Name: 20-Minute Creamy Mushroom Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: PT-489749H35M22S
Cuisine: American / Comfort
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), trimmed; 2 Tbsp olive oil (or butter); 8 oz (≈225 g) mushrooms (cremini / button / baby bella), sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth; ¾‑1 cup (180‑240 ml) heavy cream (or half‑and‑half for a lighter version); ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra richness); Salt & black pepper, to taste; ½ tsp paprika (optional for colour & mild flavour); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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This 20-Minute Creamy Mushroom Chicken is a quick, comforting, and flavorful dish that turns simple ingredients into something truly delicious. I love how juicy chicken breasts simmer in a rich, garlicky mushroom sauce that tastes like it’s been cooking for hours — yet it’s ready in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when I want something homemade, hearty, and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, creamy, and full of savory flavor. The mushrooms add depth, the garlic brings warmth, and the creamy sauce ties everything together beautifully. It feels indulgent but is actually simple and light enough for everyday cooking. I also love how versatile it is — I can serve it with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread to soak up all that amazing sauce. 20-Minute Creamy Mushroom Chicken

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Olive oil or butter
Mushrooms (cremini, button, or baby bella), sliced
Garlic, minced
Chicken broth
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for extra richness)
Fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Paprika (optional, for color and flavor)

Directions

I start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I heat olive oil or butter and sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. I remove it from the pan and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I add a bit more butter if needed and sauté the mushrooms for about 4 minutes, until they’re browned and tender.
I stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
I pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to add flavor.
I reduce the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream (and Parmesan if using). I let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
I return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and let it simmer together for another minute or two so the flavors meld.
I garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 5 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, so in just 20 minutes, I can have a delicious creamy chicken dinner ready to serve.

Variations

I sometimes add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
For a lighter version, I use evaporated milk or coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
I like using chicken thighs for a juicier, richer dish.
For a garlicky kick, I add roasted garlic or a dash of garlic powder to the sauce.
I occasionally stir in a splash of white wine before adding the broth for a more complex flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. I avoid boiling the sauce again to keep it creamy and smooth. 20-Minute Creamy Mushroom Chicken

FAQs

Can I use canned mushrooms?

Yes, but I prefer fresh mushrooms for the best flavor and texture.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely — I use coconut milk instead of cream and skip the Parmesan cheese.

What should I serve it with?

I love pairing it with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, rice, or steamed vegetables.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, I cook the chicken and sauce separately, then combine them when reheating to keep the texture perfect.

Can I thicken the sauce more?

Yes, I simmer it a bit longer or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it quickly.

Conclusion

This 20-Minute Creamy Mushroom Chicken is one of my favorite easy dinners — fast, comforting, and full of flavor. I love how tender the chicken turns out and how the creamy mushroom sauce feels both rich and cozy. It’s a restaurant-quality meal made simple, perfect for when I want something quick yet satisfying any night of the week.