Name: Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 8 ounces sliced mushrooms; 1/4 cup butter; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon flour; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream or half and half; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chopped spinach

If you love comforting, restaurant-quality dishes that come together quickly on a weeknight, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish balances juicy chicken breasts with a dreamy, garlicky parmesan sauce that coats earthy mushrooms and vibrant spinach. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became one of my go-tos — and I promise, once you give it a try, your family will be begging for it on repeat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously Creamy Sauce: The parmesan-garlic cream sauce is luscious without being heavy, perfect for satisfying comfort food cravings.
Simple Weeknight Friendly: It comes together in under 30 minutes, so you won’t be stuck in the kitchen all evening.
Versatile Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh produce you can easily swap or tweak.
Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this dish every time—guaranteed to impress guests too!

A close-up view of a black pan filled with two large pieces of cooked chicken covered in a thick, creamy white sauce. The sauce has light brown specks and is mixed with sautéed light brown sliced mushrooms and deep green spinach leaves, which are spread evenly across the dish. The chicken pieces are partially visible beneath the sauce, showing golden-brown cooked texture. The pan has a wooden handle, and a small portion of a wooden spatula is visible at the edge. The background shows a few fresh spinach leaves and whole mushrooms scattered on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe are straightforward but work together beautifully to create layers of flavor. Fresh mushrooms add that earthy note while the parmesan brings a rich, salty punch. Using chicken breasts thinly sliced helps them cook quickly and stay tender.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for faster cooking and even browning.
Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps get a golden crust on the chicken.
Salt & Pepper: Essential basics for seasoning throughout the cooking process.
Sliced mushrooms: Cremini or white button mushrooms both work well here for their meaty texture.
Butter: Creates a rich base for our sauce and helps cook the garlic perfectly.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic amps up the aromatic flavor.
Flour: Helps thicken the sauce into that creamy consistency we all love.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth to the sauce.
Heavy cream or half and half: I prefer heavy cream, but half and half works if you want something a tad lighter.
Grated parmesan cheese: The star ingredient that makes this sauce sing.
Garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor and balances the sauce.
Spinach: Fresh and chopped, it adds a lovely pop of color and nutrition.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe is a wonderful canvas for your own twists. Whether you want to lighten it up, add a pop of spice, or make it vegetarian, there’s room to play around and still end up with a tasty dinner.

Use Turkey or Pork: I’ve swapped chicken for turkey cutlets or thin pork chops when I needed a change, and the sauce works just as well.
Add Red Pepper Flakes: For a slight kick, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce—it wakes up the flavor beautifully.
Swap Spinach for Kale: In cooler months, I use chopped kale for a heartier green—just sauté it a bit longer so it softens.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce, and double-check your broth is gluten-free.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once shimmering, add the thinly sliced chicken breasts. Cook them for about 3-5 minutes on each side, until they develop a beautiful brown crust and are cooked through with no pink inside. Don’t overcrowd the pan; give each piece some space to brown properly. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms Until Tender

In the same skillet, toss in your sliced mushrooms. They’ll soak up all those delicious chicken juices left behind, which is why I don’t use a fresh pan here. Cook for a few minutes until the mushrooms soften and release their moisture. Then, remove and set aside with the chicken.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce

Add butter to the skillet and melt it over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant and soft—you don’t want it to turn brown and bitter. Next, sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly to make a roux; it should thicken slightly after a minute. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking to keep the sauce smooth. Then add the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, letting the sauce simmer gently until it thickens and becomes creamy.

Step 4: Finish with Spinach, Chicken, and Mushrooms

Stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt naturally as the sauce simmers. Once the spinach is tender, nestle the chicken and mushrooms back into the sauce to warm through and soak up that garlicky goodness. At this point, give it a final taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For best chicken browning, cook in batches if necessary; crowded chicken steams instead of sears.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Grate from a wedge, not pre-shredded, for a smoother melt and richer flavor.
Whisk Constantly: Prevent lumps by whisking in the flour and liquids thoroughly during sauce making.
Taste Before Serving: Parmesan and broth levels vary, so tweak salt and pepper at the end to balance flavors perfectly.

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe

The image shows thick pieces of light brown cooked chicken covered with a creamy white sauce that has a smooth texture. On top and around the chicken pieces are dark brown mushroom slices and dark green spinach leaves, all coated well in the sauce. The sauce has some black pepper sprinkled on it, adding small black dots throughout. The dish is in a white bowl, and a wooden spoon is visible on the right side, partially lifting one piece of chicken. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top before serving—it brightens the rich sauce and adds a lovely fresh color. A light dusting of extra parmesan never hurts, either, especially if you’re serving guests who love cheese as much as I do.

Side Dishes

This dish shines when served over your favorite pasta or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce. Sometimes I go with garlic butter noodles or even a simple rice pilaf. For a lighter side, steamed green beans or roasted asparagus work perfectly to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated this chicken on a bed of vibrant saffron risotto and garnished with microgreens for a fancy touch. You could also use toasted pine nuts sprinkled on top for some crunch. Serving it family-style straight from the skillet adds to the cozy vibe and guarantees big smiles all around.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep well for 3-4 days. Since the sauce thickens when chilled, I usually add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to bring back that silky texture.

Freezing

This recipe freezes decently, though the cream sauce can sometimes split when thawed. I recommend freezing the cooked chicken and mushrooms separately from the sauce if possible. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat the sauce while stirring in the chicken.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid scorching. Adding a bit of extra broth or cream during reheating helps restore the luscious sauce consistency. Microwaving works too, but do it in short bursts to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay moist during cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs can be thicker and might need an extra minute or two per side.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes, you can swap the butter and heavy cream for dairy-free alternatives like vegan butter and coconut cream, and use a dairy-free cheese or omit the parmesan altogether. Keep in mind the flavor profile will be different but still tasty.
Can I prepare this dish in advance for meal prep?

Definitely! The chicken and sauce can be cooked and stored separately, then combined and reheated when you’re ready to eat. This helps keep the texture fresh and prevents the sauce from thickening too much in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s comfort food at its finest without any fuss. I love how the sauce wraps around every bite of chicken with mushrooms and spinach, making it feel indulgent yet wholesome. If you’re craving a dish that impresses with minimal effort, I really recommend giving this a try—you’ll enjoy the ease and the deliciousness as much as I do!