Chicken and Mushroom Cream Sauce

Chicken and Mushroom Cream Sauce is a rich, comforting, and elegant dish that pairs tender, juicy chicken with a creamy, savory mushroom sauce. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or a cozy family meal.

The sauce, made with fresh mushrooms, garlic, and cream, envelops the chicken in layers of flavor, creating a restaurant-quality experience in your own kitchen. The earthy mushrooms, smooth cream, and well-seasoned chicken combine to produce a dish that’s indulgent, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s both luxurious and simple to make. The creamy mushroom sauce adds depth and richness, while the chicken remains tender and juicy. Every bite is a balance of textures and flavors—the earthy mushrooms, the savory seasoning, and the velvety cream come together beautifully.

It’s versatile, comforting, and makes for a meal that feels special even on an ordinary night. Additionally, the sauce is perfect for pairing with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, making this dish a true all-rounder.

Why This Dish is a Must-Try

This dish is a must-try because it elevates everyday ingredients into a decadent, flavorful meal. The combination of chicken and mushrooms is timeless, and the creamy sauce adds an indulgent touch without being overly complicated.

It’s a versatile recipe suitable for both casual dinners and entertaining guests. Its rich flavor, quick preparation, and visual appeal make it a go-to for anyone who loves comforting, hearty meals.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 25–30 minutes
• Total time: 35–40 minutes

Servings and Nutritional Info

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450–500 kcal
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American / European-style Cream Sauce

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

For the Mushroom Cream Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 oz (300 g) mushrooms, sliced (white, cremini, or a mix)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard for extra flavor

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Cooking Directions

• Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
• Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
• In the same skillet, melt butter for the sauce. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
• Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking until mushrooms are soft and lightly browned, about 5–7 minutes.
• Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan, and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
• Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and thyme. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
• Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Season chicken: Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over chicken breasts.
2. Cook chicken: Heat oil/butter in skillet, sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side, then remove.
3. Prepare sauce base: Melt butter in the same skillet; sauté onions until soft.
4. Cook mushrooms: Add garlic and mushrooms, sauté until mushrooms are golden and tender.
5. Add liquids: Pour in chicken broth and simmer briefly.
6. Finish cream sauce: Stir in cream, Parmesan, thyme, and optional Dijon mustard; simmer until thickened.
7. Combine chicken and sauce: Return chicken to skillet, coat with sauce, and heat for a few minutes.
8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

How to Serve

Serve Chicken and Mushroom Cream Sauce over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a complete meal. Pair with roasted or steamed vegetables and a crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to enhance the creamy, savory flavors of the dish.

Recipe Tips

• Do not overcook chicken to ensure it remains juicy.
• Use a variety of mushrooms for richer flavor.
• Stir cream gently and avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
• Save pan drippings when cooking chicken for extra flavor in the sauce.
• Add a splash of white wine when cooking mushrooms for added depth.

Variations

• Garlic Herb Chicken: Add extra garlic and fresh herbs like rosemary and parsley.
• Spinach Mushroom Cream Chicken: Stir in fresh spinach at the end for added color and nutrition.
• Bacon Mushroom Cream Chicken: Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the sauce for smoky flavor.
• Low-Fat Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter dish.
• Pasta Companion: Serve over fettuccine or penne for a creamy chicken pasta dish.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat gently on low heat to prevent sauce separation.
• Reheating: Warm on stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if sauce thickens too much.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, bone-in or boneless thighs work well and stay juicy. Adjust cooking time slightly.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, prepare the sauce in advance and add freshly cooked chicken when serving.

Q: Can I use a different type of cream?
A: Half-and-half or light cream can be used, but the sauce will be slightly less rich.

Q: Can I add wine to the sauce?
A: Yes, add 1/4 cup white wine after sautéing mushrooms and let it reduce before adding cream.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.

Conclusion

Chicken and Mushroom Cream Sauce is a rich, flavorful, and versatile dish that combines tender chicken with a decadent mushroom cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s easy to prepare yet feels gourmet. The creamy, savory sauce pairs beautifully with potatoes, pasta, or rice, making it a crowd-pleasing meal that’s satisfying and elegant. Its flexibility, depth of flavor, and comforting nature make this recipe a must-have in your culinary repertoire.