Experience the ultimate comfort food with this juicy chicken in a mushroom sauce, blending succulent chicken breasts and a lush, creamy sauce. It’s the perfect mix of easy and comfort dish for a delicious dinner for the entire family.
You’ve just walked through the door after a long day, and you’re craving something cozy, a little luxurious, yet easy enough to whip up in no time.
That’s exactly the vibe of this creamy mushroom chicken skillet. It’s all about tender chicken breasts drenched in a heavenly mushroom sauce, where whipping cream, garlic, and a touch of mustard come together to create a dish that feels fancy but is a breeze to prepare.
This dish is the ultimate easy chicken breast recipe that doesn’t hold back on taste. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 20 minutes, you’re looking at a delicious chicken and mushroom meal that’s ideal for unwinding during a quiet evening at home.
The rich mushroom sauce doesn’t just elevate the dish; it’s also a smart way to pack in some vegetables for an extra nutritious punch. Whether you’re aiming to impress some guests or just treating yourself to a special weeknight dinner, this creamy mushroom chicken skillet promises to be a hit.
Let’s dive in!
🥘 Ingredients and Substitutes
- Chicken Breasts are the star of the dish, providing a lean, high-protein base that’s tender and easy to cook. For a vegetarian twist or if poultry isn’t your preference, firm tofu or seitan can offer a similar texture and soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Mushrooms add earthiness and a meaty texture, making the sauce rich and flavorful. If mushrooms aren’t your thing or you’re looking for variety, zucchini or eggplant can be great alternatives, offering a different but equally satisfying texture and flavor absorption capability.
- Whipping Cream (30%) brings luxurious creaminess and thickness to the sauce, making it rich and indulgent. For those avoiding dairy or looking for a lighter option, coconut cream or a rich cashew cream can provide a similar creaminess and depth to the sauce without using dairy.
- Garlic infuses the dish with its signature aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile. If fresh garlic isn’t available or you’re in a pinch, garlic powder or even a small amount of shallots can be used as substitutes, though they will slightly alter the flavor dynamic.
- Mustard adds a tangy depth and slight heat, rounding out the sauce with its vibrant flavor. If mustard isn’t your preference or you simply ran out, a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a bit of horseradish can mimic that tanginess and complexity, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
👩🍳 Step-by-step Directions
To begin, wash and thoroughly dry the chicken, then cut it into pieces about 1 inch thick and roughly the size of half a palm. Season the meat on both sides with salt and pepper. Next, take a skillet, pour oil into it, and fry the meat on both sides until it becomes nicely golden.
Once the meat has browned on both sides, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
In the same pan that we just fried the chicken add the mushrooms over.
Quick Note: If the mushrooms are small like in my case, you can put them in whole, but if they are larger, then cut them into smaller pieces.
Brown the mushrooms for a few minutes, then add the finely chopped garlic.
Cook the garlic for 30 seconds, then return the fried meat to the skillet, add the mustard and cream, mix well, lower the heat, and cook covered for about 15 minutes.
Finally, sprinkle with some finely chopped parsley for more flavor and color.
Serve while hot with a slice of bread to enjoy this delicious and creamy sauce.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Over Pasta or Rice: Serve the creamy mushroom chicken over a bed of freshly cooked pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti works well) or fluffy white or brown rice. These options will soak up the rich sauce, making every bite a perfect combination of flavors and textures.
- With Roasted Vegetables: For a healthier, low-carb option, pair the chicken and mushroom sauce with a side of roasted vegetables. Think colorful bell peppers, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts, roasted until they’re caramelized and tender. This not only adds a variety of nutrients to your meal but also a range of textures and flavors.
- Atop Mashed Potatoes: Mashed potatoes make a comforting base for the creamy mushroom chicken. The creaminess of the potatoes combined with the rich sauce is a match made in heaven, creating a hearty and satisfying dish.
- Alongside a Crisp Salad: If you’re looking for a lighter side, serve the chicken with a crisp green salad. A mix of arugula, spinach, and other leafy greens, tossed with a vinaigrette, can add a fresh and slightly tangy contrast to the creamy, savory flavors of the main dish.
- With Crusty Bread: Don’t let any of that delicious sauce go to waste! Serve your creamy mushroom chicken with a side of crusty bread or a warm baguette. It’s perfect for sopping up every last drop of the sauce, ensuring you enjoy every bit of the flavorful concoction.
🍲 Storage
In the Fridge:
Allow the chicken and mushroom sauce to cool to room temperature before storing. However, don’t leave it out for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth. Then, transfer the cooled dish into an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Quick Note: The sauce may thicken upon cooling, but don’t worry; it will loosen up once reheated.
In the Freezer:
If you need to keep this mushroom chicken for a longer period, you can consider frozing it. Spoon the dish into a freezer-safe container or a zip-lock freezer bag. If using a bag, try to lay it flat in the freezer, as this will save space and make thawing easier.
Properly stored, it will maintain the best quality for about 2-3 months, but it will remain safe beyond that time. Label the container with the date to keep track of storage time.
Considerations: Note that the texture of the sauce might change slightly due to the whipping cream. It may separate or become grainy once thawed, but gently reheating and stirring can help restore some of its smoothness.
Thawing and Reheating:
- Thawing: For the best results, thaw the frozen chicken and mushroom sauce in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating: Reheat the dish either in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. If using a skillet, you might want to add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin the sauce back to its original consistency. In the microwave, cover the dish and heat it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure it heats evenly. Always ensure the chicken is heated through to a safe temperature of 165°F (74°C).
🏆 Expert Tips. What to Pay Attention To?
- Chicken Preparation: Ensure your chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking. If they’re particularly thick, consider pounding them slightly thinner or slicing them horizontally. This not only reduces cooking time but also guarantees each bite is tender and juicy.
- Mushroom Slicing: Slice your mushrooms consistently to ensure they cook evenly. Thicker slices will provide a meatier texture, while thinner slices will be more delicate. Consider the texture you prefer in the final dish when slicing.
- Sautéing Mushrooms: Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing mushrooms. They release a lot of moisture, and overcrowding can lead them to steam rather than brown. Cooking them in batches, if necessary, will give you that beautiful golden color and deep flavor.
- Deglazing the Pan: After cooking the chicken, there will be fond (browned bits) at the bottom of the pan. Use a bit of chicken broth or even a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up those bits. This is where a lot of the sauce’s flavor comes from.
- Simmering the Sauce: When adding the whipping cream, bring the sauce to a gentle simmer but avoid boiling. Boiling can cause the dairy to curdle, affecting the sauce’s smooth texture. A gentle simmer will thicken the sauce and meld the flavors beautifully.
- Tasting as You Go: Seasoning is key in any recipe, and it’s important to taste your sauce as you go, especially after adding the mustard and garlic. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your palate, remembering that the flavors will concentrate slightly as the sauce reduces.
- Resting the Chicken: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is moist and flavorful when served.
📋 Recipe Card:
One-pan Chicken Breasts in a Mushroom Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Breast
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoons Olive Oil
- 6 oz Mushrooms
- 1 clove Garlic
- 1 teaspoons Mustard
- ½ cup whipping cream
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Wash and thoroughly dry chicken pieces. Season both sides with salt and pepper.1 lb Chicken Breast, Salt, Black Pepper
- Cook Chicken: In a pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove chicken and set aside.1 teaspoons Olive Oil, 1 lb Chicken Breast
- Cook Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add mushrooms. If large, chop into smaller pieces. Cook until browned.6 oz Mushrooms
- Add Garlic: Stir in finely chopped garlic and cook for 30 seconds.1 clove Garlic
- Combine Ingredients: Return chicken to the skillet. Add mustard and cream, mixing well.1 lb Chicken Breast, ½ cup whipping cream, 1 teaspoons Mustard
- Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with parsley for flavor and color. Serve hot with a slice of bread to enjoy the sauce.
Quick Note
I highly recommend reading the entire recipe to find more tips and notes about this recipe. Read Full Recipe ⇑
Notes
- Adjusting for Saltiness: Depending on the type of mustard used, the sauce’s saltiness can vary. Taste before adding any additional salt, especially if your mustard or chicken broth contains salt.
- Cream Substitutes: If using a dairy-free alternative to whipping cream, opt for full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream for the best consistency. Lighter alternatives might not provide the same richness and could affect the sauce’s thickness.
- Mushroom Variety: While any mushrooms will work, using a mix of button, cremini, and wild mushrooms can add depth and complexity to your dish. Feel free to experiment with different types to find your favorite combination.
- Mustard Options: Dijon mustard is recommended for its smooth flavor, but whole grain mustard can add a delightful texture. If you prefer a milder sauce, consider reducing the mustard quantity by half.
- Serving Suggestion: This dish pairs wonderfully with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme right before serving. Not only does it add a pop of color, but the fresh herbs complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Skillet Choices: While cast iron skillets are great for achieving a good sear on the chicken, any heavy-bottomed skillet will do. Non-stick skillets can also be used, especially if you’re concerned about the chicken sticking or if you’re aiming for easier cleanup.
Nutrition Estimates
Loved this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet? We’d be thrilled to hear about it! Please take a moment to rate this recipe and leave a comment below sharing your experience, any tweaks you made, or creative variations you tried.
Your insights could inspire others and help make this dish even more delightful for fellow food enthusiasts.
Dana
This has been the tastiest recipe I cooked in a while!!! You have to try it and it’s so insanely simple to prepare! Thank you for this❤️