Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken
One-pan creamy garlic mushroom chicken with parmesan sauce. Restaurant-quality flavor in 30 minutes using simple ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights or when company comes over.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts 8-oz each, similar sizes
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper fresh ground
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup cremini mushrooms sliced
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon chopped, optional
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning optional
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese plus extra for serving, fresh grated
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and wait until it shimmers.
- Place chicken breasts in the pan with space between each piece. Sear for 4-8 minutes on the first side without moving, until golden-brown. Flip and cook the other side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
- In the same pan (don't wash it), add mushrooms, bacon (if using), garlic, thyme sprigs, and Cajun seasoning. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms release their water and begin to caramelize on the edges.
- Pour in the heavy cream. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir regularly and let simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the parmesan cheese and stir until completely melted and the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
- Return the chicken to the pan. Spoon sauce over the top and let everything warm together for 1-2 minutes.
- Sprinkle with extra parmesan and fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutions:
- Chicken thighs work great and are harder to overcook
- White button or shiitake mushrooms can replace cremini
- Use rosemary instead of thyme (use less, it's stronger)
- For lighter sauce: use half cream, half chicken broth
- Skip bacon and add smoked paprika for smoky flavor