Name: Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt & pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup chicken broth; ¼ cup lemon juice; ¾ cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry); Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish

Jump to Recipe·4 from 2 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe with friends and family because it hits all the right notes for comfort food with a touch of elegance. Juicy, golden-seared chicken paired with earthy mushrooms in a luscious, silky sauce creates a memorable dinner that’s surprisingly easy to make. It’s one of those recipes I turn to when I crave something cozy but still feel like treating myself to something a bit special.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe

One of the things I adore about this dish is how the flavors harmonize perfectly—the tender chicken soaks up the rich, creamy sauce that’s beautifully balanced with the brightness of fresh lemon juice and the savory depth of mushrooms. Every bite feels indulgent but fresh, thanks to the garlic and a hint of Dijon mustard that adds just the right tang without overpowering.

What really makes this recipe a keeper for me is the ease of preparation. It all cooks in a single skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy the process in the kitchen. I often make this on weeknights when I want a fuss-free supper but also love serving it during casual dinner parties because it always impresses. Plus, the ingredients are simple and pantry-friendly, so it’s a go-to when I’m short on time but still want to feel like I created something deliciously homemade.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three golden brown chicken pieces in a creamy light brown sauce, with many slices of cooked mushrooms scattered on top and around them. Sprigs of fresh green herbs and small chopped herbs are sprinkled throughout the dish. The sauce looks smooth and thick, covering most of the chicken and pooling around the edges. The chicken has a slightly charred, well-cooked texture with seared lines. The whole dish is in a pan, and the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe relies on straightforward, wholesome ingredients that come together to give the dish its incredible flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the richness from the butter and cream, or the fresh zing from lemon juice and herbs.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Chicken breasts: I prefer slicing them into cutlets so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
Olive oil and butter: This combo creates the perfect base for browning chicken and mushrooms while adding richness.
Cremini mushrooms: Their earthy flavor is key to making the sauce deeply savory and wholesome.
Garlic: Adds that classic aromatic punch that wakes up the whole dish.
Chicken broth: Provides a savory liquid foundation for the sauce’s depth.
Lemon juice: Brightens and balances the creamy sauce elegantly.
Heavy cream: The silky texture source that makes this recipe feel indulgent yet comforting.
Dijon mustard: Adds subtle tang and complexity with just a spoonful.
Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce perfectly without lumps.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning each component to perfection.
Fresh thyme or parsley: A vibrant garnish that lifts the dish visually and adds fresh herbal notes.

Directions

Step 1: Start by slicing your chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thin cutlets—this helps them cook quickly and stay tender. Pat each piece dry with paper towels because moisture will prevent browning.

Step 2: Clean your mushrooms gently with a damp cloth and slice them evenly. Mix the cornstarch with cold water to make your slurry and set it aside for later thickening magic.

Step 3: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Add mushrooms and cook them without stirring too often until they are golden and caramelized—this step really boosts their flavor. Once browned, remove mushrooms from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. Using the same skillet, sear them until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate.

Step 5: If needed, add a bit more butter to the skillet. Then sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Deglaze the pan by pouring in the lemon juice, using a spoon to scrape up all those tasty browned bits from the bottom—this adds incredible flavor to your sauce.

Step 6: Add in chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and the reserved mushrooms. Let the mixture simmer gently for a few minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 7: Stir in the heavy cream along with the cornstarch slurry. Keep cooking, stirring occasionally, until the sauce bubbles and thickens into a silky consistency that will coat the chicken beautifully.

Step 8: Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet and spoon the sauce generously over each piece. Simmer everything together for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and sitting in that luscious sauce.

Step 9: Finish by garnishing with fresh thyme or parsley before serving hot. I love the color and fresh herbal aroma it adds.

Servings and Timing

This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe serves 4 hearty portions, making it perfect for a family dinner or small gathering. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare, then 20 minutes to cook, adding up to a total time of roughly 30 minutes. There’s no need for additional resting time, so you can enjoy it fresh and piping hot right off the stove.

How to Serve This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe

A white plate holds a meal with three main parts: on the left is a golden-brown cooked chicken piece covered in a creamy mushroom sauce with sliced brown mushrooms and green herb bits; in the middle is a generous scoop of creamy, light beige mashed potatoes topped with mushroom sauce and herbs; on the right are bright green cooked whole green beans placed in a neat bunch. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this dish, I love pairing it with garlic roasted potatoes or fluffy rice pilaf because they soak up the creamy sauce so well. Crusty bread is another favorite side to have on hand—it’s basically a must for mopping up every last bit of that delectable sauce. The richness of the cream and mushrooms calls for something starchy to balance the plate perfectly.

Garnishing with fresh herbs not only adds a pop of color but brings a fresh, vibrant aroma that complements the deep flavors. For presentation, I like to plate each chicken cutlet with a generous ladle of sauce and a sprinkle of thyme or parsley so it looks inviting and elegant without fuss.

For beverages, a crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with this meal. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, sparkling water with a slice of lemon refreshes the palate between bites. This meal shines on cozy weeknights but is just as fitting for weekend dinners or casual celebrations where you want to impress with minimal effort.

Variations

I often tweak this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe depending on what I have on hand or dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, swapping heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk works wonderfully and gives the sauce a subtle tropical undertone that’s surprisingly good. Adding a splash of soy sauce boosts umami and deepens flavor without overpowering.

If you want to lighten things up, I sometimes use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, which still yields a satisfying sauce but reduces the richness. For gluten-free cooking, just ensure your chicken broth and Dijon mustard are certified gluten-free, and everything else is naturally safe.

For a flavor twist, I love adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of fresh thyme during cooking to give the sauce an earthy warmth. Instead of using cremini mushrooms, shiitakes or button mushrooms can be substituted and each will offer a slightly different taste and texture profile. You could even experiment with a splash of white wine added during deglazing for an extra layer of complexity.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, which makes it great for meal prep or enjoying the next day. I recommend placing the chicken and sauce together so the flavors remain melded beautifully.

Freezing

This dish can also be frozen, although the texture of the cream sauce may alter slightly upon thawing. To freeze, cool the chicken and sauce completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. It stays good for up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.

Reheating

When reheating, I suggest using a skillet over low to medium heat rather than a microwave, which can sometimes cause cream sauces to separate. Warm slowly, stirring occasionally until heated through, and if the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to refresh its silky texture. Avoid boiling as high heat can break the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs have more fat and tend to stay juicy and flavorful. Just adjust cooking time slightly since thighs are usually thicker or bonier. Boneless, skinless thighs work best for this recipe to keep the cooking straightforward.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes, with some creative substitutions. Use firm tofu or seitan in place of chicken, and swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and nutritional yeast for an umami boost. The sauce will be creamy and rich without dairy or meat.

What can I serve with this dish for low-carb or keto diets?

Great question! I love serving the creamy mushroom chicken with mashed cauliflower, zucchini noodles, or sautéed greens to keep the meal low carb. These sides soak up the sauce nicely and keep the dish satisfying while fitting keto macros.

How do I get perfectly golden mushrooms?

Patience is key here! Don’t overcrowd the pan and avoid stirring too often so the mushrooms have a chance to brown and caramelize. Use medium heat and let them sit undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping or stirring gently. This enhances their flavor exponentially.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely. You can slice the chicken and mushrooms in advance and store them in the fridge. The sauce components except the cornstarch slurry can also be combined earlier, but I recommend cooking it fresh to preserve the best texture. The slurry should be mixed just before cooking to prevent clumping.

Conclusion

I genuinely hope you give this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a special treat but comes together with ease. It never fails to impress guests and comforts anyone lucky enough to dig in. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend dinner, this recipe brings warmth and delicious satisfaction every time.