- Heavy cream: Turns the sauce luscious, velvety, and utterly indulgent.
- Chicken stock: Adds depth and body without making the sauce too thick.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for best melt and nutty, salty flavor.
- Fresh spinach: Wilts in at the end, adding a bright pop of green and a touch of freshness.
Variations
What makes Creamy Mushroom Chicken so fun is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re mindful of dietary needs, using up what you have on hand, or craving a new spin, there’s a variation here for you!
- Use Chicken Thighs: Swap in boneless thighs for even juicier, more flavorful meat—they cook up beautifully in this sauce.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Trade the cream for canned coconut milk and use a vegan parmesan; the sauce still turns out silky and rich.
- Add Extra Veggies: Stir in sliced bell peppers or zucchini with the mushrooms for extra color and nutrition.
- Spice It Up: Add more chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a bold, spicy twist.
- Swap the Protein: Try it with thin-sliced pork chops or even tofu for a plant-based take—just adjust cook times as needed.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom Chicken
Step 1: Season & Dredge the Chicken
Start by mixing up your flour, paprika, half the thyme and oregano, and half the salt and pepper on a plate or shallow bowl. Pat the chicken dry, then season it on both sides with the remaining salt, pepper, herbs, and chili flakes. Dredge each chicken piece thoroughly in the flour mixture—this will help the outside get beautifully golden and give that dreamy sauce something to cling to. Shake off any excess flour—just a light, even coating works wonders!
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the pan’s hot and shimmering, lay in your chicken pieces in batches if needed (don’t overcrowd them). Sear for 3–5 minutes per side until golden—no need to worry if they aren’t cooked through just yet. Transfer to a plate; they’ll finish in the sauce later.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Pour the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil into the same skillet. Add your garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, sliced olives, and mushrooms. Sauté everything for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, just until the mushrooms soften and the mixture becomes incredibly fragrant. Keep the heat at medium—you want to coax out those flavors without burning the garlic.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Once your kitchen smells amazing, pour in the heavy cream and chicken stock, then stir in the Parmesan cheese and spinach. Let everything bubble and simmer gently for a few minutes so the cheese melts, the spinach wilts, and the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning—this is your moment for a final salt, pepper, or chili flake boost.
Step 5: Finish & Serve
Return your seared chicken (and any juices from the plate) to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top and simmer for a few more minutes, just until the chicken is cooked through (165°F inside). Plate up and grab some crusty bread or a fork—you’re in for comfort food heaven with your Creamy Mushroom Chicken!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Mushroom Chicken
- Thin and Even Chicken: For fastest, most even cooking, slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create cutlets—they’ll stay perfectly juicy and soak up all that creamy sauce.
- Get That Golden Crust: Make sure your skillet and oil are hot before you add the chicken; don’t move the pieces too soon, so they get a deep, flavorful sear.
- Don’t Rush the Sauce: Letting the sauce bubble for a few minutes with the cheese and spinach ensures everything thickens up and gets ultra-rich—patience is truly rewarded here!
- Freshly Grate Your Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese can clump and won’t melt as smoothly—use a wedge of parmesan and a grater for restaurant-worthy results.
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Chicken
Garnishes
Bring your Creamy Mushroom Chicken to life with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil—these add brightness that cuts through the richness. A dusting of extra parmesan or a few chili flakes gives it an irresistible, eye-catching finish right before serving.
Side Dishes
This luscious chicken begs for something to mop up the sauce—think crusty artisan bread, buttery mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta. A simple green salad or lemony steamed green beans balance the meal with freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Dress this dish up for a dinner party by arranging the chicken over a pile of sautéed spinach or creamy polenta, then artfully spoon the sauce and veggies over the top. Serving family-style in the skillet lets everyone dig in—with plenty of sauce for seconds, of course!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftovers cool, then transfer your Creamy Mushroom Chicken to an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The sauce may thicken a bit, but that’s easily remedied when reheating!
Freezing
This recipe can be frozen, but because of the cream sauce, some texture changes may occur. If you do freeze, wrap it tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently—just stir well to re-incorporate the sauce.
Reheating
Reheat Creamy Mushroom Chicken gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave, pausing to stir midway. If the sauce is too thick, splash in a little chicken stock or cream to loosen things up and bring back that silky consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use different types of mushrooms?
Absolutely! While common white or cremini mushrooms are great, you can easily use a mix of baby bellas, shiitake, or even oyster mushrooms for deeper, more complex flavor in your Creamy Mushroom Chicken.
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Is there a way to lighten up the cream sauce?
You can lighten things up by swapping the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk (add a touch of extra parmesan for richness). The sauce will be slightly less thick, but still deliciously creamy.
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What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes or olives?
No worries! Omit them or substitute with roasted red peppers (for sweetness) or capers (for brininess). The Creamy Mushroom Chicken will still be packed with flavor.
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Can I prepare Creamy Mushroom Chicken ahead for a party?
Yes—you can sear the chicken and prep the veggies ahead of time. Store everything separately, and when ready to serve, quickly reheat the sauce and chicken together until piping hot and finish with fresh herbs.
Final Thoughts
If you crave cozy comfort with a splash of Mediterranean flair, you’ll fall in love with this Creamy Mushroom Chicken. Give it a try—invite your favorite people to the table, and let this creamy, flavor-packed skillet dish work its dinnertime magic!
PrintCreamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This Creamy Mushroom Chicken recipe is a delightful combination of tender chicken breasts, earthy mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes in a luscious cream sauce. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to make.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme, divided
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, divided
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes, plus more to taste
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 2 cups mushrooms
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Season chicken with remaining salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and chili flakes. Dredge chicken in flour mixture.
- Cook the Chicken: Sear floured chicken in olive oil until cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and mushrooms. Add cream, stock, Parmesan, spinach, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over chicken, and cook until chicken reaches 165°F. Adjust seasonings and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 475 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
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