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Craving a decadent, comforting dish without the carbs?
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mushroom Chicken delivers all the rich, savory flavors you love, made in one pan in under 30 minutes!
Perfect for a busy weeknight, this low-carb, keto-friendly meal is packed with creamy goodness and pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a crisp salad.
You won’t believe how easy it is to make such a gourmet dish!
MY OTHER RECIPES
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
I love how quickly this chicken comes together. Everything cooks in one pan, and the chicken, mushrooms and creamy Parmesan sauce all build flavor as they cook.
The sauce is rich and creamy without being complicated. Garlic, mushrooms and Parmesan give it plenty of savory flavor, while fresh herbs add a little freshness.
It’s also an easy dinner to change up depending on what you’re serving with it. Spoon the chicken and sauce over pasta or rice, or keep it simple with a crisp salad or vegetables.
And the best part? You can have this comforting dinner on the table in about 30 minutes!
For the Chicken:
- Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Garlic Powder – Adds that savory flavor kick to the chicken.
- Oregano – For a herby, aromatic note.
- Smoked Paprika – Gives the chicken a subtle smoky flavor.
- Salt & Pepper – To taste, balancing the seasoning.
- Unsalted Butter – For a rich, buttery base when cooking the chicken.
- Olive Oil – Helps with frying and browning the chicken.
- Baby Bella Mushrooms – Adds earthy flavor and texture to the dish.
- Onion – Finely minced, it gives a bit of sweetness and depth.
- Garlic – Minced, bringing a punch of flavor to the sauce.
- Heavy Cream – Provides a thick and creamy base for the sauce.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan – Adds richness and a savory depth to the cream sauce.
- Fresh Herbs (optional) – Add fresh parsley, thyme, or basil for extra flavor and freshness.
For the Sauce:
- Heavy Cream – Forms the creamy base of the sauce, giving it a smooth texture.
- Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated parmesan for that salty, savory taste that melts perfectly into the sauce.
- Fresh Herbs (optional) – Enhances the sauce with a pop of fresh flavor.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mushroom Chicken
This recipe is simple, but a few small steps make all the difference.
Step 1: Prep the chicken.
Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally so you have thinner pieces. Season both sides with garlic powder, oregano, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
Step 2: Cook the chicken.
Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, then transfer it to a plate.
Step 3: Cook the mushrooms and onion.
Use the same pan to sauté the mushrooms and onion. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant. All those browned bits left from the chicken add extra flavor to the sauce.
Step 4: Make the creamy sauce.
Lower the heat and add the cream, Parmesan and fresh herbs. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes, until the sauce starts to thicken.
Step 5: Finish the chicken.
Return the chicken and any juices from the plate to the skillet. Cook for another 1–2 minutes so the chicken can soak up some of that creamy Parmesan sauce.
Step 6: Serve.
Serve warm with pasta, rice, salad or vegetables. Don’t forget plenty of that mushroom sauce!
Recipe Variations
Use chicken thighs. Chicken thighs are a great option if you prefer darker meat. They’re juicy, flavorful and work beautifully with the creamy mushroom sauce.
Add a little heat. A pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne adds a little kick to the creamy sauce.
Change up the herbs. Try fresh parsley, thyme or basil depending on what you have on hand.
Make it a pasta dinner. Serve the chicken and creamy mushroom sauce over your favorite pasta for an extra comforting meal.
Keep it low-carb. Serve it with a crisp salad or your favorite vegetables instead of pasta or rice.
Expert Tips
Slice the chicken evenly. Thinner pieces cook faster and more evenly, which helps keep the chicken tender.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give the chicken enough room to brown. A good sear adds so much flavor to the finished dish.
Use the same pan. Those browned bits left behind after cooking the chicken become part of the sauce and add extra savory flavor.
Use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts into the cream and gives the sauce a smoother texture and better flavor.
Keep the heat low when making the sauce. Once you add the cream and Parmesan, a gentle simmer is all you need.
Taste before adding more salt. Parmesan already adds saltiness, so give the sauce a taste before seasoning it again.
Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t skip slicing the chicken. Thinner pieces cook more evenly and help keep this recipe quick.
Don’t overcook the chicken. Cook it until it’s cooked through, then remove it from the pan while you make the sauce.
Don’t burn the garlic. Garlic only needs about a minute to become fragrant. Keep an eye on it before adding the cream.
Don’t boil the sauce. Lower the heat once the cream goes in and let it gently simmer until thickened.
Don’t forget the chicken juices. Add any juices from the plate back into the skillet when you return the chicken. They add extra flavor to the sauce.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
For the best texture, reheat gently in a skillet over low to medium heat. The sauce will thicken as it chills, so add a small splash of cream or milk if needed when reheating.
How to Serve It
This creamy chicken is delicious with just about any side that can soak up the sauce.
For a hearty dinner: Serve it over pasta or rice.
For a lighter meal: Pair it with a crisp green salad or vegetables.
For a simple weeknight dinner: Serve the chicken straight from the skillet with your favorite side.
And don’t be shy with the sauce! The creamy garlic Parmesan mushroom sauce is one of the best parts of this recipe.
If you loved this rceipe, you’ll want to try these reader-favorite recipes next!
Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings
They’re just as comforting, flavorful, and easy to make for any weeknight dinner.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mushroom Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2-3 medium breasts)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz baby Bella mushrooms, sliced
- ¼ cup onion, minced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream (or light cream, or half & half)
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs of your choice (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner pieces. Season both sides with garlic powder, oregano, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a large heavy-duty pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté mushrooms and onions: In the same pan, add the sliced mushrooms and minced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until tender. Add minced garlic and season with salt and pepper; sauté for another minute or until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs (if using). Simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.
- Finish cooking the chicken: Return the chicken to the pan along with any accumulated juices. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Enjoy the creamy chicken and sauce with your choice of pasta, rice, salad, or vegetables.
Nutrition
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work beautifully in this recipe. They’re juicy and flavorful, and they cook just as easily. Use them for an even richer dish! - Is it okay to skip slicing the chicken breasts?
You can skip slicing, but keep in mind that thinner chicken pieces cook faster and more evenly. If you prefer thicker pieces, just cook them for a little longer. - Can I use pre-sliced mushrooms?
Yes! Pre-sliced mushrooms are a great time-saver. Just make sure they’re fresh and they’ll cook down nicely in the sauce. - What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No worries! You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk. For a lighter option, use evaporated milk. The sauce will still be creamy and delicious! - How can I add more flavor or heat to this dish?
For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil are also great additions for more freshness and depth!
