One Skillet Chicken with Garlicky Mushroom Cream Sauce: Your Ultimate 30-Minute Weeknight Dinner

Welcome to the realm of effortless weeknight dinners, where flavor meets convenience in a single pan! Today, we’re diving into a recipe that promises to become a staple in your kitchen: One Skillet Chicken with Garlicky Mushroom Cream Sauce. This isn’t just another chicken dinner; it’s a culinary triumph designed for busy schedules, offering tender chicken enveloped in a luscious, savory sauce brimming with garlic and earthy mushrooms. If you’re searching for an easy-to-follow, incredibly satisfying meal that comes together in about 30 minutes, look no further.

Imagine juicy chicken, perfectly browned, nestled in a velvety cream sauce infused with aromatic garlic and savory cremini mushrooms. This dish is pure comfort food, elegant enough for guests yet simple enough for any weeknight. While we typically use lean chicken breasts for their quick cooking time, succulent chicken thighs are an equally fantastic option, bringing even more richness to the dish. The beauty of a one-skillet meal lies not only in its efficiency but also in the depth of flavor it achieves as all ingredients meld together in one pan, creating a harmonious and robust taste experience.

Why This Garlicky Mushroom Cream Sauce Chicken Will Become Your Favorite

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, quick and easy dinner solutions are invaluable. This One Skillet Chicken recipe delivers on all fronts, offering a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss. Here’s why it’s destined to be a family favorite and a regular on your weeknight menu:

• Unbeatable Speed: From initial prep to the moment it hits your plate, this meal is ready in approximately 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for those evenings when time is precious but you still crave a homemade, satisfying dish.
• Effortless Simplicity: The recipe utilizes minimal ingredients, most of which are common pantry and refrigerator staples. The cooking process is incredibly straightforward, making it accessible and enjoyable for cooks of all skill levels, even beginners.
• The Magic of One-Pan Cooking: True to its name, everything cooks in a single skillet. This drastically cuts down on post-dinner cleanup, allowing you to spend less time scrubbing pans and more time enjoying your meal or relaxing.
• Incredible Flavor Profile: The harmonious combination of perfectly cooked chicken, savory sautéed mushrooms, pungent fresh garlic, and a rich, velvety cream sauce creates a symphony of flavors that is both deeply comforting and surprisingly sophisticated. A touch of dried thyme and red pepper flakes adds nuanced depth and a subtle, delightful warmth.
• Impressive Versatility: This dish is delicious enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes. Whether served over pasta, rice, alongside steamed vegetables, or with a slice of crusty bread, it adapts perfectly to your preferences.

This recipe is a testament to the fact that wholesome, incredibly delicious, and impressive home-cooked meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out and leaves you feeling utterly satisfied, prompting requests for “another one!”

Essential Ingredients for Your Skillet Masterpiece

One of the many charms of this recipe is its reliance on readily available, simple ingredients that come together to create something truly extraordinary. Each component plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor that make this dish so special. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each element is crucial:

• Chicken: Four boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for their lean profile and ability to cook quickly. However, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent, flavorful alternative, offering a richer taste and often remaining even juicier during cooking. Whichever cut you choose, ensure they are pounded to an even ½-inch thickness. This step is crucial for uniform cooking and helps the chicken absorb flavors more effectively.
• Mushrooms: Eight ounces of baby bella (cremini) mushrooms, thinly sliced, bring a wonderful earthy flavor, a satisfying meaty texture, and a beautiful savory depth to the sauce. When sautéed correctly, they release their moisture and brown beautifully, intensifying their flavor. If cremini aren’t available, common white button mushrooms will also work well.
• Aromatics: The foundation of any great sauce!
  • Garlic: One heaping tablespoon of freshly minced garlic is absolutely non-negotiable for that signature, robust garlicky flavor. Freshly minced garlic makes an immense difference compared to pre-minced jarred versions.
  • Shallots: Finely diced shallots (about ⅓ cup) provide a milder, sweeter, and more delicate onion flavor that perfectly complements the earthy mushrooms and rich cream sauce. If shallots are hard to find, a small amount of finely diced red onion can be used as a suitable substitute, though the flavor will be slightly more pungent.
• Liquids: The core of our delicious sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: One cup of good quality chicken broth forms the savory base of our sauce, adding fundamental savory notes and helping to deglaze the pan.
  • Heavy Cream: A generous ¼ cup splash of heavy cream, added at the very end, is what truly transforms the chicken broth into a rich, velvety, and utterly luxurious sauce. Don’t be shy with this ingredient; it’s key to achieving the desired creamy texture and decadent mouthfeel.
• Fats: Essential for searing and enhancing richness.
  • Olive Oil: Two tablespoons of good quality olive oil are used for searing the chicken and sautéing the mushrooms and aromatics, helping them develop beautiful browning and flavor.
  • Butter: Two tablespoons of unsalted butter, added to the sauce towards the end, melt into the liquid, enhancing the sauce’s richness, glossiness, and overall silky texture.
• Seasonings & Herbs: These elements elevate the flavor profile.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential to taste, for seasoning both the chicken and the sauce. Seasoning in layers builds the best flavor.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon provides a subtle, gentle kick that beautifully balances the richness of the cream. You can easily adjust this amount to your personal preference for heat.
  • Dried Thyme: ½ teaspoon adds a classic, aromatic, and slightly earthy herbal note that pairs wonderfully with both chicken and mushrooms.
  • Fresh Parsley (or Basil): Two tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley or basil are perfect for garnish, adding a burst of freshness, vibrant color, and a final aromatic touch that brightens the entire dish.

Gathering these simple yet powerful ingredients is the first exciting step towards creating a truly memorable meal that will impress both your taste buds and your dinner guests with its profound flavor and comforting warmth.

Mastering the One-Skillet Cooking Method: Step-by-Step Instructions

The genius of this recipe lies in its streamlined process. By cooking everything in one skillet and finishing it in the oven, you not only maximize flavor development but also drastically minimize cleanup. Follow these detailed steps carefully for a perfect dish every single time:

Preparation Pointers: Before you even begin cooking, ensure your oven rack is positioned in the lower third of the oven, and preheat your oven to 375ºF (190°C). This optimal positioning will allow for the chicken to finish cooking gently and the sauce to thicken beautifully without over-browning. Have all your ingredients prepped and measured out (mise en place) to make the cooking process smooth and efficient.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is important for achieving a good sear. Using a meat mallet, gently but firmly pound them down to an even ½-inch thickness. This ensures consistent and quick cooking throughout all pieces. Season both sides of the pounded chicken generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Combine Broth Mixture: In a 2-cup measuring cup or a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and dried thyme. Stir until well combined. This flavorful liquid will serve as the aromatic foundation of your rich and creamy sauce.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (a cast iron skillet or an oven-safe stainless steel pan works best for this recipe) over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the sliced mushrooms. Allow them to brown for 3-4 minutes, stirring only occasionally to ensure they develop a nice caramelization on both sides and release their natural moisture. Once beautifully browned, remove the mushrooms to a clean plate; this plate will also temporarily hold the chicken later.
4. Sear the Chicken: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts (or thighs) in the skillet. Sear them for 2-3 minutes per side, until they achieve a gorgeous golden-brown crust. Don’t be concerned if the chicken isn’t fully cooked through at this stage; it will finish cooking gently and thoroughly in the oven later. Transfer the seared chicken pieces to the plate with the sautéed mushrooms.
5. Build the Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the finely diced shallots to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth mixture you prepared earlier. Immediately, use a whisk or a wooden spoon to vigorously scrape the bottom of the pan, loosening all those incredibly flavorful browned bits (known as “fond”) left behind from the chicken and mushrooms. This crucial step is called deglazing and is vital for developing a rich, deep, and complex flavor in your sauce.
6. Reduce the Sauce: Allow the liquid in the skillet to come to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce simmer and reduce, uncovered, for about 8-10 minutes, or until it has significantly thickened and concentrated to approximately ⅓ cup of the rich sauce. This reduction step is absolutely essential for both thickening the sauce to the right consistency and intensifying its overall flavors. If you do not allow the sauce to reduce sufficiently, it will remain too thin.
7. Create the Creamy Finish: Once the sauce has reduced and thickened, remove the skillet from the flame. Add the cold butter and whisk vigorously until it melts completely and is smoothly incorporated into the reduced sauce. Then, pour in the heavy cream and return the previously cooked mushrooms back into the skillet. Whisk gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the cream is fully integrated.
8. Final Cook & Serve: Briefly place the skillet back over a very low flame for just about 30 seconds, ensuring the sauce warms through but does not come to a boil (which can cause cream sauces to split). Remove from the heat, then carefully nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the pan. Drizzle the luscious garlicky mushroom cream sauce generously over the chicken. Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 5-8 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.

Garnish generously with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil, and serve warm immediately. The reward for your efforts is a tender, flavor-packed chicken dinner featuring an irresistible garlicky mushroom cream sauce that you’ll undoubtedly want to make again and again.

Tips for Success and Delicious Variations

To ensure your One Skillet Chicken with Garlicky Mushroom Cream Sauce turns out perfectly every single time, and to inspire you to customize it, consider these helpful tips and exciting variations:

Achieving the Perfect Sauce Consistency

As emphasized in the instructions, the sauce reduction step is paramount for creating a thick, intensely flavorful sauce. Do not rush this process! Simmering the chicken broth mixture until it’s concentrated to about ⅓ cup allows the flavors to meld and deepen beautifully, while also naturally thickening the liquid. Adding the butter and heavy cream *after* this reduction helps to create that desired luxurious, glossy, and velvety finish without diluting the rich, concentrated flavor you’ve worked to build.

Chicken Preparation Matters for Even Cooking

Pounding the chicken breasts or thighs to an even thickness (around ½-¾ inch) is a crucial step for uniform cooking. If your chicken pieces vary greatly in size, some parts might dry out or overcook while others are still striving to reach the desired internal temperature. You can use a dedicated meat mallet, a sturdy rolling pin, or even the bottom of a heavy pan. For a cleaner process, place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap before pounding.

Irresistible Serving Suggestions to Complete Your Meal

This versatile and flavorful dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments, allowing you to tailor your meal to your mood or dietary preferences. Here are some of our top recommendations:

• Pasta Perfection: For a truly comforting and classic pairing, toss the chicken and creamy sauce with your favorite pasta. Angel hair, fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even penne work beautifully, as the rich sauce effortlessly coats every strand or piece.
• Fluffy Rice: Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or a delicate wild rice pilaf. The grains are excellent for soaking up every last drop of the delectable sauce.
• Crusty Bread: A warm, freshly baked crusty baguette, ciabatta, or even garlic bread is absolutely perfect for scooping up and savoring every bit of that irresistible garlicky cream sauce. It’s a simple pleasure that enhances the entire dining experience.
• Vibrant Vegetables: For a lighter and healthier touch, pair the dish with lightly steamed or roasted asparagus, tender green beans, crisp broccoli florets, or wilted spinach. The fresh, vibrant greens offer a lovely textural and flavor contrast to the rich, creamy sauce.
• Comforting Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes, golden roasted baby potatoes, or even simple boiled potatoes are another comforting option that beautifully complements the savory chicken and sauce.

Customizing Your Creamy Chicken Dish: Endless Possibilities

Feel free to experiment and adapt this recipe to suit your personal taste, dietary needs, or simply what you happen to have on hand. It’s a fantastic base for creativity:

• Boost with More Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value and texture by adding other quick-cooking vegetables. Fresh spinach, kale, sun-dried tomatoes, or thinly sliced bell peppers can be added to the skillet with the mushrooms, or stirred in just before the heavy cream.
• Explore Different Herbs: While dried thyme offers a classic flavor profile, don’t hesitate to experiment with other aromatic herbs. Fresh rosemary or oregano would also be absolutely delightful. Remember, fresh parsley or basil as a garnish always adds a bright, invigorating finish.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you enjoy a bit more heat, simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes. For an even more pronounced kick, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper can be added with the broth mixture.
• Elevate with Cheese: A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the finished dish, just before serving, adds an extra layer of savory, umami goodness that complements the cream sauce beautifully.
• A Zesty Twist: For a subtle brightness and a hint of tang, similar to some other popular one-skillet chicken recipes, a touch of lemon zest grated over the finished dish can be a wonderful addition.

Make Ahead & Storage Instructions

While this dish is undeniably at its best when enjoyed fresh off the skillet, leftovers are still incredibly delicious and make for a fantastic quick lunch or dinner the next day! Store any remaining chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When it’s time to reheat, gently warm the dish on the stovetop over low heat. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, you can loosen it with a splash of extra chicken broth or a tiny bit more cream. Be careful to avoid bringing the sauce to a rolling boil during reheating, as this can sometimes cause cream-based sauces to separate or become oily.

For those who enjoy meal prepping, you can get a head start by chopping your shallots and garlic, and slicing your mushrooms a day in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator, and your cooking day will be even faster and more streamlined.

This One Skillet Chicken with Garlicky Mushroom Cream Sauce is truly a testament to the fact that incredibly flavorful, satisfying, and impressive meals don’t require hours spent slaving away in the kitchen or a sink full of daunting dishes. It’s a go-to solution for busy weeknights, offering wholesome ingredients and rich, comforting flavors that everyone at your table will undoubtedly adore. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to simplify your cooking without compromising on taste.

Yield: 4 servings

One Skillet Chicken with Garlicky Mushroom Cream Sauce

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
20 minutes

Total Time
30 minutes

Another one skillet chicken recipe! This easy chicken dinner is made with sautéed garlic and mushrooms and topped with a creamy sauce. I used chicken breasts for this recipe, but chicken thighs would be delicious too!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• salt and pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 ounces baby bella (cremini) mushrooms, sliced
• ⅓ cup finely diced shallots (or red onions)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (or basil)

Instructions

1. Using a mallet, pound down the chicken breasts/thighs into ½ inch thickness. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken.
2. In a 2 cup measuring cup or a small bowl, combine the chicken broth, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and dried thyme.
3. Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat the oven to 375ºF.
4. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium high heat. Add the mushrooms and allow to brown for 3-4 minutes stirring as required to brown both sides. Remove to a plate (use one large enough to remove chicken as well).
5. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil on medium high heat. Add the chicken and allow to brown on both sides for 2-3 minutes per side. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t cooked completely, we’ll finish it in the oven. Remove chicken to plate.
6. Reduce the flame to medium, add the shallots to the skillet along with the chicken broth mixture. Using a whisk, scrape the bottom of the pan so all the brown bits are loosened. Let sauce simmer and reduce for about 8-10 minutes or until about ⅓ cup of the sauce remains. If you do not do this step, your sauce will NOT thicken.
7. When the sauce has thickened, remove from the flame, add the butter and whisk until it melts completely. With the skillet off the flame add the heavy cream and mushrooms, and whisk to combine. Place the skillet back over the flame for just 30 seconds, do not allow the sauce to boil. Remove from heat, add the chicken back into the pan and drizzle the sauce over the chicken. Place the skillet in the oven for 5-8 minutes or until the chicken is completely cooked through. Top with chopped parsley or basil and serve warm.

Notes

• Use boneless skinless chicken breasts/thighs that are about the same thickness. I pounded mine down to about ½ inch.

Have you made this recipe?

If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and a comment below. You can also share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #LITTLESPICEJAR, I’d love to see what you made!

Understanding the Nutritional Aspect of Your Meal

Preparing meals at home offers a significant advantage: it gives you full control over the ingredients and, consequently, the nutritional content of your food. This One Skillet Chicken with Garlicky Mushroom Cream Sauce, when made with mindful choices, can be part of a balanced diet. It provides a good source of lean protein from the chicken, essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the mushrooms, and healthy fats from olive oil and cream. For those who are particularly mindful of their dietary intake, here are a few considerations:

• Fat and Calorie Content: The heavy cream is integral to the richness and texture of the sauce, and it contributes to the overall fat and calorie count. If you are looking to lighten the dish, you could experiment with using half-and-half or even evaporated milk, though be aware that this will alter the texture and decadent richness of the sauce.
• Sodium Intake: Opting for low-sodium chicken broth can significantly reduce the overall sodium content of the dish, especially beneficial for those managing blood pressure. Always taste and adjust salt levels as needed after the broth has reduced.
• Protein Powerhouse: Chicken, particularly boneless, skinless breasts, is an excellent source of lean protein. Protein is crucial for muscle maintenance, tissue repair, and promoting feelings of satiety, which can help with weight management.
• Vegetable Boost: Mushrooms are a fantastic addition, offering essential nutrients, antioxidants, and dietary fiber with relatively few calories. Feel free to increase the quantity of mushrooms or incorporate other quick-cooking vegetables like fresh spinach, kale, or colorful bell peppers to further boost the nutritional value and fiber content of your meal.

*Please note: The nutritional facts provided are an estimate based on the ingredients and brands typically used. For the most accurate nutritional count, it is highly recommended to calculate them using the specific ingredients and brands you have used to prepare the recipe. The nutritional facts mentioned are typically for ¼ of the recipe, assuming it yields 4 servings. Always consult a professional nutritionist or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice tailored to your specific health needs and goals.

Your Next Favorite Weeknight Meal Awaits!

There’s truly nothing quite like a homemade meal that tastes like it took hours of painstaking effort but only required minutes to prepare. This One Skillet Chicken with Garlicky Mushroom Cream Sauce perfectly embodies that ideal. It’s a versatile, incredibly flavorful, and remarkably easy dinner solution that promises to bring warmth and joy to your table without adding a single ounce of stress to your already busy schedule. Whether you consider yourself a seasoned culinary enthusiast or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed for delicious success and guaranteed to become a cherished addition to your recipe repertoire.

We genuinely encourage you to try this fantastic one-skillet chicken recipe tonight. Experience the magic of minimal cleanup and maximum flavor for yourself. Don’t forget to share your delicious creations with us, tag us on social media using #OneSkilletChicken and #GarlickyMushroomCreamSauce, and let us know how this delightful dish transformed your weeknight dinner routine. Happy cooking, and bon appétit!