Name: Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushrooms
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushrooms is a hearty and indulgent one-skillet meal that brings together seared chicken breast, tender mushrooms, and a luscious parmesan cream sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough for special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser with its rich and savory flavor profile. The tender chicken, paired with sautéed mushrooms and a silky parmesan sauce, creates a balanced meal that is both comforting and satisfying. It requires minimal ingredients, uses just one pan, and comes together quickly, making it an excellent choice for busy evenings. Plus, it pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Garlic
Mushrooms (such as cremini or white button)
Onion
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Grated parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley

directions

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add more olive oil if needed and sauté chopped onion and garlic until fragrant.
Add mushrooms and cook until browned and softened.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.
Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer in the sauce for a few more minutes until well coated.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Total time required is about 35 minutes, including 10 minutes of preparation and 25 minutes of cooking.

Variations

Low-carb: Serve with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.
Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale during the last few minutes of simmering.
Extra cheesy: Add mozzarella or fontina for more gooey richness.
Vegan alternative: Substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use plant-based cream and cheese.
Spicy twist: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.

storage/reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 30-second increments until hot. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce becomes too thick. This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the dairy content, which may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used and will add extra juiciness to the dish.

What type of mushrooms works best?

Cremini or white button mushrooms are ideal, but you can use portobello or shiitake for more intense flavor.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free parmesan alternatives.

Is it possible to use milk instead of cream?

You can use whole milk, but the sauce may be thinner. For better results, combine it with a cornstarch slurry.

Can I add pasta directly into the skillet?

Yes, add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until well coated for a complete one-dish meal.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Ensure the heat is on low when adding the cream and stir gently. Do not let it boil vigorously.

What side dishes go well with this?

Mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or crusty bread are all excellent companions.

Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes, it reheats well and can be portioned into meal prep containers with rice or vegetables.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

Let the sauce simmer a bit longer or stir in a cornstarch slurry for quicker thickening.

Is this a gluten-free recipe?

The main recipe is naturally gluten-free, but ensure that the broth and parmesan are certified gluten-free if needed.

Conclusion

Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushrooms is a delightful and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s simple to prepare, uses everyday ingredients, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor from the comfort of your home. Whether served with pasta, vegetables, or grains, this recipe is sure to become a regular favorite on your dinner table.