This creamy mushroom chicken recipe has the most deliciously tender pan-fried chicken smothered in a garlicky mushroom sauce! It's quick and easy and can be on your table in half an hour.
Looking for another effortless chicken dinner? Try my well-loved Creamy Garlic Chicken or Creamy Bacon Chicken next that use a similar technique.
Why you'll love it
Creamy chicken recipes are some of my readers' favorites, and it's easy to see why. I like to keep them simple with no fancy ingredients, and this creamy mushroom chicken is no exception. It's ready in just 30 minutes for an upgraded family meal.
Juicy mushrooms and chicken just go together so well, and pairing them with a garlic cream sauce takes it over the top. Pantry essentials are transformed into a winning dish that's special enough for company, but go ahead and eat it any old weeknight!
What you'll need
- Chicken - as always, my trick for tender chicken is cutting the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so they cook faster and don't get all tough. You could also pound them thin if you prefer.
- Flour - for dredging. The reason we use it is to get a nice crust on the surface of the chicken.
- Olive oil and butter - for sautéing and making the base of the sauce
- Mushrooms - cremini (or baby bellas), white mushrooms, or whatever you've got or the store has will be fine
- Italian seasoning - it's a convenient mix of fragrant dried herbs that's all in a single jar
- Garlic - use even more than suggested if you're a garlic afficionado. I like to mince it with this garlic press so that peeling the cloves isn't needed.
- Chicken broth - to infuse savory flavor into the sauce
- Lemon juice - a touch of acidity adds brightness
- Dijon mustard - my tried-and-true way to add extra depth of flavor to sauces. It doesn't make it taste like mustard, so don't worry about that!
- Heavy cream - for luxuriousness
How to make creamy mushroom chicken
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise, then coat the cutlets in flour and sear for 4-5 minutes/side in a skillet until golden. Transfer to a plate, and then sauté the mushrooms.
Take the mushrooms out of the pan and add the garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Let it reduce, and then stir in the cream along with the mushrooms and chicken. Finish cooking the chicken through, and season with salt & pepper.
Pro tip
- Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165F. Instant read thermometers are super easy to use, inexpensive, and ensure meat is never overcooked or undercooked for peace of mind.
Substitutions and variations
- I don't recommend subbing the cream for something like half-and-half or milk because the sauce will end up thinner and may curdle due to the high heat it's cooked at. However, you may want to read through the comments if you do want to experiment as lots of readers have had success tweaking the recipe based on their diet needs.
- I love including Dijon mustard in recipes like this for extra flavor, but it's not a dealbreaker. If you don't have any, you can for sure leave it out.
- Another thing you can do is replace the chicken broth with dry white wine if you have some on hand. Try sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, or chardonnay.
- You could make this recipe with chicken thighs if you prefer, but keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time a bit.
What to serve with it
- This recipe goes great with roasted or Garlic Mashed Potatoes, any kind of rice, and my Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Noodles for a starch.
- Or eat it with steamed veggies, Easy Roasted Green Beans, or these Maple Roasted Carrots.
- If you're looking for a side salad pairing, try mixed greens with this Homemade Creamy Balsamic Dressing.
Leftovers and storage
- Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in a covered container no problem.
- Freezing this one likely won't work out. Sauces with dairy are notorious for never turning out right after being thawed.
- I recommend reheating any leftovers on a low heat in a small saucepan so that the sauce doesn't separate.
Try these easy chicken recipes next
Will you make this creamy garlic mushroom chicken recipe? Questions? Ask me in the comments below!
Creamy Mushroom Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Flour for dredging
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 12 ounces mushrooms (try cremini or white mushrooms) sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
Instructions
- Cut your chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make four thinner cutlets. Season them with salt & pepper then coat them in flour.
- Add the oil to a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the pan's hot, add the chicken. Cook it for 4-5 minutes/side until golden. Once this step is done, take the chicken out of the pan and set it aside.
- Add the butter to the pan. Let it melt, then add the mushrooms and Italian seasoning. Cook the mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until the water has been released, it cooks off, and they get a nice sear.
- Take the mushrooms out of the pan (ok to put them on the same plate as the chicken).
- Add the garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard to the pan. Give it a good stir until the mustard dissolves, and let it reduce by half (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the cream to the pan, along with the chicken and mushrooms. Let the chicken cook for another 5 minutes or so until it's cooked through and the sauce has thickened a bit. Season with salt & pepper as needed.
Notes
- Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published on March 20, 2019. It's been updated with new photos and better instructions but is the same great recipe!
Annie says
I served this over white rice with a side of asparagus. My husband declared it a keeper after just one bite. We'll be adding it into our regular rotation!
Natasha says
That's awesome!! I'm thrilled to hear that, Annie! 😀
Andrew says
I made the dish with the garlic mashed and the roasted carrots with beets and my wife and I loved it!!! Thank you for making cooking so enjoyable.
Natasha says
Aww I love that! You're very welcome, Andrew. Appreciate your review! 😀
Elisa says
I made this without chicken, just the cream sauce to put over pasta and it was absolutly delicious. Next time I'll be adding the chicken but either way it's in my top favorite recipes!
Natasha says
Excellent!!
Meg says
Thinking of doing this over Polenta, do you think that would work?
Natasha says
I think so 🙂
Parisa says
Made this today! Delicious. I added noodles and it was a home run hit with my four top!! So tasty
Natasha says
Wonderful!! 😀 Thank you!
Queala says
The sauce is delicious! I will definitely make this again- very easy and quick!
Natasha says
Thank you so much!
roxanne tellini says
I tweeked the recipe a bit using cream of mushroom soup so I could freeze it. I am very pleased how it came out.
Natasha says
Excellent!
Priscilla says
This was a huge hit with my family! My kids loved it (11,8,5 yr olds)! The only thing I did different after making it the first time was doubling up on the sauce, as we all fight for it because it’s that good! Simple and delicious.
Natasha says
I'm thrilled to hear it, Priscilla! 😀 Thanks for your 5-star review!
Ian says
This was a hit in my house! I had been planning on making chicken & mushrooms anyway, when my daughter (who just recently started liking mushrooms) asked if I could make a "creamy" version. I did a quick Google search and found this recipe. I didn't have heavy cream on hand, so I used half and half plus a tablespoon of butter, and that worked fine -- I turned the heat to low when I added the half and half, so it wouldn't curdle. Otherwise I followed the recipe exactly and it was quick and super tasty. Thanks! I will definitely check out your other recipes.
Natasha says
I'm so glad it worked out, Ian! 😀 Let me know if you try anything else. Thanks for your review!