Name: Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half; 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes; 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, sliced; 2 cups mushrooms; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken stock; 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 2 cups fresh spinach

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 297 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with rich flavors, comforting creaminess, and downright irresistible texture, then this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chicken breasts enveloped in a luscious sauce made from earthy mushrooms, savory sun-dried tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy Parmesan, all coming together in one skillet. It’s a beautiful harmony of taste and color that transforms a simple dinner into a family-favorite celebration in just 30 minutes. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to recipe for effortless weeknight magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white pan filled with cooked mushroom slices, sun-dried tomato pieces, and small black olives. The mushrooms are light brown with a soft texture, showing some browning from cooking. The sun-dried tomatoes add dark red spots scattered across, while the black olives create small dark dots among the ingredients. The pan's surface has a slightly oily and speckled look from cooking spices. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients may seem simple, but each plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and aroma in this dish. From the delicate spices that season the chicken to the creamy, cheesy sauce that ties everything together, these essentials create a symphony of tastes you won’t forget.

1/3 cup all-purpose flour: This helps create a light crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce just right.
1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color to the coating.
2 teaspoons dried thyme, divided: Brings an earthy, herbal note that complements the mushrooms perfectly.
2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided: Offers a Mediterranean aroma that elevates the savory depth.
1 teaspoon sea salt, divided: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, divided: Provides a gentle kick and balances the richness.
1 teaspoon chili flakes (plus more to taste): Adds a hint of heat that wakes up your taste buds without overwhelming.
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half: Ensures quick, even cooking and tender bites.
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Used for searing and sautéing, contributing a fruity depth and helping flavors meld.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic’s pungent sweetness forms the aromatic base of the sauce.
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes: These provide a tangy sweetness and rich texture that perfectly contrasts with the creamy sauce.
1/3 cup Kalamata olives, sliced: Their briny bite cuts through the creaminess for balance.
2 cups mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, these are essential for texture and deep flavor.
1/2 cup heavy cream: The backbone of the luscious sauce that makes every bite decadent.
1/2 cup chicken stock: Adds moisture and subtle savory notes, helping to create the perfect sauce consistency.
1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated: Melts into the sauce, imparting a nutty, salty richness.
2 cups fresh spinach: Introduces a fresh pop of color and a mild, leafy finish.

How to Make Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Flour Coating and Season the Chicken

Start by mixing the flour, paprika, half of the thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish or bowl. This mixture will coat the chicken, adding a flavorful crust and helping thicken the sauce later. Next, season your chicken with the remaining spices and chili flakes to give the meat its own punch of flavor beneath the coating.

Step 2: Dredge and Sear the Chicken

Coat each chicken breast evenly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for about 3-5 minutes on each side. The goal here is to develop a beautiful golden crust while keeping the interior juicy since we’ll finish cooking it later. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for now.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables and Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil, then toss in the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and mushrooms. Sauté these for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and tender, stirring regularly to ensure nothing sticks or burns. This step creates a wonderful base for the creamy sauce, with the savory garlic and rich mushrooms shining through.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, chicken stock, and stir in the Parmesan cheese along with the fresh spinach. Sprinkle a pinch more salt and pepper to awaken the flavors. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens and the spinach wilts, transforming into a velvety, flavorful blanket for your chicken.

Step 5: Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Sauce

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy mushroom sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top and continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it’s fully cooked, tender, and infused with those beautiful sauce flavors. Give the dish a final taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet Recipe

The image shows a close-up of four golden-brown cooked chicken pieces lying in a creamy beige mushroom sauce with visible slices of light brown mushrooms and bright green spinach leaves mixed in. The chicken is well-seasoned with black pepper and herbs and partially covered by the sauce, which has a smooth and slightly thick texture. There are two small fresh green herb sprigs placed on top of and near the chicken for garnish. All of this is in a white pan that sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For that extra pop of freshness and color, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or basil right before serving. These herbs brighten the dish and add a lovely fresh contrast to the rich sauce. A little extra grated Parmesan on top never hurts either!

Side Dishes

This creamy mushroom chicken shines on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides like buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy jasmine rice, or even a crisp green salad. Each side helps soak up the luscious sauce, making every bite a complete delight.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this skillet dish straight from the pan for a rustic, cozy vibe that invites family and friends to dig in. Alternatively, layer the chicken and sauce over a bed of creamy polenta or roasted vegetables for a more elegant presentation that will impress at any dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where the flavors will continue to meld. The dish will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for easy weekday lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this creamy mushroom chicken freezes nicely. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture and taste just right.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration, add a splash of chicken stock or cream to loosen it up and preserve that silky texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add even more juiciness and flavor to the dish. Just adjust cooking times slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.

What mushrooms work best in this recipe?

Cremini or white button mushrooms are great choices because they’re readily available and have a mild, earthy flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. You could also use shiitake or oyster mushrooms for added depth.

Is this recipe spicy?

The chili flakes add a gentle warmth, but you can easily adjust the heat level to your preference. Feel free to add more for a spicier kick or skip them altogether for a milder dish.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use a plant-based Parmesan substitute to keep the creamy, cheesy flavor without dairy.

What can I do with leftover sauce?

The sauce is so delicious you’ll want to use every drop! Try mixing it into pasta, drizzling it over roasted veggies, or even using it as a dip for crusty bread.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend trying this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet Recipe enough if you’re looking for a quick, comforting meal that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to prepare. It’s one of those recipes that brings everyone to the table with smiles and happy appetites, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your home just like it is in mine. Give it a go and enjoy every creamy, savory bite!