This chicken and mushrooms skillet is a simple dinner made with pan-seared chicken breast and a creamy garlic mushroom sauce. It cooks in one pan and is ready in about 30 minutes.
Why You'll Love It
- Quick one-pan dinner that cooks in about 30 minutes
- Simple ingredients that come together easily
- Creamy mushroom sauce that pairs perfectly with chicken
- Great for weeknights but still nice enough for guests
I often make this chicken and mushrooms skillet when I want a dinner that feels classic and easy to count on. Chicken breast with mushrooms is a simple combination, but when everything cooks in the same pan, the flavors build quickly. As the mushrooms soften, they release their juices, which blend with garlic and cream to create a smooth sauce. If you like easy chicken dinners with the same homemade feel, creamy Tuscan chicken, garlic butter chicken thighs, and cast-iron chicken breast are all recipes I come back to for the same reason.
What I like about this easy chicken and mushrooms recipe is how practical it is. The chicken cooks quickly, the mushrooms add deep savory flavor, and the cream brings everything together into a rich skillet sauce. The result is a comforting creamy mushroom chicken that feels homemade but is still simple enough for a weeknight dinner. For a complete meal, I like pairing it with baked mac and cheese, tomato Burrata salad, or a fresh tuna tomato salad, depending on what I am in the mood for.
Key Ingredients in Chicken and Mushrooms Skillet
You'll find the exact measurements in the recipe card, but here's a closer look at a few of the ingredients and why I use them.
- Chicken Breast: I use chicken breast here because it cooks quickly and works so well with the creamy mushroom sauce. Slicing it into thinner pieces also helps it cook evenly and stay tender.
- Mushrooms, Garlic, and Parsley: Mushrooms are the heart of this dish for me because they bring that deep savory flavor that makes the skillet sauce taste richer. I add garlic for warmth and parsley at the end to freshen everything up.
- Butter, Olive Oil, Salt, and Black Pepper: I like using both butter and extra virgin olive oil because they give the chicken and mushrooms a better flavor and help everything cook nicely in the pan. Salt and black pepper keep the seasoning simple and let the mushrooms stand out.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is what brings the whole dish together. It mixes with the juices in the skillet and turns into a smooth sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
How to Make Chicken and Mushrooms Skillet
You can find the complete printable recipe with measurements below, but for now, here's a quick overview of how it goes:
1. Prepare and Season the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half to make 4 thin pieces, then season both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. Cook the Chicken: Pan-fry the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Mushrooms and Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, cook the sliced garlic for 30 seconds, then add the mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes. Stir in the chopped parsley, add the cream, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Finish the Dish: Return the chicken to the skillet, turn it in the sauce to coat, and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to plates, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Mushrooms
Dry the Chicken before Cooking: I like patting the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning it. This helps the chicken brown better in the skillet instead of steaming.
Avoid Overcrowding the Mushrooms: If the skillet is too full, the mushrooms release too much moisture and do not brown well. Giving them a little space helps them cook properly and develop more flavor.
Let the Sauce Sit for a Minute before Serving: Once the chicken goes back into the skillet, I like turning off the heat and letting the dish rest for about a minute. The sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken more evenly.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet so the creamy mushroom sauce stays smooth.
What to Serve With Chicken and Mushrooms
This creamy chicken and mushrooms skillet pairs well with simple sides that soak up the sauce. I like serving it with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread. A fresh salad or sautéed vegetables also balances the richness of the dish.
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Recipe
Easy Chicken and Mushrooms Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 40 g butter
- 1 clove garlic - sliced
- 200 g mushrooms - sliced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Parsley - chopped
- 200 ml heavy cream
Instructions
- Cut the 2 chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thin pieces, then season both sides with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil and 3 tablespoons (40 g) butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through to 165°F (74°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced garlic clove and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add 7 oz (200 g) sliced mushrooms, season with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and cook 5-6 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and their liquid has mostly evaporated.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in ¾ cup (200 ml) heavy cream, stir well, and simmer 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, turn to coat in the sauce, and simmer for 2-3 minutes so the flavors combine.
- Serve hot with extra chopped parsley on top.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Sandra says
Best chicken dish ever! The mushroom sauce is incredible.