Chicken with Garlic Mushroom Sauce – If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful dinner, this Chicken with Garlic Mushroom Sauce has you covered. Imagine golden, pan-seared chicken nestled in a creamy garlic mushroom sauce, with just the right balance of savory Parmesan, earthy mushrooms, and fresh parsley. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknights but feels fancy enough to impress anyone at the table. Perfect over pasta, mashed potatoes, or even on its own for those nights you just want something comforting and packed with flavor.
I’ll never forget the first time I whipped up this dish. It was a last-minute “what can I make that’s easy but delicious” kind of night. My husband’s a huge fan of creamy sauces, and our little one can’t resist anything with chicken, so this seemed like a safe bet. Turns out, they loved it even more than I expected! My husband kept raving about the “restaurant-quality” sauce (his words!), and my child was already asking for seconds before they’d even finished their first bite. Now, it’s our go-to for family dinners, and every time I make it, I’m reminded why it became a household favorite in the first place.
What makes this Chicken with Garlic Mushroom Sauce truly special?
Let’s talk about this sauce—it’s the real star here. Creamy, garlicky, with a savory kick from Parmesan, this sauce clings to the chicken and whatever side you pair it with, making every bite absolutely delicious. And the mushrooms? They add an earthy depth that pairs perfectly with the rich sauce. What’s even better? It’s made in one skillet, so you’re left with minimal cleanup. This dish is quick enough for a busy weeknight but has that “wow” factor for a cozy weekend dinner.
What You Need To Make This Chicken with Garlic Mushroom Sauce Recipe?
Chicken Breasts: We’re using boneless, skinless chicken breasts here. I like to halve them lengthwise so they cook faster and get that golden crust. You could totally use thighs too if that’s what you have on hand – just adjust the cook time a bit since thighs can take a little longer.
All-Purpose Flour: This is our secret to getting that lovely golden, crisp coating on the chicken. It’s super light but adds just enough texture, and it helps thicken the sauce later. Don’t skip it!
Garlic Powder, Salt, and Pepper: Simple but essential. Garlic powder gives the chicken a bit more depth without overpowering the sauce, and the salt and pepper, of course, are a must for good seasoning.
Butter & Olive Oil: Butter for richness and flavor, olive oil for a higher heat tolerance so the chicken browns nicely without burning. Using both gives the best of both worlds!
Cremini Mushrooms: These mushrooms bring a wonderful earthy flavor to the sauce. If you slice them thin, they cook faster and release their juices, which makes the sauce even more flavorful. You could go with button mushrooms too, but cremini adds a bit more richness.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is everything in this recipe! It’s added to the mushrooms to give that sauce an amazing aroma and flavor that takes the whole dish up a notch. And let’s be real, is there ever too much garlic?
Chicken Broth: Just a half-cup here, but it makes a big difference. The broth helps deglaze the pan, grabbing all those flavorful bits left from the chicken, and adds a savory base for the sauce. If you want a richer flavor, you could even use a touch of white wine here.
Heavy Cream: The creaminess that ties it all together! It makes the sauce thick, rich, and luscious, perfectly complementing the garlic and mushrooms. You could go lighter with half-and-half, but it won’t be quite as decadent.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the sauce that salty, savory kick, adding depth without overwhelming. Try grating it fresh if you can – it melts better and has way more flavor than the pre-grated kind.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley at the end adds color and a touch of freshness that balances out the richness.
Steps To Make Chicken with Garlic Mushroom Sauce:
Coat the Chicken: First up, grab a shallow dish and mix together the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This mix will give the chicken a lovely crust. Now, take each piece of chicken and give it a good, even coating in the flour mix. You want each piece totally covered, like it’s wearing a little flour jacket. Set those aside for a sec.
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Sear the Chicken: Heat a big skillet over medium, add a tablespoon of butter and olive oil—this combo makes the chicken brown beautifully! Lay the chicken in the skillet and let it sizzle for about 2 minutes on each side until it’s golden and slightly crispy. Once they’re done, set them aside on a plate but keep them close—they’re coming back soon.
Start the Sauce with Mushrooms: Using the same skillet (no need to clean it—extra flavor!), add another tablespoon each of olive oil and butter. Toss in your sliced mushrooms with a little salt and pepper. Let them cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden and have released some of their juices.
Add the Garlic & Broth: Now, add your minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds—just until you smell that amazing garlicky aroma. Pour in the chicken broth, and as it bubbles, use your spatula to scrape up those browned bits from the bottom (all that flavor is going right back into the sauce!).
Creamy Goodness: Pour in the heavy cream, and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes to thicken slightly. Now for the best part—stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. You’ll start seeing that rich, creamy texture!
Bring It All Together: Add the chicken back to the pan, nestling each piece into that delicious sauce. Spoon a bit of the sauce over each piece, so they’re coated in that creamy goodness. Let it all simmer together for a few minutes to let those flavors sink in.
Finish & Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve this beauty over pasta, mashed potatoes, or even some steamed veggies if you’re feeling like a lighter option. And there you go! A creamy, dreamy dinner that’s sure to impress—enjoy every single bite!
Tip:
Here’s a little trick I swear by to make this Chicken with Garlic Mushroom Sauce truly unforgettable: after you’ve browned the chicken, let it rest on a plate while you work on the sauce. This quick break lets all those delicious juices settle back into the meat, keeping it so tender when you add it back to the pan. And when it comes to the mushrooms—don’t rush them! Let them get that deep golden color before adding the garlic and broth. That browning brings out such an amazing, savory depth that makes the sauce extra special. And here’s a bonus if you love garlic as much as I do: try roasting a couple of extra cloves and stirring them into the sauce. They add this incredible mellow sweetness that takes the flavor up a notch. It’s a small step, but trust me, it makes all the difference! You’ll want to lick the plate.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of mushroom?
Absolutely! Cremini mushrooms are lovely in this dish, but button mushrooms or even sliced portobello work great too. Each variety brings its own subtle flavor, so feel free to experiment and use what you have on hand.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Cook the chicken and make the sauce, then let everything cool and refrigerate separately. When you’re ready to serve, warm the sauce in a skillet and add the chicken back in, allowing it to heat through gently. The flavors may even deepen a bit overnight!
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with so many sides! For a cozy meal, try mashed potatoes or pasta to soak up that creamy sauce. If you want something lighter, steamed veggies or a simple green salad make a great contrast to the richness of the sauce.
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<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Chicken with Garlic Mushroom Sauce
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1/2 c all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Mushroom Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms thinly sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1/2 c chicken broth
- 1 c heavy cream
- 1 c freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation of Chicken:
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken piece in this mixture, making sure it’s fully coated on all sides.
Cooking the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat, adding in the olive oil and butter until they’re hot, but not smoking. Place the chicken in the pan, letting it cook for around 2 minutes on each side, just until it’s golden and slightly crispy. When the chicken's ready, just move it over to a plate and let it rest for a bit.
Preparing the Sauce:
- Using the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and butter. Toss in the sliced mushrooms, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until the mushrooms turn golden and have released their juices.
Building the Sauce:
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the mushrooms, cooking for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to lift any browned bits from the pan. Next, add the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer so the sauce can be reduced a little. Stir in the Parmesan, adjusting seasoning as needed.
Putting It All Together:
- Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, nestling it in the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over each piece of chicken. Let it cook on low for a few minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the sauce’s flavors.
Serving:
- Serve right away, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. This dish is tasty with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or even a bed of pasta to allow that creamy sauce sheen.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
