Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for chicken with creamy mushroom sauce, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Chicken – Choose fresh, equally sized boneless skinless chicken breasts so they cook at the same rate. Boneless skinless chicken thighs are also great in this recipe, but cook time will vary. Sea Salt & Black Pepper – Since this creamy mushroom chicken is a gluten-free dish, we’re simply seasoning with salt and pepper instead of dredging in flour. The sauce will still come out thick and creamy! Olive Oil – Extra virgin olive imparts a clean, herby flavor to this recipe, but you can substitute your favorite cooking oil, or use half oil and half butter. Cremini Mushrooms – These meaty mushrooms also go by the name “baby bellas.” Other fresh mushrooms such as sliced portobellos, shiitake, or everyday white mushrooms will work as well. Bacon – Optional but adds so much flavor! You can get my preferred brand of bacon here, or any brand you like. If you already have oven baked bacon available, feel free to use that. Garlic – Use fresh cloves here, as they will get peeled and crushed. If you don’t have any, you can substitute 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Fresh Thyme – Adds fragrant depth to the cream sauce. This was about half a tablespoon of leaves for me, but it will vary depending on how large your sprigs are. If you need to substitute dried thyme, use 1/2 teaspoon. Alternatively, fresh rosemary would work great as a replacement. Cajun Seasoning – A blend of spices, including paprika, onion powder, and cayenne, among others. It brightens the flavor of the sauce, but you can omit it if desired. Heavy Cream – Acts as a natural cornstarch substitute to create a thick and smooth sauce in this creamy chicken mushroom recipe. (Heavy cream thickens when reduced.) Don’t substitute milk here, as your sauce will be watery, but coconut cream can work as an alternative if needed. If you want to lighten up this dish, you can substitute half of the cream with chicken broth, but the sauce will be thinner and will take longer to reduce. Grated Parmesan Cheese – Tangy parmesan cheese gives the mushroom sauce extra flavor and helps thicken as well.
How To Make Creamy Mushroom Chicken
This section shows how to make creamy chicken and mushrooms, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep chicken mushroom recipe leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave at low power, until heated through. Freeze: Cover tightly or seal in a zip lock bag and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating. The sauce may separate a little, but should come back together if you stir it.
What To Serve With Creamy Mushroom Chicken
Try these healthy, delicious pairings to go with creamy chicken and mushrooms:
Potatoes – Make your favorite mashed potatoes (or mashed cauliflower), or try this dish with mashed sweet potatoes. Mashed works best to soak up the delicious sauce, but roasted potatoes (or healthy oven roasted sweet potatoes) also work. Simple Salads – Caprese salad, spring mix salad, or a classic wedge salad would all compliment this creamy mushroom chicken recipe. Easy Veggies – I like serving this dish with pasta swaps like zucchini noodles or baked spaghetti squash, cauliflower rice, and roasted green beans.
More Creamy Chicken Recipes
Chicken makes the best one pan meals! Once you master this chicken mushroom recipe, try some of these easy ones next: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email.
