Creamy Parmesan Mushroom Chicken Easy Dinner Recipe

Name: Creamy Parmesan Mushroom Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts; to taste salt and pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

October 19, 2025December 28, 2024 by Emma Smith

Are you ready to impress your family with a delicious meal? My Creamy Parmesan Mushroom Chicken is the ultimate easy dinner recipe. In just a few steps, you’ll create a rich, flavorful dish that warms the heart. With juicy chicken, savory mushrooms, and creamy sauce, it’s perfect for any night of the week. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get started on this simple yet delightful recipe!

Why I Love This Recipe

Delicious Creamy Sauce: The rich and creamy Parmesan sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken and earthy mushrooms, creating a dish that’s full of flavor.
Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights.
Versatile Ingredients: With simple ingredients like chicken, mushrooms, and cream, you can easily adapt this recipe to your taste or what you have on hand.
Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors of the dish, especially with fresh parsley on top, make it a show-stopping meal for family gatherings or dinner parties.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 cup chicken broth

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

This dish starts with simple, fresh ingredients that make it flavorful. The chicken breasts provide the main protein. You can use any boneless chicken cut. Salt and pepper enhance the chicken’s flavor.

Using olive oil gives a nice base for cooking. Cremini mushrooms add a rich taste. Garlic adds depth to the dish. Chicken broth brings moisture and flavor to the sauce.

Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and creamy. Parmesan cheese adds savory notes, while thyme and Italian seasoning bring warmth. Finally, fresh parsley adds a bright touch to your meal.

Each ingredient works together. You get a dish that is creamy, savory, and full of taste. By gathering these ingredients, you set the stage for a dinner that is sure to impress.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

– First, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Make sure to cover both sides well. This brings out the best flavor.

– Next, take a large skillet and heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and fully cooked. When done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Sautéing the Mushrooms

– In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. Make sure to spread them out evenly. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes. Cook until they turn golden and tender.

– After that, add the minced garlic to the skillet with the mushrooms. Sauté for an additional minute. This step adds a lovely aroma to your dish.

Making the Creamy Sauce

– Now, pour in the chicken broth. Scrape any bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds great flavor to your sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

– Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.

– Add the dried thyme and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine everything well. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Coat each piece in that delicious creamy sauce.

– Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes. This allows it to absorb all those tasty flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Dish

– Adjusting seasoning for flavor: Taste is key. Always check your salt and pepper. Add more if needed. A good balance makes the dish shine.

– Ensuring the right sauce consistency: You want the sauce thick but not too thick. If it’s too thin, simmer longer. If it’s too thick, add more chicken broth or cream.

Cooking Techniques

– Tips for cooking chicken perfectly: Use medium-high heat. This helps the chicken brown well. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This keeps it juicy.

– Suggestions for sautéing mushrooms: Start with a hot skillet. This helps the mushrooms get golden. Don’t crowd the pan; it makes them steam instead of sauté.

Presentation Ideas

– Serving suggestions and garnishing tips: Plate the chicken with sauce on top. Sprinkle fresh parsley for color. This makes your dish look fancy and inviting.

– Pairing with side dishes: This dish pairs well with rice or pasta. A side of steamed veggies also works nicely. They add freshness to the meal.

Pro Tips

Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices and keeps the meat tender.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and parsley can elevate the dish’s flavor significantly compared to dried herbs. If possible, opt for fresh.
Adjust the Creaminess: For a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or broth while still maintaining a creamy texture.
Perfecting the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Stir well to combine.

Variations

Alternative Ingredients

You can switch up the mushrooms in this dish. Try using button mushrooms or shiitake for a different taste. Each type gives a unique flavor profile. If you want to change the protein, use turkey instead of chicken. Tofu is also a great option for a meat-free meal. Just check that the tofu is firm to hold its shape in the sauce.

Flavor Additions

Adding vegetables can boost nutrients and flavor. Consider spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. Sauté them alongside the mushrooms for a healthy twist. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or rosemary. These will give your dish a fresh and vibrant taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes will add a nice kick if you enjoy some heat.

Dietary Modifications

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free chicken broth. Check the label on your Parmesan cheese, as some brands may contain gluten. For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy. Ensure you enjoy every bite while keeping your dietary needs in mind.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To store leftovers, let the chicken cool down. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure the container seals well. Leftovers can stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. If you want to enjoy it later, keep the sauce separate to avoid sogginess.

Recommended storage containers

Use glass or plastic containers that seal tightly. I prefer glass as it helps keep the food fresh. You can also use reusable silicone bags for easy storage. Label each container with the date. This way, you know how long it has been stored.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze the dish for later use. Let the chicken cool completely before freezing. Place it in freezer-safe containers. This dish can last up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to seal the containers well to prevent freezer burn.

How to reheat properly

To reheat, take the chicken out of the freezer and move it to the fridge overnight. This helps it thaw safely. You can also use the microwave to reheat it. Warm it on medium power for a few minutes. Stir the sauce occasionally for even heating. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating. This keeps everything creamy and delicious!

FAQs

Common Questions

Can I make Creamy Parmesan Mushroom Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and sauce, then cool it down. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stove.

How do I ensure the sauce is creamy?

To keep the sauce creamy, use heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir them in slowly over low heat. This helps the cheese melt and blend well, giving you that rich texture we love.

What can I serve with this dish?

I love serving this chicken with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. You can also add a fresh salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal. The creamy sauce pairs well with all these sides.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken saves time. Just skip the cooking step and add the chicken to the sauce. Heat it through until it’s warm and coated with that delicious sauce.

You can create a delicious Creamy Parmesan Mushroom Chicken with simple steps and tasty ingredients. We talked about preparing the chicken, sautéing mushrooms, and making a creamy sauce. With tips for perfecting the dish and ideas for variations, this recipe can suit any taste. Remember, this meal stores well in the fridge or freezer. With different options, you can enjoy this dish in many ways. Cook, share, and enjo

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) This dish starts with simple, fresh ingredients that make it flavorful. The chicken breasts provide the main protein. You can use any boneless chicken cut. Salt and pepper enhance the chicken's flavor. Using olive oil gives a nice base for cooking. Cremini mushrooms add a rich taste. Garlic adds depth to the dish. Chicken broth brings moisture and flavor to the sauce. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and creamy. Parmesan cheese adds savory notes, while thyme and Italian seasoning bring warmth. Finally, fresh parsley adds a bright touch to your meal. Each ingredient works together. You get a dish that is creamy, savory, and full of taste. By gathering these ingredients, you set the stage for a dinner that is sure to impress. {{ingredient_image_1}} - First, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Make sure to cover both sides well. This brings out the best flavor. - Next, take a large skillet and heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and fully cooked. When done, remove them from the skillet and set aside. - In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. Make sure to spread them out evenly. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes. Cook until they turn golden and tender. - After that, add the minced garlic to the skillet with the mushrooms. Sauté for an additional minute. This step adds a lovely aroma to your dish. - Now, pour in the chicken broth. Scrape any bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds great flavor to your sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. - Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. - Add the dried thyme and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine everything well. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Coat each piece in that delicious creamy sauce. - Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes. This allows it to absorb all those tasty flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. - Adjusting seasoning for flavor: Taste is key. Always check your salt and pepper. Add more if needed. A good balance makes the dish shine. - Ensuring the right sauce consistency: You want the sauce thick but not too thick. If it’s too thin, simmer longer. If it’s too thick, add more chicken broth or cream. - Tips for cooking chicken perfectly: Use medium-high heat. This helps the chicken brown well. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This keeps it juicy. - Suggestions for sautéing mushrooms: Start with a hot skillet. This helps the mushrooms get golden. Don’t crowd the pan; it makes them steam instead of sauté. - Serving suggestions and garnishing tips: Plate the chicken with sauce on top. Sprinkle fresh parsley for color. This makes your dish look fancy and inviting. - Pairing with side dishes: This dish pairs well with rice or pasta. A side of steamed veggies also works nicely. They add freshness to the meal. Pro Tips Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices and keeps the meat tender. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and parsley can elevate the dish's flavor significantly compared to dried herbs. If possible, opt for fresh. Adjust the Creaminess: For a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or broth while still maintaining a creamy texture. Perfecting the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Stir well to combine. {{image_2}} You can switch up the mushrooms in this dish. Try using button mushrooms or shiitake for a different taste. Each type gives a unique flavor profile. If you want to change the protein, use turkey instead of chicken. Tofu is also a great option for a meat-free meal. Just check that the tofu is firm to hold its shape in the sauce. Adding vegetables can boost nutrients and flavor. Consider spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. Sauté them alongside the mushrooms for a healthy twist. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or rosemary. These will give your dish a fresh and vibrant taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes will add a nice kick if you enjoy some heat. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free chicken broth. Check the label on your Parmesan cheese, as some brands may contain gluten. For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy. Ensure you enjoy every bite while keeping your dietary needs in mind. To store leftovers, let the chicken cool down. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure the container seals well. Leftovers can stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. If you want to enjoy it later, keep the sauce separate to avoid sogginess. Use glass or plastic containers that seal tightly. I prefer glass as it helps keep the food fresh. You can also use reusable silicone bags for easy storage. Label each container with the date. This way, you know how long it has been stored. You can freeze the dish for later use. Let the chicken cool completely before freezing. Place it in freezer-safe containers. This dish can last up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to seal the containers well to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, take the chicken out of the freezer and move it to the fridge overnight. This helps it thaw safely. You can also use the microwave to reheat it. Warm it on medium power for a few minutes. Stir the sauce occasionally for even heating. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating. This keeps everything creamy and delicious! Can I make Creamy Parmesan Mushroom Chicken ahead of time? Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and sauce, then cool it down. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stove. How do I ensure the sauce is creamy? To keep the sauce creamy, use heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir them in slowly over low heat. This helps the cheese melt and blend well, giving you that rich texture we love. What can I serve with this dish? I love serving this chicken with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. You can also add a fresh salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal. The creamy sauce pairs well with all these sides. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe? Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken saves time. Just skip the cooking step and add the chicken to the sauce. Heat it through until it's warm and coated with that delicious sauce. You can create a delicious Creamy Parmesan Mushroom Chicken with simple steps and tasty ingredients. We talked about preparing the chicken, sautéing mushrooms, and making a creamy sauce. With tips for perfecting the dish and ideas for variations, this recipe can suit any taste. Remember, this meal stores well in the fridge or freezer. With different options, you can enjoy this dish in many ways. Cook, share, and enjoy!$