If comfort had a flavor, it would absolutely be captured in this Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice. Just imagine juicy golden chicken breasts, tender rice, and savory mushrooms all enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce and finished with a shower of parmesan and fresh herbs. This is a one-pan wonder that manages to be both hearty enough for chilly evenings and elegant enough for a dinner party. Whether you’re putting a cozy meal on the table for family or hosting friends, Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice promises to be a hit every single time.

Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice is that it calls for straightforward ingredients you might already have in your kitchen, and yet each one makes a significant impact. From the umami kick of mushrooms to the luxurious cream and Parmesan, every item on this list plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and creaminess.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts stay moist while soaking up all that creamy, savory goodness.
Olive Oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps achieve that perfect golden sear on your chicken.
Butter: Introduces an indulgent depth, especially when sautéing onions for extra flavor.
Yellow Onion: Brings mild sweetness and a little aromatic backbone to the dish.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic makes everything more irresistible, giving a warm, rounded flavor.
Cremini (or White) Mushrooms: These savory gems bring earthy notes and soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
Long-Grain White Rice: Cooks up tender and fluffy, absorbing all the savory juices in the pan.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Infuses the rice and chicken with extra depth without making things too salty.
Heavy Cream: Creates that unmistakably rich, velvety sauce—sub in half-and-half for a lighter touch if desired.
Parmesan Cheese: Gives a salty, nutty finish while helping the sauce come together in perfect harmony.
Dried Thyme: Adds an herbaceous pop, balancing all the creamy and savory flavors.
Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste; don’t be shy with the black pepper for a gentle kick!
Fresh Parsley: A finishing sprinkle of parsley adds color and freshness just before serving.

How to Make Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry and seasoning them generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, lay in the chicken breasts and let them sear undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes per side. The goal is to get a lovely golden-brown crust—not to cook them through just yet. Once they’re beautifully golden, transfer them to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms

Add the butter to the same pan; once melted, toss in your diced onion. Let the onions cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until they’re soft and just starting to turn translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, and sauté everything together for another 5 to 6 minutes. Cook until the mushrooms are deeply browned, their moisture has evaporated, and the pan smells incredible.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Base

Once your mushrooms are ready, stir in the uncooked rice and dried thyme, letting them toast for a minute with the veggies. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. This is where the luxurious, creamy foundation for Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice truly comes together.

Step 4: Simmer with Chicken

Arrange the chicken breasts back into the pan, nestling them into the creamy rice mixture. Make sure everything is mostly covered by the liquid. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet snugly with a lid. Let it all simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is perfectly cooked and the rice is tender and creamy.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir gently to combine, letting it melt fully into the sauce. Taste and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed. Garnish generously with chopped parsley. Serve hot and savor every spoonful of Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice!

How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

For a pop of color and freshness, finish each plate with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. If you want to amp things up even more, a dusting of extra Parmesan or a tiny drizzle of good olive oil right before serving gives your Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice a restaurant-worthy touch.

Side Dishes

You really don’t need more than a simple green salad or steamed green beans to round out this meal, as Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice is already a complete comfort on its own. But if you’re craving a little more, roasted asparagus, a side of garlicky sautéed spinach, or a chunk of crusty bread for sopping up sauce all work wonders.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow at the dinner table, try slicing the chicken breasts before spooning the creamy rice and mushroom sauce over top; it looks gorgeous and elegant. For a homey buffet-style meal, serve everything family-style straight from the pan. To impress guests, use individual shallow bowls and swirl the rice with the sauce, nestling each sliced chicken breast on top with a flourish of fresh herbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftovers into an airtight container, making sure the chicken is nestled in the creamy rice so it stays moist. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, but a splash of broth or cream when reheating brings everything right back to life.

Freezing

Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice can be frozen, although the creamy texture may shift slightly on thawing. Cool the dish completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating gently.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding more broth or cream as needed to loosen the sauce. The microwave also works—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring between each round for even warming. Let it get steamy and creamy before serving again!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully here. They turn out ultra-juicy and flavorful, making your Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice even more succulent. Just adjust cook time if needed to ensure the thighs are cooked through.

What’s the best mushroom variety for this recipe?

Both cremini and white mushrooms are great options, but cremini mushrooms add a richer, earthier flavor. Feel free to mix in other varieties, such as shiitake or even wild mushrooms, for a more gourmet spin on Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can swap the heavy cream for an unsweetened, plain non-dairy milk (like oat or cashew) and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The sauce won’t be quite as luscious, but you’ll still get that cozy feeling from your Dairy-Free Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice.

How do I know when the rice is done?

The rice should be tender and creamy but not mushy. If you taste and find it still a bit firm, stir in a splash more broth, cover, and cook for a few more minutes—Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice is meant to be saucy and luxurious!

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes! As long as you’re using gluten-free chicken broth and double-checking your Parmesan, Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice is naturally gluten-free and perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a new dinnertime favorite, let Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice whisk you away to a world of comfort and flavor. It’s that rare dish that’s easy enough for a busy weeknight yet impressive enough to show off to guests. Try it once and you might just find yourself craving it again and again!

Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 24 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice is a comforting one-pan meal that features tender chicken breasts cooked with flavorful mushrooms and creamy rice, finished with a touch of Parmesan and herbs. Perfect for a cozy dinner with a gluten-free option.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients for Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Season the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Sear the chicken: In a skillet, sear chicken in olive oil until golden but not fully cooked; set aside.
Sauté onion and mushrooms: In the same pan, sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms until browned.
Add rice and liquids: Stir in rice, thyme, broth, and cream. Simmer.
Cook chicken and rice: Return chicken to pan, cover, and cook until done.
Finish and serve: Stir in Parmesan, adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.