Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe

Why You’ll Love Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe

This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple pantry ingredients. The chicken is lightly coated in seasoned flour, giving it a golden crust that locks in moisture. The creamy sauce is layered with garlic, herbs, mushrooms, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and briny olives for a balanced and satisfying bite.

You’ll also love how quickly it comes together. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a complete dish that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. It’s comforting, hearty, and packed with flavor in every forkful.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

⅓ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons dried thyme, divided
2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided
1 teaspoon sea salt, divided
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, divided
1 teaspoon chili flakes (plus more or less to taste)
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
⅓ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
2 cups mushrooms
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken stock
1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
2 cups fresh spinach

Directions

1. In a shallow bowl or on a clean surface, combine the flour, paprika, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1 teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.

2. Season the chicken with the remaining salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and chili flakes.

3. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, coating them evenly. Shake off any excess flour.

4. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.

5. Add the chicken and cook for 3–5 minutes per side until golden and lightly seared. Do not fully cook through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

6. Add the remaining olive oil to the same skillet. Stir in the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and mushrooms. Cook for 3–5 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.

7. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken stock. Add the Parmesan cheese and spinach. Stir until combined and allow the sauce to simmer until it begins to thicken.

8. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
Add a splash of white cooking wine to the pan before adding the cream for extra depth.
Swap spinach for kale if you prefer a heartier green.
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor.
Make it low-carb by serving over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

For best texture, avoid overheating as the cream sauce may separate.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and add extra juiciness to the dish.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, though the flavor will slightly change.

What type of mushrooms work best?

Cremini, white button, or baby bella mushrooms are all excellent options.

Can I freeze creamy mushroom chicken?

Cream-based sauces can sometimes separate after freezing. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it and reheat gently while stirring well.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead and gently reheat before serving.

What can I serve with this dish?

It pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.

Can I reduce the spice level?

Simply reduce or omit the chili flakes to make it milder.

Why dredge the chicken in flour?

The flour helps create a golden crust and also slightly thickens the sauce as it cooks.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer a few extra minutes or add a small amount of additional grated Parmesan cheese.

Conclusion

This Creamy Mushroom Chicken is the perfect balance of comfort and elegance. With its tender chicken, rich Parmesan cream sauce, and flavorful mix-ins, it’s a reliable recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Quick enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your table.