If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that’s both comforting and quick, this creamy garlic chicken and mushrooms dish is about to become your new weeknight hero.
It’s a fantastic main dish that brings together tender chicken breast and earthy mushrooms in a rich, velvety sauce, making it feel like a special meal without all the fuss.
This recipe is designed for busy evenings when you want something delicious on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor, perfect for pleasing everyone at your dinner table.
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
- Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
- Time Needed From Start To Finish
- How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
- Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
- Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
- How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
- Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe
Creamy Garlic Chicken and Mushrooms
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy garlic chicken and mushrooms dish is a quick and comforting weeknight meal. It features tender chicken breast and earthy mushrooms in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce, perfect for busy evenings and adaptable to various serving options.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. 1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Slice them horizontally into thinner cutlets, about 1/2-inch thick, or cut them into 1-inch cubes. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors.
2. 2. Saute the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165 F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. 3. Cook the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. You might need a tiny bit more oil if the pan is dry. Saute the mushrooms over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and have released their liquid, which then evaporates. They should have a nice golden-brown color.
4. 4. Add the Garlic: Push the mushrooms to one side of the pan and add the minced garlic to the empty space. Saute for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Then, stir the garlic into the mushrooms.
5. 5. Build the Cream Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. This adds extra flavor to your sauce. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
6. 6. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to warm through and the flavors to meld. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper if needed.
7. 7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley before serving. The vibrant green parsley adds a fresh burst of flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: saute
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Keywords: chicken, mushrooms, creamy, garlic, weeknight, quick, easy, dinner, comfort food, skillet
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
This creamy garlic chicken and mushrooms recipe is a true gem for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly fast, coming together in under 30 minutes, which is ideal for those hectic weeknights when time is short but you still want a homemade meal. Second, it uses simple, accessible ingredients that you likely already have on hand or can easily find at any grocery store. The combination of tender chicken and savory mushrooms in a luscious garlic cream sauce is a flavor powerhouse that appeals to almost everyone, even picky eaters. It’s a versatile dish that feels gourmet enough for guests but is easy enough for a casual family dinner. You can serve it over pasta, rice, or with a simple side of vegetables, making it adaptable to whatever you’re craving.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Gathering your ingredients before you start cooking makes the whole process smoother and more enjoyable. This recipe calls for common pantry staples and fresh produce, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
When selecting your ingredients, opt for fresh, firm cremini mushrooms for the best flavor and texture. If you don’t have cremini, white button mushrooms will also work well. For the chicken, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts if you prefer a slightly richer, more forgiving cut of meat. You can also use half-and-half or evaporated milk in place of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though the texture will be slightly less rich. Just be careful not to boil it vigorously, as it’s more prone to curdling.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
This recipe is designed for speed and efficiency, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15-20 minutes
- Total time: 25-30 minutes
These times are estimates and can vary slightly depending on how quickly you chop and the exact thickness of your chicken. However, with a little organization, you can easily have this delicious meal on the table in under half an hour.
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Creating this creamy garlic chicken and mushrooms dish is straightforward, even for beginner cooks. Follow these steps for a perfect result.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Slice them horizontally into thinner cutlets, about 1/2-inch thick, or cut them into 1-inch cubes. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Cook the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. You might need a tiny bit more oil if the pan is dry. Sauté the mushrooms over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and have released their liquid, which then evaporates. They should have a nice golden-brown color.
- Add the Garlic: Push the mushrooms to one side of the pan and add the minced garlic to the empty space. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Then, stir the garlic into the mushrooms.
- Build the Cream Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. This adds extra flavor to your sauce. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to warm through and the flavors to meld. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley before serving. The vibrant green parsley adds a fresh burst of flavor and color.
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
This creamy garlic chicken and mushrooms recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to adapt it to your family’s preferences or what you have on hand.
For a more substantial meal, serve this dish over a bed of pasta, such as fettuccine or penne, allowing the sauce to coat every strand. Mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice are also excellent choices for soaking up the delicious creamy sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider serving it with steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple side salad. To make it even more kid-friendly, you can cut the chicken into smaller, bite-sized pieces before cooking. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top is always a hit with kids! You could also stir in some fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra boost of greens. For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. If you want to add more vegetables, consider stirring in some frozen peas or corn during the last few minutes of simmering.
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Knowing what to watch out for will help you achieve perfect results every time.
One common mistake is overcrowding the pan when cooking the chicken or mushrooms. This lowers the pan’s temperature, causing the ingredients to steam instead of sear, leading to less flavor and a rubbery texture. Cook in batches if necessary. Another slip-up is overcooking the chicken, which results in dry, tough meat. Chicken breasts cook quickly, so keep an eye on them and remove them from the pan as soon as they are cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Burning the garlic is another frequent error; garlic cooks very quickly, so add it after the mushrooms are mostly done and sauté it for only about 30 seconds until fragrant, not brown. Finally, be mindful of over-reducing the sauce or boiling it too vigorously, especially if using a lighter cream alternative. This can cause the sauce to become too thick or even curdle. Keep the heat low once the cream is added and simmer gently.
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
This creamy garlic chicken and mushrooms dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored and reheated successfully with a few tips.
To store, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat on the stovetop. You might need to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge. Avoid reheating in the microwave at high power, as this can sometimes cause the sauce to separate or the chicken to dry out. For making ahead, you can cook the chicken and mushrooms separately, then store them. When ready to serve, prepare the sauce, then combine everything and heat through. This helps maintain the best texture for both the chicken and the sauce. Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the cream sauce tends to separate and become grainy upon thawing.
Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe
Here are some common questions people have about making creamy garlic chicken and mushrooms:
Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, but ensure they are fully thawed before slicing and cooking. Pat them very dry to get a good sear.
What kind of mushrooms are best? Cremini (baby bella) mushrooms are ideal for their earthy flavor and firm texture. White button mushrooms are a good substitute.
Is there a dairy-free option for the cream? You can try using full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative, but the flavor profile will be slightly different. Ensure it’s unsweetened.
Can I add vegetables to this dish? Absolutely! Spinach, asparagus, or broccoli florets are great additions. Add them during the last few minutes of simmering with the chicken.
**My sauce is too thin/too thick. How can
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
- How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
- Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
- Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.
