If you’re on the hunt for a comforting yet impressive dish, the Parmesan-Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe is a total game-changer. This dish celebrates tender, perfectly cooked chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, creamy sauce loaded with savory mushrooms, fresh garlic, and the nutty richness of Parmesan cheese. It’s got that perfect balance of easy-to-follow steps and gourmet flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds — plus, it comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to nailing this dish. Each item plays a crucial role, whether it’s building layers of flavor, creating a velvety sauce, or adding texture and color to your plate.
- 1 1/2 pounds thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts: Using thin slices ensures quick, even cooking and a tender bite every time.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: This coats the chicken to give it a gentle crust and helps thicken the sauce.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Essential for seasoning evenly and enhancing all the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and subtle bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For perfectly sautéing the chicken and vegetables with a mild fruitiness.
- 1 pound mushrooms: Cremini or morels work beautifully, giving the sauce an earthy depth.
- 1 onion, diced: Adds sweetness and complexity as it softens in the pan.
- 1 tablespoon finely minced garlic: Brings a fragrant, savory punch to every bite.
- 1/2 cup less-sodium chicken broth: A flavorful base for the sauce that keeps it light yet savory.
- 3/4 cup heavy cream: Delivers a rich, creamy texture that perfectly complements the mushrooms and chicken.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme: Infuses a subtle herbal brightness; dried works if fresh isn’t on hand.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, giving it that irresistible sharp, nutty flavor.
- Hot cooked pasta or rice (optional): Perfect for soaking up all the luscious sauce.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, colorful finish that brightens the dish.
How to Make Parmesan-Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dredging Mixture
In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly ensures your chicken will have an even coating that crisp ups just right and seasons every bite.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated for that golden crust. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook about 3 minutes per side, allowing a beautiful brown crust to form while keeping the inside juicy and slightly pink. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Lower the heat to medium and add mushrooms, diced onion, and minced garlic to the same skillet. Stir often as these soften and take on a lovely caramelized edge—about 7 minutes. This process develops the deep, earthy flavors that marry perfectly with the chicken.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to scrape up any browned bits caught on the bottom. These bits are flavor gold! Next, add the heavy cream, chopped thyme, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring frequently for about 4 minutes until the sauce thickens just enough to coat your spoon with creamy goodness.
Step 5: Finish Cooking the Chicken
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them gently into the decadent sauce. Let them cook for another 2 minutes—this ensures the chicken is completely cooked through and infused with all the garlicky mushroom flavors.
How to Serve Parmesan-Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley immediately lifts the dish with a pop of color and a fresh flavor contrast. Don’t forget to pass around extra Parmesan cheese for anyone who wants to add an extra savory punch!
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken is brilliant over hot pasta or fluffy rice, which help soak up every delicious drop of the sauce. For a greener twist, serve with sautéed spinach or a crisp side salad for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic look, serve the chicken on a wooden board with generous spoonfuls of sauce ladled over the top. Or plate each chicken breast on a bed of creamy polenta and drizzle the mushroom sauce elegantly around the plate for a restaurant-style presentation at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it ideal for next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the dish, let it cool completely first. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much to keep it creamy and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms in this Parmesan-Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! While cremini or morels are fantastic for their earthy depth, button mushrooms or shiitake also work beautifully. Just make sure to thinly slice them to cook evenly.
Is it okay to use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs add a richer flavor and stay juicy. Just ensure they’re similarly thin-sliced for even cooking.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free twist, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative in place of Parmesan. The flavor will shift slightly but remain delicious.
How thick should I slice the chicken?
About half an inch thick is ideal. This thickness lets the chicken cook quickly while staying moist inside without drying out.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make the mushroom sauce ahead and refrigerate it separately. When ready to serve, reheat gently and add the cooked chicken just before serving to keep everything fresh and tender.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan-Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Simple ingredients come together to create something seriously special — creamy, full of flavor, and wonderfully satisfying. Give it a try soon, and you might just find your new go-to dinner to impress family and friends alike!
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Parmesan-Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Parmesan-Garlic Mushroom Chicken recipe features tender, flour-dredged chicken breasts sautéed to a golden brown and simmered in a creamy parmesan mushroom sauce. Infused with aromatic garlic, fresh thyme, and sautéed mushrooms and onions, this comforting dish is perfect served over pasta or rice for a rich and flavorful weeknight dinner ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 1/2 pounds thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1/2-inch thick)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (plus more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables and Sauce
- 1 pound mushrooms (such as cremini, thinly sliced, or whole morels if using)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 1 tablespoon finely minced garlic
- 1/2 cup less-sodium chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more to serve)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Serving Suggestion
- Hot cooked pasta or rice (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dredging Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings throughout the flour.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Dredge each chicken breast thoroughly in the flour mixture, coating well. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet and cook about 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and almost cooked through but still slightly pink inside. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: Reduce heat to medium. Add sliced mushrooms, diced onion, and minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook, stirring often, for about 7 minutes until mushrooms release moisture, liquid evaporates, and vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring and scraping up browned bits from the pan for flavor. Add the heavy cream, chopped thyme, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish Cooking the Chicken: Return the chicken and any collected juices to the skillet, nestling into the sauce so mostly covered. Cook an additional 2 minutes to ensure chicken is cooked through and heated fully.
- Serve: Serve the chicken with mushroom sauce over hot pasta or rice if desired, or plate the chicken and spoon sauce on top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use thinly sliced chicken breasts about 1/2-inch thick for even cooking.
- Morel mushrooms can be used for a special flavor but cremini or button mushrooms work well.
- The sauce will thicken as it simmers; avoid boiling to prevent curdling the cream.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if using salted broth.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but texture may be less rich.
- Serve over pasta or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated up to 3 days and reheat gently on stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
