One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe

Easy One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe That’s Ready Fast

Creamy mushroom chicken represents the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknight dinners.

Rich, savory sauces elevate simple protein into a delectable meal that feels luxurious.

Home cooks appreciate dishes promising minimal cleanup and maximum flavor satisfaction.

Tender chicken pieces nestle amid earthy mushrooms, creating a harmonious culinary experience that feels simultaneously elegant and approachable.

Robust herbs and smooth cream reinvent ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

The combination of juicy meat and umami-packed fungi creates a balanced, satisfying plate that appeals to multiple palates.

Grab your skillet and prepare for a meal that will become a family favorite.

What Makes One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken So Satisfying

  • Effortless One-Pan Wonder: This recipe eliminates multiple dirty dishes with a single skillet cooking method, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Texture Sensation: Crispy golden chicken meets velvety smooth cream sauce, creating a delightful contrast that dances on your taste buds with every bite.
  • Gourmet Flavor in Minutes: Packed with rich, earthy mushroom flavors and herb-infused cream sauce, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste in just 20 minutes of total cooking time.

Ingredient List for a Creamy, Earthy One-Pan Wonder

Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the main dish, best when fresh and uniform in size.
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasoning to enhance chicken's natural flavor and create a base for the dish.
Sauce and Mushrooms:
  • Heavy Cream: Rich, smooth base for creating a luxurious and creamy sauce.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and warmth to the sauce.
  • Mushrooms: Earthy, umami-rich ingredient that provides texture and flavor complexity.
  • Thyme: Fresh herb that introduces subtle, woody undertones to the dish.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Olive Oil: Neutral cooking fat for searing chicken and sautéing mushrooms, adds subtle flavor.
  • Flour: Light coating that helps create a golden crust on chicken and slightly thickens the sauce.

Step-by-Step for Cooking One-Pot Mushroom Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dust each piece with flour, creating a light, even coating.

Step 2: Sear Chicken

Heat skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and carefully place chicken. Cook for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms

In the same skillet, add:
  • Olive oil
  • Mushrooms
  • Salt

Cook for 3-5 minutes until mushrooms release their natural juices. Remove 1/3 of mushrooms for garnishing later.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

Add to skillet:
  • Heavy cream
  • Minced garlic

Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally until sauce slightly thickens. Stir in half of the fresh thyme.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return chicken to skillet, warming through completely. Plate chicken and top with:
  • Reserved sautéed mushrooms
  • Remaining fresh thyme
  • Additional salt and pepper to taste

Serve immediately while sauce is warm and creamy.

Tips to Avoid Mushy Mushrooms and Dry Chicken

  • Flour Power: Dredge chicken evenly in flour for a crispy, golden exterior that seals in moisture and adds delightful texture.
  • Mushroom Magic: Use a mix of fresh mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, or porcini to enhance depth of flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
  • Low and Slow Sauce: Simmer the cream sauce gently to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, velvety consistency that coats the chicken perfectly.
  • Thyme to Shine: Freshly chopped thyme provides a brighter, more aromatic herb flavor compared to dried herbs, elevating the entire dish.
  • Temperature Triumph: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), guaranteeing safe and juicy results every time.

Storing Creamy Chicken Without Losing the Sauce

  • Refrigeration: Carefully transfer chicken and sauce to an airtight container. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep mushroom topping in a separate container to maintain crispness.
  • Reheating: Gently warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream to prevent drying. Cover with a lid to help retain moisture. Stir occasionally until heated through to 165°F (74°C). Sprinkle reserved mushrooms on top just before serving to preserve their texture.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the creamy sauce's consistency.

Delicious Pairings for One-Pot Mushroom Chicken

  • Elevate with Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp chardonnay or pinot noir to complement the creamy mushroom sauce's rich, earthy flavors. These wines balance the dish's richness with subtle acidity and smooth undertones.
  • Create Herbal Side Companions: Serve alongside roasted asparagus or garlic-infused green beans to add fresh, vibrant notes that cut through the creamy sauce's intensity. These vegetable sides provide a light, nutritious contrast.
  • Match with Rustic Bread: Grab a crusty sourdough or rosemary focaccia to soak up the delicious mushroom sauce. The bread's hearty texture and subtle herbs enhance the chicken's savory profile and make each bite more satisfying.
  • Complement with Bright Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty, fresh counterpoint to the dish's creamy texture. The salad's peppery greens and tangy dressing cut through the richness, creating a balanced meal experience.

Mushroom Chicken Variations for Weeknight Rotation

  • Rustic Herb-Infused Chicken: Swap thyme with rosemary and add chopped sage for an earthy woodland flavor profile. Include diced pancetta for extra richness and depth.
  • Mediterranean Inspired Skillet: Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt and white wine. Incorporate kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese for a tangy Mediterranean touch.
  • Spicy Cajun Mushroom Chicken: Dust chicken with Cajun seasoning instead of plain salt and pepper. Add diced bell peppers and cayenne for a fiery kick. Use smoked paprika in the cream sauce for extra complexity.
  • Lighter Wellness Version: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use chicken tenderloins for a leaner protein. Include spinach and reduce overall oil for a healthier alternative.
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One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe

One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Rich, velvety One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken delivers elegant comfort with minimal kitchen effort. Succulent chicken and earthy mushrooms swim in a luxurious sauce that brings European countryside charm to dinner, drawing you into a simple yet sophisticated culinary experience.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1.2 pounds (544 grams) chicken breasts, skinless, boneless, sliced horizontally
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Spices:

  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons fresh thyme, snipped

Cooking Liquids and Fats:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cremini mushrooms, sliced

Instructions

  1. Generously coat chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then delicately dust with all-purpose flour, ensuring an even, light coating.
  2. Warm a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the pan.
  3. Sear chicken for approximately 5 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust develops and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfect doneness.
  4. Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate, keeping it warm and letting juices redistribute.
  5. In the same skillet, add an additional splash of olive oil, then introduce sliced mushrooms with a pinch of salt.
  6. Sauté mushrooms for 3-5 minutes, allowing them to release their natural moisture and develop a rich, caramelized texture.
  7. Carefully separate approximately one-third of the cooked mushrooms, reserving them for a flavorful garnish.
  8. Reduce skillet heat and pour in heavy cream, mincing fresh garlic directly into the pan.
  9. Simmer the cream sauce, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and develops a luxurious consistency.
  10. Gently fold half of the fresh thyme leaves into the creamy sauce, releasing their aromatic essence.
  11. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the velvety sauce and warming through.
  12. For an elegant presentation, arrange the chicken on serving plates, drizzle with the creamy sauce, and top with the reserved mushrooms and remaining thyme.
  13. Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ensuring a perfectly balanced final dish.

Notes

  • Foolproof One-Pan Wonder: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressive dinner parties.
  • Smart Ingredient Technique: Dredging chicken in flour creates a delectable golden crust that seals in moisture and provides a beautiful texture contrast to the creamy sauce.
  • Strategic Mushroom Separation: Reserving a portion of sautéed mushrooms as a topping adds textural complexity and enhances the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile.
  • Temperature Precision Matters: Ensuring chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) guarantees safe, juicy meat while preventing overcooking and maintaining tender texture.
  • Flavor Layering Trick: Using the same skillet for each cooking stage allows ingredients to build deep, interconnected flavors without washing multiple pots.
  • Cream Sauce Secret: Simmering the sauce gently helps it thicken naturally, creating a luxurious, silky consistency that perfectly coats the chicken and mushrooms.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 462 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 280 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 155 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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