Chicken with Garlic Mushroom Sauce is a rich, comforting dish that combines tender, seared chicken with a creamy, garlicky mushroom sauce. The chicken breasts are cooked until golden brown, then smothered in a sauce made from sautéed mushrooms, garlic, heavy cream, and a touch of chicken broth for depth. The sauce is silky and flavorful, with the mushrooms adding an earthy, savory note that perfectly complements the chicken.
I first made this dish on a chilly evening when I wanted something hearty yet elegant, and it instantly became a favorite. The chicken stays juicy, while the garlic mushroom sauce adds a luxurious, comforting flavor that makes every bite irresistible. What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare—it feels fancy but comes together in just one pan. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, and you’ve got a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal perfect for any occasion!
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Date nights
- Special occasions
- Mushroom and garlic lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Chicken with Garlic Mushroom Sauce will become a go-to meal:
- Rich and Creamy Sauce: The sauce is velvety smooth and packed with flavor.
- Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy Protein: Chicken breast provides a lean and healthy source of protein.
- Packed with Flavor: Garlic and mushrooms create a savory, umami-rich taste.
- Versatile Pairings: Serve with rice, pasta, or vegetables for a complete meal.
- Minimal Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients.
- One-Pan Wonder: Easy cleanup with everything cooked in one skillet.
- Customizable: Adjust the seasonings or add herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Kid-Friendly: Mild flavors appeal to even picky eaters.
- Elegant Enough for Guests: Impress your friends or family with minimal effort.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 25g
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Mushroom Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Ingredient Highlights
- Fresh Mushrooms: Provide earthy flavor and texture to the sauce.
- Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic richness.
- Heavy Cream: Ensures a luscious, creamy consistency.
- Parmesan Cheese: Enhances the sauce with a nutty, savory note.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear Chicken: Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- Melt Butter: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine and Serve:
- Return Chicken to Pan: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot with your favorite side dish.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Chicken with Garlic Mushroom Sauce:
- Over Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with fluffy mashed potatoes.
- With Pasta: Serve over fettuccine or spaghetti for a hearty meal.
- Alongside Rice: Steamed white or brown rice soaks up the delicious sauce.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted asparagus or broccoli for a balanced meal.
- Over Polenta: Serve atop creamy polenta for a comforting dish.
- With Garlic Bread: Use bread to mop up every bit of the sauce.
- On a Bed of Spinach: Add a healthy twist by serving over sautéed spinach.
- With Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb option that still absorbs the flavors.
- In a Bread Bowl: Transform into a rustic, hearty dish by serving in a bread bowl.
- As a Sandwich: Use leftovers to create a decadent sandwich.
Additional Tips
- Choose the Right Mushrooms: Use a mix of mushrooms, like cremini, shiitake, and button, for a richer depth of flavor.
- Tenderize the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly and remain tender.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Deglaze the Pan: After searing the chicken, deglaze the pan with white wine or chicken broth to enhance the sauce’s flavor.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Add fresh thyme or parsley to elevate the dish’s aroma and taste.
- Creamy Twist: For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream after cooking the mushrooms.
- Serve with a Side: Pair the dish with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or pasta for a complete meal.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce if you prefer a thicker consistency.
- Garnish for Presentation: Top the dish with grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of chopped chives for a professional-looking finish.
Recipe Variations
- Creamy Spinach Twist: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach with the mushrooms for added greens and a pop of color.
- Herbed Delight: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or tarragon to the sauce for a fragrant herbal infusion.
- Cheesy Indulgence: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese into the sauce for a rich, cheesy flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a spicy punch.
- Beef Bacon Lover’s Upgrade: Sauté chopped beef bacon with the mushrooms to bring a smoky, savory depth to the dish.
- Lemon-Garlic Zest: Squeeze fresh lemon juice and add zest to the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Earthy Truffle Essence: Drizzle a bit of truffle oil into the sauce to elevate its earthy richness.
- Nutty Almond Crunch: Sprinkle toasted slivered almonds over the finished dish for added texture and flavor.
- Mediterranean Flair: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes and chopped kalamata olives for a bold, tangy twist.
Special Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet – For searing the chicken and developing a rich, golden crust.
- Chef’s Knife – To finely chop garlic and slice mushrooms evenly.
- Cutting Board – For prepping ingredients safely and cleanly.
- Tongs – To flip and handle chicken pieces with ease.
- Whisk – For blending the sauce until smooth and lump-free.
- Garlic Press – To quickly mince garlic for a more intense flavor.
- Meat Thermometer – Ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F (74°C).
- Wooden Spoon – For stirring the sauce without scratching your skillet.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – To accurately portion out your sauce ingredients.
- Heatproof Spatula – To scrape up flavorful bits from the skillet for a richer sauce.
FAQ Section
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the chicken and sauce separately, then reheat together before serving. - What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze the sauce?
The sauce may separate when frozen due to the cream, but it’s still safe to eat. Reheat and whisk to recombine. - Can I use a different type of mushroom?
Yes, shiitake, portobello, or button mushrooms are great alternatives. - How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water). - Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. - Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, if you ensure the chicken broth and other ingredients are gluten-free. - What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano work well as substitutes. - Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, peas, bell peppers, or spinach make great additions.
Conclusion
Chicken with Garlic Mushroom Sauce is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a creamy, flavorful sauce. The chicken, whether seared chicken breasts or thighs, is cooked to golden perfection, creating a beautiful base for the dish. The sauce is the star, featuring sautéed garlic and mushrooms, which bring earthy, savory notes that complement the chicken wonderfully.
To make the sauce, garlic and mushrooms are cooked in butter until fragrant and tender, then deglazed with chicken broth. A touch of cream is added to create a velvety texture, while fresh herbs like thyme or parsley enhance the flavor. The chicken is then returned to the pan to simmer in the sauce, soaking up all that creamy, garlicky goodness. This dish pairs beautifully with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables, making it a perfect option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
I can’t wait to see how your Chicken with Garlic Mushroom Sauce turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!