If you love dishes that are bursting with flavor yet come together in a flash, this Parmesan-Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight go-to. Tender chicken cooked to golden perfection, enveloped in a creamy, garlicky sauce studded with earthy mushrooms and the irresistible tang of Parmesan cheese makes for a dish that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple. Every bite delivers comfort and deliciousness that feels like a warm hug, perfect for family dinners or impressing friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each one bringing its own magic to the dish. From the tender chicken breasts to the earthy mushrooms and sharp Parmesan, together they create a harmony of flavors and textures that’s pure joy on the plate.
- Chicken breasts (1 1/2 pounds, thin-sliced): Using thin slices ensures they cook quickly and evenly, staying juicy inside.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Coats the chicken for a beautiful golden crust and helps thicken the sauce later.
- Kosher salt (2 teaspoons plus more to taste): Enhances all the flavors and seasons the dish perfectly.
- Ground black pepper (1 teaspoon plus more to taste): Adds a subtle kick and depth to the seasoning.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing the chicken and veggies with a lovely golden finish.
- Mushrooms (1 pound, such as cremini or morels): Bring an earthy, meaty quality that melds beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Onion (1, diced): Adds sweetness and complexity to the base of the sauce.
- Garlic (1 tablespoon, finely minced): Garlic’s unmistakable aroma and flavor are key to that comforting savory vibe.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup, less sodium): Forms the flavorful liquid foundation for the sauce.
- Heavy cream (3/4 cup): Creates the rich, luscious texture that coats the mushrooms and chicken.
- Fresh thyme (1 tablespoon chopped or 1 teaspoon dried): Adds a fragrant herbaceous note that brightens the dish.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup grated, plus more to serve): Offers that salty, nutty punch that makes this recipe irresistible.
- Hot cooked pasta or rice (optional): Perfect for soaking up every bit of the creamy sauce.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup chopped): Adds a fresh, color contrast and a hint of brightness on top.
How to Make Parmesan-Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dredging Mixture
Start by combining your flour, kosher salt, and ground black pepper in a shallow bowl. Mixing these well ensures each piece of chicken gets that perfect seasoned coating, which crisps up beautifully when cooked and adds flavor from the first bite.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Coat your chicken cutlets thoroughly in the flour mixture, then carefully lay them into the hot oil. Cook each side for about 3 minutes until they develop a gorgeous golden crust but are still slightly pink in the center. This step locks in juices and gives your chicken a wonderful texture. Once done, transfer them to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Lower the heat to medium and toss in your sliced mushrooms, diced onions, and minced garlic right into the same skillet. Let them cook, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms release their moisture and that liquid evaporates, leaving behind tender, lightly browned vegetables that are full of flavor.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and stir well, scraping up any tasty browned bits stuck to the pan. Those bits are tiny flavor bombs! Then add your heavy cream, fresh thyme, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens into a luscious, creamy coating for your chicken and mushrooms.
Step 5: Finish Cooking the Chicken
Return your nearly cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Nestle the pieces so they’re mostly covered and let everything simmer gently for another 2 minutes. This finishes cooking the chicken while soaking it in the delicious sauce.
How to Serve Parmesan-Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of vibrant color and a fresh herbal punch that cuts through the richness beautifully. Don’t forget an extra dusting of Parmesan at the table for Parmesan lovers—it takes the dish over the top!
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs effortlessly with hot pasta or fluffy rice, perfect for mopping up every last bit of that creamy sauce. For a lighter contrast, try serving alongside steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad to balance the indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating the chicken on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of sauce, Parmesan, and fresh herbs for a casual, family-style meal. Or, for special occasions, arrange the chicken over a bed of herb-infused risotto and garnish with edible flowers for an elegant look that will wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Parmesan-Garlic Mushroom Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months. Just be sure to place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Gently reheat your leftovers on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream can refresh the sauce’s creaminess if it has thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms in this Parmesan-Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Cremini mushrooms are great, but you can swap in button mushrooms, shiitake, or even more exotic varieties like oyster mushrooms. Each will add a unique flavor twist but still complement the creamy, cheesy sauce wonderfully.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Yes! You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use evaporated milk for a lower-fat option. Just keep in mind the sauce won’t be quite as rich but will still be delicious and satisfying.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Definitely. You can dredge the chicken and store it in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. This actually helps the seasoning penetrate the chicken better, boosting flavor when cooked.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh thyme?
Dried thyme works perfectly and is mentioned in the recipe as an option. If you don’t have thyme at all, rosemary or oregano can be used as substitutes — just use a bit less because they have stronger flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
It really is! The Parmesan-Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe stores well and reheats beautifully. Portion it into containers with rice or pasta for balanced, hearty meals throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan-Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a special treat but is honestly easy enough for any night of the week. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and savory mushrooms hits every comfort food note while still looking impressive on the table. Once you try it, I bet it will become a staple in your cooking rotation—just like it is in mine!
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Parmesan-Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Parmesan-Garlic Mushroom Chicken is a quick and flavorful skillet dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a seasoned flour mixture, sautéed with savory mushrooms, onions, and garlic, then simmered in a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for serving over pasta or rice for a comforting and elegant meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 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
Optional:
- Hot cooked pasta or rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dredging Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Dredge each chicken breast thoroughly in the flour mixture, coating each piece well. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and nearly cooked through but still slightly pink in the center. 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 frequently, for about 7 minutes, until the mushrooms release their moisture, the liquid evaporates, and the vegetables become tender and lightly browned.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor. Add heavy cream, chopped thyme, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Continue cooking, stirring often, for about 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish Cooking the Chicken: Return the chicken cutlets along with any collected juices to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce so they are largely covered. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and heated through.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and mushroom sauce hot over cooked pasta or rice if desired, or place the chicken on a serving dish and spoon the sauce on top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and offer extra Parmesan cheese at the table. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.
- To add extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan before adding the chicken broth.
- Ensure chicken breasts are thinly sliced to cook evenly and quickly.
- Fresh thyme is preferred, but dried thyme works well too—reduce quantity accordingly.
- This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Use less-sodium chicken broth to better control the salt level in the dish.
