Name: Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced; 2 Tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 8 ounces sliced mushrooms; 1/4 cup butter; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon flour; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream or half and half; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup spinach, chopped

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s rich, comforting, and downright irresistible, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s quick to make yet packed with incredible flavor. From the tender chicken to the luscious garlic parmesan sauce with earthy mushrooms and bright spinach, each bite feels like a cozy hug. Trust me, once you give this a try, it’ll be a regular on your table too!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick and Easy: You can have this whole dish on the table in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: The creamy parmesan garlic sauce combined with mushrooms and spinach brings amazing depth and richness.
Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this, and I bet your loved ones will too.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily switch up add-ins or sides to personalize it any way you want.

A close-up view of a black pan filled with two large pieces of cooked chicken covered in a thick, creamy white sauce. The sauce has light brown specks and is mixed with sautéed light brown sliced mushrooms and deep green spinach leaves, which are spread evenly across the dish. The chicken pieces are partially visible beneath the sauce, showing golden-brown cooked texture. The pan has a wooden handle, and a small portion of a wooden spatula is visible at the edge. The background shows a few fresh spinach leaves and whole mushrooms scattered on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe comes from simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. I always recommend using good-quality parmesan for the best flavor, and fresh garlic will make a huge difference in that nice punch of aroma and taste.

Chicken breasts: Thinly sliced chicken cooks faster and stays tender, making this recipe a breeze.
Olive oil: For sautéing — brings a subtle fruity flavor that pairs well with garlic.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
Sliced mushrooms: I love cremini or white button mushrooms here—they soak up the sauce perfectly.
Butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps mellow the garlic’s sharpness.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic is key for that fragrant, savory note.
Flour: Acts as a thickening agent so the sauce coats every bite.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth without overpowering the creamy notes.
Heavy cream or half and half: For that silky, luscious sauce texture—heavy cream is my go-to.
Grated parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated if you can—it melts better and tastes far superior.
Garlic powder: A little extra garlic boost that blends seamlessly in the sauce.
Spinach: Chopped fresh spinach adds color, nutrition, and a subtle earthiness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to play around with this recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or what my mood calls for. Feel free to swap things up to make it your own—this dish is super flexible!

Make it spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the sauce for a gentle heat kick—I tried this once when hosting friends, and it was a hit.
Swap the mushrooms: Shiitake or portobello mushrooms can boost the umami flavor for a deeper taste experience.
Use turkey or pork chops: If chicken isn’t your thing, I’ve successfully used turkey cutlets and it’s just as satisfying.
Go dairy-free: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free parmesan alternative—you’ll still get that creamy feel.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Searing the Chicken to Perfection

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s nice and hot, add the thinly sliced chicken breasts, seasoning them with a pinch of salt and pepper first. Cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and are no longer pink inside. Don’t crowd the pan—give them space to brown nicely. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate while we move on to the next step.

Step 2: Cooking the Mushrooms Just Right

In the same skillet (no need to clean it—those leftover bits add flavor!), add the sliced mushrooms. Let them cook for a few minutes until they soften and start to brown. This not only adds great texture but amps up the umami factor. Once tender, remove them and set aside with the chicken.

Step 3: Whipping Up the Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. When it’s melted, toss in the minced garlic and gently sauté until fragrant—this should take about 30 seconds to a minute, but watch carefully so it doesn’t burn. Next, whisk in the flour and stir it continuously; it will start to thicken, creating a roux that’s the base for your sauce. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and the cheese is fully melted. Finally, stir in the chopped spinach and let it simmer gently until the spinach wilts and the sauce coats the back of a spoon nicely.

Step 4: Bringing It All Together

Once your sauce is creamy and heavenly, add the cooked chicken and mushrooms back into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken so everything is well coated and warmed through. This is where the flavors meld together beautifully—trust me, it’s the best part. Serve immediately, ideally over your favorite pasta, mashed potatoes, or even creamy polenta.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe

Don’t Skip Searing: Browning the chicken first seals in juices and adds amazing flavor you won’t get otherwise.
Use Fresh Parmesan: It melts smoothly and elevates the sauce in a way that pre-grated cheese just can’t match.
Control Sauce Thickness: If your sauce thickens too fast, add a splash more broth or cream to loosen it up.
Don’t Overcook Garlic: Burnt garlic turns bitter—watch closely and remove from heat or add the liquid immediately.

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe

The image shows thick pieces of light brown cooked chicken covered with a creamy white sauce that has a smooth texture. On top and around the chicken pieces are dark brown mushroom slices and dark green spinach leaves, all coated well in the sauce. The sauce has some black pepper sprinkled on it, adding small black dots throughout. The dish is in a white bowl, and a wooden spoon is visible on the right side, partially lifting one piece of chicken. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra fresh parmesan and chopped parsley or basil on top right before serving. The fresh herbs add a pop of color and brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully. Sometimes a lemon wedge on the side for a quick squeeze adds a nice zing too!

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the sauce. My go-to is creamy garlic mashed potatoes or fettuccine tossed in butter and herbs. Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans make for a fresh, crunchy contrast that balances the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this dish over a bed of buttery risotto and garnished with toasted pine nuts for extra texture. You can also plate it elegantly by fanning the sliced chicken breasts with the sauce drizzled on top and mushrooms artfully arranged—perfect for dinner parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I let leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times with good results. Just be sure to cool it thoroughly and use a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind spinach may get a bit softer after freezing, but the sauce and chicken hold up well.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid curdling the cream. Stir frequently and add a splash of broth or cream if it gets too thick. Microwaving works too but do it in short bursts, stirring in between, for best results.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a juicier, more flavorful alternative. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through. The creamy parmesan garlic sauce pairs beautifully with either cut.
Is there a way to lighten up this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe?

Yes! You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories. Using less butter and opting for reduced-fat parmesan also helps. While the sauce won’t be as rich, it remains flavorful and satisfying.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Definitely. You can prep ingredients ahead—slice chicken, chop garlic and spinach, slice mushrooms—and refrigerate. The sauce is best made fresh, but you can assemble and refrigerate the entire dish for up to 24 hours, then reheat gently before serving.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

If your sauce isn’t thickening as much as you’d like, whisk a little more flour with cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce a bit at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken Recipe comes together—quick, comforting, and truly delicious every time. It’s one of those dishes that feels special yet is approachable enough for a busy weeknight, and I can’t recommend it enough if you want to impress without the fuss. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I have—it’s become a real family favorite around here, and I’m confident it’ll find a special place on your table too!