This Creamy Chicken Mushroom recipe is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, ideal for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep.
What makes it truly special is the way it transforms simple ingredients—juicy chicken breast, earthy mushrooms, and a light cream cheese sauce—into a rich, satisfying dish in just 30 minutes.
It’s packed with high-quality lean protein (27g per serving), making it ideal for those aiming to build or maintain muscle.
With only 4g of carbs and 224 calories per serving, it’s a great low-carb, low-calorie option, especially suited for keto or low-carb lifestyles.
The use of light cream cheese keeps saturated fat in check, while the mushrooms provide gut-friendly fiber, antioxidants, and potassium.
Flexible and family-friendly, this dish can be adapted with shrimp, salmon, or vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
It’s also highly meal-prep friendly, storing well for up to 5 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
Quick, healthy, and undeniably creamy—this is everyday cooking done right.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Fry Pan (12-Inch)
This professional-grade skillet ensures even heat distribution, essential for searing chicken to golden perfection and reducing sauces evenly. It’s oven-safe and built to last a lifetime—making it a foundational piece for everyday cooking.
OXO Good Grips Silicone Spatula Set
Perfect for stirring, sautéing, and scraping every last bit of creamy sauce from your pan. Heat-resistant and non-stick friendly, these spatulas are must-haves for smooth and mess-free cooking.
Pyrex 2-Cup Glass Measuring Cup
Ideal for measuring and mixing liquids like chicken broth and cornstarch slurry. Its heat resistance and microwave safety make it a versatile tool for baking, cooking, and reheating.
Spring Chef Magnetic Measuring Spoons Set
Accurate and compact, this set is essential for measuring seasonings like salt, pepper, and cornstarch. The dual-sided design fits spice jars and makes prep quick and clean.
Wüsthof Classic 6-Inch Chef’s Knife
A razor-sharp essential for slicing mushrooms and trimming chicken. Balanced and ergonomic, it’s a high-performance knife you’ll reach for daily.
Creamy Mushroom Chicken
Equipment
- 1 12-Inch Stainless Steel Skillet
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Glass Measuring Cup (2-cup)
- 1 Measuring Spoon Set
- 1 Chef’s Knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Silicone Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided (or avocado oil)
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
- 8 ounces button mushrooms halved or sliced
- 1¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water for cornstarch slurry
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 ounces light cream cheese softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh curly parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Pat chicken breasts dry and season lightly with salt and pepper if desired. Add them to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes on each side, or until both sides are golden-brown and the center is cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and slightly browned. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Create the Creamy Sauce Base: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet with the mushrooms and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Season with salt and pepper, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate the Cream Cheese: Once the liquid is bubbling, reduce the heat to medium and stir in the softened light cream cheese. Whisk continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened—this should take about 2–3 minutes.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the pan. Spoon the creamy mushroom sauce over the chicken and let it heat through for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and serve warm with your choice of sides like steamed vegetables, cauliflower mash, or whole grain rice.
Notes
- Ingredient Substitutions:
- Oil: Any neutral cooking oil like avocado or grapeseed oil can be used.
- Chicken: Boneless chicken thighs, salmon, or shrimp can replace chicken breasts for variety.
- Cream Base: Light cream cheese is used to keep the dish lighter, but heavy cream or unsweetened coconut milk works well for low-carb or dairy-free diets.
- Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth gives depth, but vegetable broth or water can be used in a pinch.
- Vegetable Options:
Not a fan of mushrooms? Swap in zucchini, spinach, broccoli, or green beans for added color and nutrients. - Storage Tips:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. This dish also freezes well—freeze for up to 3 months and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Chef’s Secrets for Creamy Perfection
Achieving the perfect creamy chicken mushroom skillet comes down to a few simple techniques.
First, always sear the chicken in a hot pan without overcrowding—this helps develop a flavorful golden crust that locks in juices. If your pan is small, cook in batches.
Second, use room-temperature cream cheese to ensure it melts smoothly into the broth without clumping.
If needed, whisk it with a few spoonfuls of warm broth before adding it to the pan.
To build even deeper flavor, consider deglazing the skillet with a splash of white wine or broth after cooking the mushrooms—this releases all those caramelized bits from the pan, adding richness to the sauce.
Finally, let the dish rest for a minute or two before serving so the sauce can slightly thicken and coat the chicken beautifully.
Serving Ideas That Elevate Meals
This dish is rich, savory, and versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides. For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or sautéed spinach.
If you’re leaning toward classic comfort food, try it with mashed potatoes, buttered pasta, or jasmine rice to soak up the luscious sauce.
A simple green salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast, while roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts add earthy balance.
You can also slice the chicken and serve it on toasted sourdough or inside a wrap for a gourmet-style lunch.
Don’t forget to garnish with extra parsley or grated parmesan for added color and flavor!
Smart Storage and Reheating Tips
This creamy chicken mushroom skillet stores like a dream, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day leftovers. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
When you’re ready to reheat, do so gently over medium-low heat on the stove or in the microwave at 50% power, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from separating. To freeze, place portions in freezer-safe containers and label with the date.
It will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and consider adding a splash of broth or milk to revive the sauce’s creamy consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered Clearly
1. Can I use different mushrooms?
Absolutely. While button mushrooms are classic, you can use cremini, shiitake, or baby bella for a richer, more earthy flavor. Just slice them evenly so they cook at the same rate.
2. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
No problem! Heavy cream, Greek yogurt (for tanginess), or coconut milk can be used as alternatives. Keep in mind, each substitute will slightly alter the flavor and texture.
3. How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, slice through the thickest part—it should be firm, white, and no longer pink inside.
4. Can this be made dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the cream cheese with unsweetened coconut cream and use plant-based broth. The sauce will be just as rich and creamy with a subtle coconut flavor.
5. Is this recipe keto or low-carb?
Yes, this recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates (only 4g per serving), making it a great option for those following keto or low-carb diets. Just avoid serving it with starchy sides like rice or potatoes.
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by healthyfitnessmeals. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.
Jessica T. Brown is the founder of KitchenHush.com, a platform born out of her deep love for cooking and the quiet joy found in the kitchen. From a young age, Jessica discovered that the kitchen wasn’t just a place to prepare meals—it was a space for connection, creativity, and comfort. Inspired by those early memories, she created Kitchen Hush to share that experience with home cooks everywhere.