Rich, creamy, and bursting with umami flavor, this Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Skillet recipe is the ultimate comfort food. It starts with juicy, perfectly poached chicken breasts and golden caramelized mushrooms, then it’s all tied together with a silky Parmesan cream sauce infused with garlic, white wine, and fresh herbs. This stovetop dish is elegant enough for guests yet simple enough for a cozy family dinner.
With minimal prep and straightforward steps, you’ll have a gourmet-style meal on the table in under an hour. Whether served with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread, this dish will easily win a spot in your weekly rotation.
Cooking Time
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
For Poaching the Chicken:
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2 chicken breasts
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2 bay leaves
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1 tbsp black peppercorns
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1 tbsp salt
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2 garlic cloves, peeled
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Juice of ½ lemon
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Water (enough to cover chicken)
For the Mushroom Cream Sauce:
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp butter
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450 g (16 oz) mushrooms, sliced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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80 ml (⅓ cup) white wine
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160 ml (⅔ cup) chicken stock (preferably from poaching liquid)
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120 ml (½ cup) sour cream
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50 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Poach the chicken
In a large pot, combine 2 bay leaves, 1 tablespoon of black peppercorns, 1 tablespoon of salt, 2 garlic cloves, and the juice of half a lemon. Add the chicken breasts and cover with water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, immediately cover the pot with a lid and turn off the heat. Let the chicken sit in the hot water, covered, for 30 minutes. This method results in perfectly tender, juicy chicken without overcooking.
2. Sauté the mushrooms
While the chicken is poaching, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are browned and caramelized.
3. Build the flavor
Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the mushrooms and season with ½ teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. Stir and cook for another 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant.
4. Deglaze and simmer
Pour in 80 ml (⅓ cup) of white wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Simmer for about 1 minute, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
5. Add liquids and simmer
Add 160 ml (⅔ cup) of chicken stock, followed by 120 ml (½ cup) of sour cream. Stir to combine and reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 1–2 minutes.
6. Stir in Parmesan
Add 50 g (½ cup) of grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted into the sauce. The result should be a creamy, luscious sauce with a rich, savory aroma.
7. Add parsley and serve
Remove the lid from the poached chicken and transfer the breasts to a cutting board. Slice or shred them and add to the mushroom sauce, or serve on top. Garnish everything with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Nutritional Information
(Per serving, based on 4 servings)
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Calories: 375
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Protein: 34g
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Carbohydrates: 6g
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Fat: 24g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sodium: 620mg
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Sugar: 2g
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Creamy chicken and mushroom dishes are beloved across Europe and North America, inspired by French-style pan sauces and Italian cream-based pasta dishes. This skillet recipe is a modern adaptation of classic techniques, where simplicity meets sophistication. The poaching method for chicken—long respected for its ability to retain moisture—is gaining popularity as more home cooks seek healthier alternatives to frying or roasting.
Today, creamy chicken and mushroom dishes appear everywhere, from cozy kitchen tables to upscale bistros, and their appeal continues to grow due to their versatility and indulgent taste.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Easy yet elegant: Restaurant-quality results with basic ingredients
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Rich, creamy flavor: The sauce is packed with umami from mushrooms and cheese
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One pan magic: Less mess, more flavor
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Moist, tender chicken: Poaching locks in juiciness
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Customizable: Pair with pasta, rice, potatoes, or vegetables
Health Benefits
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Lean protein: Chicken breast is high in protein and low in fat
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Gut-friendly mushrooms: Mushrooms support immunity and are rich in B vitamins
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Calcium and probiotics: Parmesan and sour cream contribute to gut and bone health
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Low-carb: Ideal for keto and low-carb diets
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Balanced nutrients: A great mix of protein, fat, and micronutrients
Serving Suggestions
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Over creamy mashed potatoes
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With buttered noodles or fettuccine
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Alongside steamed green beans or roasted asparagus
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Spoon over crusty bread or toast points
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Serve with a side salad and vinaigrette for a lighter meal
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overcooking the mushrooms: They should be golden, not soggy
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Skipping the wine deglaze: It adds depth—use broth if avoiding alcohol
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Overheating the sour cream: Stir it in gently to prevent curdling
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Skipping the chicken rest: Don’t rush the poaching—30 minutes is key
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Undersalting the sauce: Taste before serving and adjust as needed
Pairing Recommendations
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Wines: Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay
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Sides: Roasted baby potatoes, polenta, or crusty baguette
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Drinks: Sparkling water with lemon, ginger beer, or unsweetened iced tea
Cooking Tips
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Use a meat thermometer if unsure—poached chicken should reach 165°F (74°C)
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Slice mushrooms evenly so they cook at the same rate
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Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melt and flavor
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Save extra poaching liquid to thin out your sauce if needed
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Make the sauce ahead and reheat gently—great for meal prep
Similar Recipes to Try
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Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms
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Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs
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One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken
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Chicken Stroganoff
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White Wine Mushroom Pasta
Variations to Try
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Add spinach: Toss in baby spinach at the end for a fresh twist
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Make it spicy: Add chili flakes or hot paprika
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Add bacon or pancetta: For a smoky, salty upgrade
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Try other proteins: Swap in turkey, tofu, or shrimp
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Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast in place of cream and cheese
Ingredient Spotlight: Mushrooms
Mushrooms are the heart of the sauce—rich in savory, earthy flavor thanks to natural glutamates. They’re a great meat extender or alternative, full of nutrients like selenium, copper, and B vitamins. When sautéed properly, mushrooms add depth and texture that elevate even the simplest dishes. Don’t wash them under water—just brush clean and slice.
Conclusion
The Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Skillet is everything you want in a one-pan meal: easy, flavorful, comforting, and adaptable. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a romantic date night, this dish delivers restaurant-level flavor with minimal effort. Perfectly poached chicken, buttery mushrooms, and a rich cream sauce—what’s not to love? Pair it with your favorite side, pour a glass of white wine, and enjoy a meal that feels fancy but fits into your busy schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs work great and are even more flavorful. Adjust cooking time slightly for doneness.
2. What can I use instead of white wine?
Use chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for acidity.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. Store the sauce and chicken separately, then reheat gently in a skillet before serving.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free. Just confirm your Parmesan and broth are certified gluten-free.
5. What mushrooms are best?
White button, cremini, or baby bella all work well. A mix gives great depth.
6. Can I freeze this dish?
The sauce may separate slightly upon freezing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge up to 3 days.
7. What can I substitute for sour cream?
Try Greek yogurt or crème fraîche. For dairy-free, use unsweetened coconut cream.
8. Can I make this in the oven instead?
You can bake the chicken, but the stovetop allows for better control of the creamy sauce.
9. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Lower the heat before adding sour cream, and don’t boil after it’s added.
10. Can I double the recipe for guests?
Absolutely. Just use a larger skillet or batch-cook the mushrooms to ensure even caramelization.