Chicken with Garlic Mushroom Sauce in 30-Minute

This chicken with garlic mushroom sauce transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. Tender chicken breast meets earthy mushrooms in a rich, creamy sauce that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

The secret lies in building layers of flavor. First, you’ll sear the chicken to golden perfection. Then, the same pan creates a savory mushroom sauce that captures all those delicious browned bits.

The result is a comforting dish that pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Garlic Mushroom Sauce:

• 1 pound mixed mushrooms (cremini, button, or shiitake), sliced
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (or 2 teaspoons dried)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even 3/4-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and prevents dry, overcooked edges. Place each breast between plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently flatten.

Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 15 minutes. This step helps the seasoning penetrate and ensures more even cooking.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot enough that the oil shimmers but doesn’t smoke. Add the seasoned chicken breasts, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

Cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side without moving them. This creates a beautiful golden crust. Flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

3. Build the Mushroom Sauce

In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt. Add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer. Don’t stir immediately – let them brown for 3-4 minutes. This caramelization adds incredible depth to your sauce.

Stir the mushrooms and continue cooking until they’re golden brown and have released their moisture, about 5 more minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the white wine if using, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits are pure flavor gold. Let the wine reduce by half, about 2 minutes.

Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Pour in the heavy cream and add the thyme. Stir gently to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.

5. Finish the Sauce

Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still flow easily.

Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Let everything warm through for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Choose the Right Mushrooms: Mix different varieties for complex flavor. Cremini mushrooms offer earthiness, while shiitake adds a meaty texture. Button mushrooms work perfectly if that’s what you have on hand.

Don’t Rush the Browning: Both the chicken and mushrooms need proper browning time. This step creates the foundation flavors that make this dish special. Resist the urge to move things around too much.

Control the Heat: Medium-high heat sears the chicken perfectly. Too high and you’ll burn the outside before the inside cooks. Too low and you won’t get that golden crust.

Rest the Chicken: Let the cooked chicken rest while you make the sauce. This keeps it juicy and prevents overcooking when you return it to the pan.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish pairs with many sides. Serve over buttery mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of sauce. Egg noodles or rice pilaf make excellent choices too. For a lighter option, try it with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.

The creamy mushroom sauce also works beautifully over pasta. Toss cooked fettuccine or penne directly in the pan with the sauce for an instant upgrade.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken when cold – simply add a splash of chicken broth when reheating. Warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating.

For best results, reheat in a covered skillet rather than the microwave. This preserves the sauce’s silky texture and prevents the chicken from drying out.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare components ahead for easier weeknight cooking. Season and pound the chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

The mushrooms can be sliced and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Having your prep work done makes this 30-minute meal even faster to execute.

This chicken with garlic mushroom sauce proves that impressive dinners don’t require complicated techniques.

With just a few quality ingredients and simple steps, you’ll create a meal that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant. The combination of perfectly seared chicken and rich, creamy sauce makes every bite satisfying and memorable.