Name: Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: For the Chicken:; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon paprika; 2 teaspoons dried thyme (divided); 2 teaspoons dried oregano (divided); 1 teaspoon sea salt (divided); 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper (divided); 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste); 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half); 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided); For the Sauce:; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes; 1/3 cup Kalamata olives (sliced); 2 cups mushrooms (sliced); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken stock; 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated); 2 cups fresh spinach

This creamy mushroom chicken recipe is the epitome of family-friendly comfort food that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Made in one skillet, it brings together tender chicken breasts, a rich and creamy mushroom sauce, and savory ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and spinach. The addition of Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs gives the sauce a deep, satisfying flavor that perfectly complements the crispy, seared chicken. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.

Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme (divided)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano (divided)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (divided)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (divided)
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (plus more or less to taste)
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives (sliced)
- 2 cups mushrooms (sliced)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (packed)

Directions

1. Prepare the Flour Mixture:

In a shallow bowl or on a clean workspace, combine the flour, paprika, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Set aside.

2. Season the Chicken:

Season the chicken breasts with the remaining salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and chili flakes.

3. Dredge the Chicken:

Dredge each chicken piece through the flour mixture, coating them thoroughly. Shake off any excess flour.

4. Cook the Chicken:

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Add the floured chicken pieces and cook for 3-5 minutes on both sides, until they are seared and golden brown. Be careful not to overcook the chicken as it will be added back to the pan later.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

5. Make the Sauce:

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. Then, add the minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and mushrooms. Stir frequently and toast the ingredients for 3-5 minutes, until fragrant and the mushrooms begin to soften. Be cautious not to burn the garlic.

6. Add Cream and Cheese:

Once the garlic and mushrooms are fragrant, add the heavy cream, chicken stock, Parmesan cheese, and spinach. Stir well to combine.
Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes, letting it thicken slightly. Season with an additional pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

7. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:

Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over the top. Let the chicken cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

8. Serve:

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the skillet from heat. Adjust the seasonings to taste and serve the creamy mushroom chicken warm, ideally over rice or noodles.

9. Store Leftovers:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli to the sauce for more texture and flavor.
Use Different Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary or basil can be substituted for thyme and oregano for a different flavor profile.
Make it Spicy: If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a bit of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Use Chicken Thighs: For a juicier version, you can swap out the chicken breasts for boneless skinless chicken thighs.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the dish on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even cooking.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time, then combine them just before serving.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

You can substitute Parmesan with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago, though Parmesan adds a nice sharp flavor to the sauce.

4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and substitute the Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese.

5. What can I serve with this dish?

Serve the creamy mushroom chicken with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta. A side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad would also complement this dish perfectly.

6. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

To prevent the cream from curdling, ensure that you don’t overheat it and add it at a lower temperature. Stir continuously while adding the cream.

7. Can I use dried spinach instead of fresh spinach?

While fresh spinach works best in this recipe, you can use dried spinach if you don’t have fresh. Rehydrate it with a little water before adding it to the sauce.

8. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for it to be fully cooked.

9. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour as a substitute for the all-purpose flour in the dredging step.

10. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Reheat in a pan over low heat when ready to serve.

Conclusion

This creamy mushroom chicken is an easy-to-make, comfort-filled dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. The savory sauce, with its richness from Parmesan and cream, pairs perfectly with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and spinach. It’s a simple yet delicious meal that your family will love, and it comes together in just 30 minutes! Enjoy this creamy, flavorful dish with your favorite sides for a complete meal.