Amazing Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet

Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet has become my absolute go-to for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. I can still remember the first time I made it for my family; the aroma of garlic and savory mushrooms filled the kitchen, and my kids, who are usually picky, devoured every bite! This easy creamy chicken and mushroom dish is a lifesaver when you’re short on time but still want something incredibly comforting. Plus, the fact that it’s a one-pan creamy mushroom chicken means less cleanup, which is always a win in my book. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet

This dish is a winner for so many reasons. Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:

• Incredible Flavor: Juicy chicken thighs meet earthy mushrooms in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce that’s pure comfort food.
• Super Quick Prep: With just 10 minutes of prep, you can have dinner on the table fast.
• Healthy & Guilt-Free: It’s a fantastic low carb creamy mushroom chicken option, making it perfect for healthier eating.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses common ingredients that are easy on your wallet.
• Family Approved: Even picky eaters love this creamy mushroom chicken recipe.
• Minimal Cleanup: Being a one-pan dish, the cleanup is a breeze, which is a huge plus for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Serving: This skillet chicken with creamy mushroom sauce is great with so many sides.
• Easy to Customize: Easily adapt this skillet chicken with creamy mushroom sauce with add-ins like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes.

Ingredients for Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to this delightful creamy mushroom chicken recipe. You’ll need these staples:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs) – these yield incredibly juicy results
• 2 tbsp olive oil – for searing the chicken and sautéing the mushrooms
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced – cremini or white mushrooms work beautifully
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that savory depth
• 1 cup heavy cream – the base for our luscious sauce
• ½ cup chicken broth – adds liquid and flavor to the sauce
• ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated – for a cheesy, thick finish; freshly grated is best for this chicken breast mushroom cream recipe
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning – a classic blend of herbs
• Salt and black pepper, to taste – season generously!
• Fresh parsley, for garnish – adds a pop of color and freshness

How to Make Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet

Learning how to make creamy mushroom chicken is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps for a delicious skillet dinner.

1. Step 1: First, pat your chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting that beautiful, crispy skin we love. Season them generously all over with salt, pepper, and about half of your Italian seasoning.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear for about 5-6 minutes, until the skin is a deep golden brown and wonderfully crisp. Flip the chicken and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side. Transfer the seared chicken to a clean plate.
3. Step 3: Add the sliced 8 oz mushrooms to the same skillet. Don’t worry about adding more oil unless the pan looks dry. Sauté the mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until they’re nicely browned and have released their moisture, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Toss in the minced 3 cloves garlic and cook for just 1 minute more until you can smell its amazing fragrance.
4. Step 4: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Pour in the 1 cup heavy cream and the ½ cup chicken broth. Sprinkle in the remaining Italian seasoning. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan – that’s where all the flavor is!
5. Step 5: Gradually whisk in the grated ¾ cup Parmesan cheese. Keep whisking until the cheese melts and the sauce begins to thicken into a luscious, creamy consistency. This is a key part of how to make creamy mushroom chicken.
6. Step 6: Return the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon some of that glorious sauce over the top of the chicken. Let it all simmer gently for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Keep an eye on it to ensure the sauce doesn’t get too thick.
7. Step 7: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish generously with fresh parsley before serving this beautiful chicken and mushroom skillet dinner.

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet

Elevating this dish is all about a few simple tricks. Follow these tips for a truly restaurant-worthy meal:

• Pat chicken dry: I can’t stress this enough! For perfectly crispy skin on your chicken thighs, make sure they are bone-dry before searing.
• Don’t crowd the pan: When searing chicken or browning mushrooms, give them space. Overcrowding steams them instead of searing, preventing that delicious browning.
• Fresh Parmesan is key: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Grating your own Parmesan ensures a smoother, richer sauce for your creamy mushroom chicken recipe.
• Deglaze properly: Those browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet are pure flavor! Make sure to scrape them up when adding the liquids to incorporate them into your sauce.

What’s the secret to perfect Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet?

The secret to the best creamy mushroom chicken skillet lies in achieving crispy chicken skin and a rich, well-balanced sauce. Patting the chicken completely dry before searing and ensuring you scrape up all those flavorful browned bits from the pan are key techniques. For more on achieving perfect searing, check out this guide on cooking techniques.

Can I make Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet ahead of time?

You can prep components ahead! Sear the chicken and sauté the mushrooms and garlic. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the skillet with the sauce ingredients before finishing the dish.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet?

Avoid a watery sauce by not overcrowding the pan when browning mushrooms, and ensure your chicken skin is very dry before searing for crispiness. Also, don’t boil the sauce vigorously after adding the cream and cheese; a gentle simmer is best.

What to Serve with Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet

This rich and comforting dish is wonderfully versatile, and knowing what to serve with creamy mushroom chicken can elevate your meal. My personal favorite pairing is with a side of fluffy cauliflower mash. The creamy texture of the mash is a perfect complement to the savory chicken and mushroom sauce, and it keeps the meal wonderfully low carb.

For a bit of green, I love a simple side of steamed or sautéed green beans, tossed with a little butter and garlic. If you’re looking for something heartier, consider serving it over zucchini noodles or even a small portion of whole wheat pasta if you’re not strictly following a low-carb diet. These options all work beautifully with the flavors of this skillet chicken.

Nutrition Facts for Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving of this delicious creamy mushroom chicken skillet:

• Calories: 480
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on healthy eating, you can explore resources on nutritional powerhouses.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet

Properly storing and reheating this delightful chicken and mushroom skillet dinner ensures you can enjoy its delicious flavors even days later. Once your skillet meal has cooled completely, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you need to store it for longer, this dish also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s wrapped securely to prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to reheat, a gentle approach is best. For refrigerated leftovers, you can either warm them in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, or pop them in the microwave. If reheating from frozen, thaw the chicken and mushroom skillet dinner overnight in the refrigerator first. Reheating in the skillet allows the sauce to meld nicely and the chicken to regain some of its tenderness, making it almost as good as the first time. For a similar comforting pasta dish, try this spaghetti with mushroom sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this creamy chicken mushroom skillet recipe?

Yes, you can! If you prefer chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness before searing to ensure they cook through evenly. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily than thighs. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What kind of mushrooms are best for this creamy mushroom chicken skillet?

Cremini mushrooms are my favorite for this dish because they have a great earthy flavor and hold their shape well. White button mushrooms also work perfectly. For a more gourmet touch, you could even try a mix of shiitake or oyster mushrooms!

How do I make this a creamy chicken and mushroom pasta skillet?

To turn this into a pasta skillet, simply cook your favorite pasta (like fettuccine or penne) according to package directions while the chicken is simmering. Drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of the pasta water. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.

My sauce isn’t thick enough, what should I do?

If your sauce isn’t thickening as much as you’d like, you have a couple of options. You can let it simmer gently for a few extra minutes, uncovered, to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or arrowroot powder with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then whisking it into the simmering sauce until it thickens. This is a great trick for achieving the perfect consistency for your creamy chicken mushroom skillet recipe. For more sauce-making tips, consider this recipe for homemade tomato sauce.

Variations of Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet You Can Try

This versatile skillet dish is a fantastic base for all sorts of delicious twists! Whether you’re looking for a healthier option or a different flavor profile, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this meal.

• Healthy Creamy Mushroom Chicken: For a lighter take, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even unsweetened almond milk, and use chicken breasts instead of thighs. You can also add a cup of baby spinach to the sauce in the last few minutes of cooking for an extra boost of nutrients.
• Low Carb Creamy Mushroom Chicken: This recipe is already wonderfully low carb, but you can enhance it further. Serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash instead of pasta or rice. Adding a handful of chopped broccoli florets to the skillet with the mushrooms also adds great texture and fiber.
• Spicy Kick: Love a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic in Step 3. You could also stir in a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce into the cream sauce for a subtle warmth.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Twist: For a burst of tangy, concentrated tomato flavor, stir in ¼ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed is fine) into the sauce along with the Parmesan cheese. It adds a wonderful depth that pairs beautifully with the creamy mushroom chicken.

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