Chicken and mushrooms is a timeless, comforting dish where tender chicken is cooked with earthy mushrooms in a flavorful sauce. This meal can be as simple or as elegant as you want it to be—from rustic skillet meals to creamy dinner-party-worthy entrees. It’s versatile, satisfying, and guaranteed to be a hit at your dinner table.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Flavorful and Comforting: Juicy chicken and umami-rich mushrooms make an unbeatable combo.
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Easy One-Pan Meal: Fewer dishes mean easier cleanup and a quicker dinner.
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Versatile and Adaptable: Perfect with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread.
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Ideal for Weeknights or Guests: Simple enough for everyday meals, yet elegant enough for entertaining.
What Is Chicken and Mushrooms?
Chicken and mushrooms is a savory dish made by sautéing or searing chicken, then simmering it with mushrooms in a sauce—usually made from broth, cream, wine, or a combination of all three. It’s popular in various cuisines, including French, Italian, and American cooking. The flavors are rich, earthy, and satisfying, often complemented by garlic, herbs, and sometimes a splash of wine or cream.
Ingredients List
Here’s a classic version of chicken and mushrooms with a creamy garlic sauce. You can adapt the ingredients to suit your preferences.
For the Chicken:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon butter
For the Mushroom Sauce:
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2 tablespoons butter
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10 oz (280 g) mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or baby bella)
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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½ cup chicken broth
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½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
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1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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Salt and pepper to taste
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
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Total Time: 40–45 minutes
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Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken and Mushrooms
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms
In the same skillet, melt additional butter. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and tender, stirring occasionally. Let them sear undisturbed for a few minutes to get color and depth.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs
Stir in minced garlic and dried thyme (or Italian seasoning). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
Lower the heat. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese (if using). Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Return Chicken to Pan
Place the seared chicken back into the skillet. Spoon sauce and mushrooms over the top. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot with your favorite side dish.
Best Mushrooms for This Dish
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Cremini: Rich and earthy, they hold their shape and flavor.
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White button: Mild in flavor, budget-friendly, and widely available.
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Baby bella: Slightly meatier, excellent in creamy sauces.
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Shiitake or oyster: For a more gourmet twist with deeper umami flavor.
Use a single type or mix for more complexity.
Choosing the Right Chicken Cut
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Boneless breasts: Leaner and quicker to cook.
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Chicken thighs: Juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked.
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Bone-in cuts: Add more flavor but require longer cook time.
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Rotisserie chicken: For a shortcut, shred and stir into the sauce at the end.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Mushrooms
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Pat chicken dry: Helps achieve a golden sear.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken in batches if needed for even browning.
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Use a large skillet: A cast iron or stainless-steel pan works well.
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Deglaze properly: Scrape up all browned bits after searing for maximum flavor.
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Let the sauce simmer slowly: Avoid boiling cream to prevent curdling.
Optional Flavor Add-Ins
For a Flavor Boost:
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White wine: Add ¼ cup to deglaze instead of broth.
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Shallots: Sauté with mushrooms for extra sweetness.
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Dijon mustard: Stir in a teaspoon for tang.
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Lemon juice: A squeeze brightens the creamy sauce.
For Heat:
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Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Side Dishes That Pair Perfectly
Classic Sides:
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Mashed potatoes
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Steamed rice or wild rice
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Buttered noodles
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Roasted vegetables
Low-Carb Options:
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Cauliflower mash
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Zucchini noodles
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Steamed green beans
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Sautéed spinach
Crusty bread or garlic toast is also excellent for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Make Ahead:
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You can sear the chicken and cook the mushrooms ahead of time.
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Reheat and combine with fresh cream and broth just before serving.
Storage:
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
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Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat.
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Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Can You Freeze Chicken and Mushrooms?
Yes, but with caution.
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Cream sauces can sometimes separate when frozen.
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If planning to freeze, make the sauce without the cream, freeze the base, and stir in cream upon reheating.
Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Nutritional Overview (Per Serving – Approximate)
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Calories: 400–500
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Protein: 30–35g
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Carbohydrates: 6–10g
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Fat: 25–30g
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Fiber: 1–2g
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Sugar: 1–2g (Nutritional content may vary depending on cream, cheese, and portion size.)
This dish is naturally low in carbs, high in protein, and can be made keto-friendly.
Flavor Variations to Try
Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Mushrooms
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Add spinach and sun-dried tomatoes
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Use garlic cream sauce with Parmesan and basil
Balsamic Chicken and Mushrooms
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Deglaze pan with balsamic vinegar
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Skip the cream and use a light wine reduction
Mushroom Marsala Chicken
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Replace broth with Marsala wine
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Use shallots and thyme for aromatic depth
Chicken and Mushroom Stroganoff
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Stir in sour cream instead of heavy cream
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Serve over egg noodles
FAQs
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a cornstarch slurry to help thicken if needed.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use olive oil instead of butter and a dairy-free cream like coconut or almond-based cooking cream. Skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
Simmer uncovered to reduce naturally, or whisk in a small amount of flour or cornstarch slurry.
Can I use canned mushrooms?
Fresh mushrooms are best, but canned can be used in a pinch—just drain well and sauté briefly for texture.
Conclusion
Chicken and mushrooms is the kind of dish that checks every box: it’s comforting, flavorful, hearty, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dinner for guests, this simple combo of tender chicken and rich mushrooms delivers every time.