Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken
Sometimes, you just need a meal that feels like a big, warm hug.
This creamy Parmesan garlic mushroom chicken is exactly that.
With tender chicken, mushrooms, and a velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce that’s ready in just 30 minutes,
it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve just created something restaurant-worthy – without all the fuss.
No canned soups, just real ingredients, big flavors,
and the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ready to wow your taste buds? Let’s get cooking!
For Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken
- Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. They’re tender and cook quickly.
- Mushrooms – Sliced mushrooms add earthy flavor and texture to the sauce.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic is essential for that rich, savory taste.
- Half-and-Half or Whole Milk – This is the base of the creamy sauce. Half-and-half gives a richer texture, but whole milk works just as well.
- Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Fresh Parsley – Adds a pop of color and freshness to finish off the dish.
- Olive Oil – Used for searing the chicken and creating a golden-brown crust.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors.
For the Sauce
- Garlic – For a rich and aromatic base to the creamy sauce.
- Half-and-Half or Whole Milk – Choose half-and-half for a richer sauce or whole milk for a lighter version.
- Parmesan Cheese – A key ingredient for creating a creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Fresh Parsley – For a fresh finishing touch.
- Olive Oil – To help sauté the chicken and make the sauce base.
Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup half-and-half or whole milk (half-and-half gives a richer result)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp garlic powder, optional for extra flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender and browned. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the half-and-half (or whole milk), stirring to combine with the mushrooms and garlic. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Serve: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes to heat the chicken through. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
- Can I swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this dish, too. They tend to be juicier and cook just as quickly, making them a great substitute.
- What if I don’t have half-and-half or cream?
No worries! You can totally use whole milk if that’s what you have on hand. If you prefer a richer sauce, a touch of butter will help add a bit more creaminess.
- Can I make the sauce thicker without flour?
Yes! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, cornstarch is a great substitute. Just mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry, then add it to your sauce to thicken it up.
- How do I spice things up a bit?
If you like a little heat, try adding some red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce while it simmers. It’ll give it a nice kick!
- Can I prep this dish in advance?
You sure can! While it’s best when freshly made, you can cook the chicken and store the sauce separately. Then, just reheat everything and combine it when you’re ready to serve. Easy peasy!
Tips:
- For an extra-rich sauce, go with half-and-half. Whole milk works too but yields a slightly lighter result.
- You can substitute or add more herbs to suit your taste, such as thyme or rosemary.
This creamy, garlicky dish is perfect for a quick yet comforting weeknight dinner! Enjoy the luxurious sauce with mashed potatoes or over pasta to make it even more indulgent.
