If you are craving a dish that combines comfort, flavor, and simplicity all in one skillet, the One Pan Chicken with Mushrooms in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy chicken thighs seared to golden perfection meld beautifully with tender mushrooms swimming in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce that’s brightened by fresh herbs. Trust me, this recipe is a game changer when you want a rich, satisfying dinner without a mountain of dishes to wash afterward. The creamy Parmesan sauce clings to every bite, making it irresistibly delicious and perfect for weeknights or impressing guests with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this One Pan Chicken with Mushrooms in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe is a breeze because each component is thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best in taste, texture, and aroma. From the earthy mushrooms to the sharp bite of Parmesan, every ingredient has a starring role in making this dish shine.
- 4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs or Fillets: These juicy cuts provide tender, flavorful meat that stays moist through cooking.
- 1 tsp Salt: Enhances the natural flavors while seasoning the chicken perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat that balances the creamy sauce.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil: For searing the chicken to a golden crisp outside while keeping the interior juicy.
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich base for sautéing garlic and mushrooms.
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced: Brings an irresistible aroma that infuses the sauce with subtle pungency.
- 2 cups Mushrooms, sliced (cremini or white button): Earthy and meaty textures that complement the chicken beautifully.
- 1 cup Chicken Broth: Adds depth and helps create the silky sauce base.
- 3/4 cup Heavy Cream: Provides the luscious, creamy texture that coats every bite.
- 1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated: Delivers a sharp, nutty flavor that elevates the sauce to decadence.
- 1 tsp Fresh Thyme Leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried): Lends subtle herbal notes that brighten the richness.
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped: Fresh green color and a hint of fresh peppery flavor as garnish.
How to Make One Pan Chicken with Mushrooms in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes until it is hot but not smoking. This ensures a perfect sear for the chicken, locking in juices and developing that gorgeous golden crust everyone loves.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
While the skillet heats, season both sides of the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. This simple step amplifies the natural flavor of the meat and lays the foundation for a balanced dish.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Add olive oil to the hot skillet. Once it shimmers, place the chicken in the pan. Sear for approximately 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until each side is a beautifully golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate—don’t worry, it’s going back in soon!
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic and Mushrooms
To the same pan, add butter and let it melt. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the sliced mushrooms, cooking until they soften and develop a caramelized brown color, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds incredible savory flavor in the dish.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up those delicious brown bits stuck to the bottom—they hold so much flavor. Let the broth reduce slightly before stirring in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and thyme. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens and becomes irresistibly creamy.
Step 6: Combine and Simmer
Return the chicken to the pan, nestling each piece into the sauce. Spoon the sauce generously over the chicken, letting it simmer for another 5 minutes. This step melds flavors together and heats everything through perfectly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
How to Serve One Pan Chicken with Mushrooms in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley not only adds a vibrant pop of green but also introduces a fresh herbal note that brightens every rich bite. You can also add an extra dusting of Parmesan for those who crave even more cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy steamed rice to soak up the creamy sauce. For a lighter option, serve alongside garlic roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad to balance the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic touch, serve this dish family-style directly from the skillet at the table. To elevate the presentation, plate the chicken over a bed of creamy polenta or herb-infused couscous. Drizzle extra sauce over the top and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. The One Pan Chicken with Mushrooms in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind the texture of the creamy sauce may change slightly once thawed. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, separating the chicken and sauce if possible to maintain quality.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at a reduced power setting to prevent the sauce from breaking. Add a splash of cream or broth if it seems too thick after reheating to restore its velvety texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine but tend to be leaner and can dry out more easily. Just be sure to watch the cooking time carefully to avoid overcooking, and consider pounding them to an even thickness for best results.
What mushrooms work best for this recipe?
Cremini or white button mushrooms are classic choices because they hold their texture well and have a pleasant mild earthiness. You can experiment with shiitake or portobello mushrooms for a deeper, more robust flavor.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can try using half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk in a pinch, but the sauce may be less rich and thick. Heavy cream provides that silky, indulgent texture that makes this recipe truly special.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap butter for olive oil and use a dairy-free cream alternative (such as cashew cream) and a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese. The flavors will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I make the sauce thicker if needed?
If your sauce seems thin, let it simmer a little longer on low heat to reduce further. You can also mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it in gradually until you reach the desired thickness.
Final Thoughts
This One Pan Chicken with Mushrooms in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a comforting hug on a plate. It’s simple enough to make any night of the week yet impressively flavorful, cozy, and downright delicious. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become a new favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
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One Pan Chicken with Mushrooms in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pan Chicken with Mushrooms recipe offers a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender seared chicken thighs simmered in a savory mushroom and parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a quick yet elegant weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients into a flavorful, hearty meal all cooked in a single skillet.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs or Fillets (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 cups Mushrooms, sliced (cremini or white button)
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 3/4 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Fresh Thyme Leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Skillet: Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until hot.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken thighs evenly with salt and black pepper on both sides to enhance flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Add olive oil to the hot skillet. Once shimmering, place the chicken in the pan and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms: In the same pan, add the butter. Once melted, sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds to release its aroma. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are softened and browned.
- Make Sauce: Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Let the broth reduce slightly, then stir in the heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, and thyme leaves. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the seared chicken to the pan, spooning the creamy mushroom sauce over the top. Simmer everything together for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the dish just before serving. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using chicken thighs instead of breasts ensures juicier, more flavorful meat.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less rich.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure your chicken broth is labeled gluten-free.
- Cremini mushrooms provide a richer taste, but white button mushrooms work well too.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
