Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken Easy Weeknight Meal

by Madison on July 6, 2025

Are you ready to impress your family with a tasty, quick dinner? Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken is an easy weeknight meal that combines savory chicken, rich Parmesan, and earthy mushrooms. This dish comes together in just a few steps, making it perfect for busy nights. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup sliced mushrooms (button or cremini) - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Gathering the right ingredients is key to making Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken. Start with the chicken. Choose two boneless, skinless chicken breasts for best results. This cut cooks quickly and stays juicy. Next, get about one cup of mushrooms. You can use button or cremini varieties. Both add great flavor. For the cheesy goodness, grab half a cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The fresher the cheese, the better the taste. Now, you’ll need three cloves of garlic. Mince them well for a strong flavor. Don’t forget the heavy cream; it’s a quarter cup for that rich, smooth sauce. You'll also need two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and one tablespoon of unsalted butter. This mix helps to sauté the chicken and mushrooms perfectly. Add one teaspoon of dried thyme for an herb kick. Lastly, season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. For a touch of color and freshness, chop some parsley for garnish. This simple addition brightens the dish and makes it look lovely on the plate. With all these ingredients ready, you're set to create a delicious meal that’s sure to impress! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, season the chicken breasts. Use sea salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Season both sides well. This step adds flavor and makes the chicken tasty. Proper seasoning is key to a great dish. It enhances the natural taste of the chicken. Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet. Set the heat to medium-high. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. The chicken should reach 165°F to be safe to eat. Once done, take it out and cover it. In the same skillet, lower the heat. Add unsalted butter until it melts. Then, toss in the sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally until they turn brown and tender. After that, add minced garlic. Cook for one more minute, but don’t let it burn. Now, pour in the heavy cream. Stir it well with the mushrooms. Gradually add freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts. This will give you a smooth and creamy sauce. Make sure there are no lumps in it. Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Nestle it in the rich mushroom sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This step allows all the flavors to mix nicely. Transfer the chicken to serving plates. Spoon more creamy mushroom sauce over the top. For a nice touch, sprinkle with fresh parsley. You can serve it on rice or mashed potatoes. These sides soak up the sauce and make it even better. To keep your chicken juicy, always season it well. Use sea salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Pat the chicken dry before seasoning. This helps the spices stick better. Sear the chicken in a hot skillet for a nice brown crust. Cook it until it reaches 165°F. After cooking, let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat moist. To boost flavor, try adding lemon juice or zest. This brightens the dish and cuts through the creaminess. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or oregano. These herbs enhance the dish's taste. For a creamier sauce, balance it with a splash of white wine. This adds depth and a bit of acidity. If you want to swap heavy cream, use half-and-half or whole milk. This will lighten the dish while still keeping it creamy. For cheese, you can try Gruyère or mozzarella instead of Parmesan. These cheeses melt well and add a different flavor profile. Mixing cheeses can create a fun twist on the classic recipe. Pro Tips Choose the Right Mushrooms: Opt for a mix of button and cremini mushrooms for a depth of flavor and texture in your dish. Perfectly Sear the Chicken: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve a beautiful golden crust. Don’t Rush the Sauce: Allow the cream and Parmesan to meld slowly over low heat for a smooth, cohesive sauce. Garnish for a Pop: Always finish your dish with fresh herbs like parsley to enhance both the presentation and flavor. {{image_4}} You can switch chicken for turkey or pork. Both meats cook well and absorb flavors nicely. Turkey is leaner, while pork adds a bit more richness. For a vegetarian twist, use hearty ingredients like tofu or chickpeas. They soak up the sauce, making them tasty and filling. Mushrooms add depth to this dish. You can try different types, too. Shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms all bring unique tastes. Mixing several varieties can boost the flavor profile even more. Experiment to find your favorite combo! Want to spice it up? Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. They add color and nutrition. For a touch of acidity, use white wine when you deglaze the skillet. It brightens up the sauce and balances the creaminess. These small tweaks can make your meal even better! After enjoying your Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken, store the leftovers right. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure the sauce covers the chicken well to keep it moist. Store it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps keep it safe and fresh. Consume the leftovers within three days for the best taste. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. This method keeps the chicken juicy. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce is too thick. Heat until the chicken reaches 165°F. You can also use a microwave. Cover the dish loosely to allow steam to escape. Heat in short bursts, checking frequently. Yes, you can freeze this dish! To freeze, let it cool completely first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To defrost, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it as mentioned above for the best results. To spice up your dish, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. These spices bring heat without overwhelming the flavor. You can also try diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. Start with a small amount, then taste and adjust. This way, you control the spice level. Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Just reduce the cooking time to about 5 minutes. You want to heat the chicken through without drying it out. Add it to the sauce once the mushrooms and garlic are ready. This keeps the flavor intact and makes it quick. For sides, I recommend rice or mashed potatoes. They soak up the rich sauce well. Steamed vegetables like green beans also add color and nutrients. A fresh salad can balance the meal with crunch and freshness. Choose what you love! You can prep some components ahead of time. Season and sear the chicken, then store it in the fridge. Slice the mushrooms and mince the garlic in advance, too. This saves time on busy nights. Just assemble and cook when you're ready! This blog post guides you through making a delicious Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken. We covered the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to ensure juicy chicken. You learned about variations and storage tips for leftovers too. Remember, feel free to customize the dish with different proteins or add spices for kick. This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but is also fun to prepare. Enjoy cooking and savoring every bite!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor Combination: The pairing of earthy mushrooms and rich Parmesan creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the chicken to new heights.
Quick and Easy: This dish can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner without sacrificing flavor.
Elegant Presentation: Serve it over rice or mashed potatoes for a restaurant-quality dish that impresses guests and family alike.
Versatile Ingredients: With simple ingredients that are often on hand, you can whip this up anytime the craving strikes!

Ingredients

– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 1 cup sliced mushrooms (button or cremini)

– 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1/4 cup heavy cream

– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

– Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken. Start with the chicken. Choose two boneless, skinless chicken breasts for best results. This cut cooks quickly and stays juicy.

Next, get about one cup of mushrooms. You can use button or cremini varieties. Both add great flavor. For the cheesy goodness, grab half a cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The fresher the cheese, the better the taste.

Now, you’ll need three cloves of garlic. Mince them well for a strong flavor. Don’t forget the heavy cream; it’s a quarter cup for that rich, smooth sauce.

You’ll also need two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and one tablespoon of unsalted butter. This mix helps to sauté the chicken and mushrooms perfectly.

Add one teaspoon of dried thyme for an herb kick. Lastly, season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

For a touch of color and freshness, chop some parsley for garnish. This simple addition brightens the dish and makes it look lovely on the plate.

With all these ingredients ready, you’re set to create a delicious meal that’s sure to impress!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

First, season the chicken breasts. Use sea salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Season both sides well. This step adds flavor and makes the chicken tasty. Proper seasoning is key to a great dish. It enhances the natural taste of the chicken.

Searing the Chicken

Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet. Set the heat to medium-high. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. The chicken should reach 165°F to be safe to eat. Once done, take it out and cover it.

Sautéing the Mushrooms

In the same skillet, lower the heat. Add unsalted butter until it melts. Then, toss in the sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally until they turn brown and tender. After that, add minced garlic. Cook for one more minute, but don’t let it burn.

Creating the Sauce

Now, pour in the heavy cream. Stir it well with the mushrooms. Gradually add freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts. This will give you a smooth and creamy sauce. Make sure there are no lumps in it.

Combining Chicken and Sauce

Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Nestle it in the rich mushroom sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This step allows all the flavors to mix nicely.

Serving Suggestions

Transfer the chicken to serving plates. Spoon more creamy mushroom sauce over the top. For a nice touch, sprinkle with fresh parsley. You can serve it on rice or mashed potatoes. These sides soak up the sauce and make it even better.

Tips & Tricks

Ensuring Juicy Chicken

To keep your chicken juicy, always season it well. Use sea salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Pat the chicken dry before seasoning. This helps the spices stick better. Sear the chicken in a hot skillet for a nice brown crust. Cook it until it reaches 165°F. After cooking, let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat moist.

Enhancing Flavor

To boost flavor, try adding lemon juice or zest. This brightens the dish and cuts through the creaminess. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or oregano. These herbs enhance the dish’s taste. For a creamier sauce, balance it with a splash of white wine. This adds depth and a bit of acidity.

Cooking Substitutions

If you want to swap heavy cream, use half-and-half or whole milk. This will lighten the dish while still keeping it creamy. For cheese, you can try Gruyère or mozzarella instead of Parmesan. These cheeses melt well and add a different flavor profile. Mixing cheeses can create a fun twist on the classic recipe.

Pro Tips

Choose the Right Mushrooms: Opt for a mix of button and cremini mushrooms for a depth of flavor and texture in your dish.
Perfectly Sear the Chicken: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve a beautiful golden crust.
Don’t Rush the Sauce: Allow the cream and Parmesan to meld slowly over low heat for a smooth, cohesive sauce.
Garnish for a Pop: Always finish your dish with fresh herbs like parsley to enhance both the presentation and flavor.

Variations

Protein Alternatives

You can switch chicken for turkey or pork. Both meats cook well and absorb flavors nicely. Turkey is leaner, while pork adds a bit more richness. For a vegetarian twist, use hearty ingredients like tofu or chickpeas. They soak up the sauce, making them tasty and filling.

Mushroom Varieties

Mushrooms add depth to this dish. You can try different types, too. Shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms all bring unique tastes. Mixing several varieties can boost the flavor profile even more. Experiment to find your favorite combo!

Flavor Additions

Want to spice it up? Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. They add color and nutrition. For a touch of acidity, use white wine when you deglaze the skillet. It brightens up the sauce and balances the creaminess. These small tweaks can make your meal even better!

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken, store the leftovers right. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure the sauce covers the chicken well to keep it moist. Store it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps keep it safe and fresh. Consume the leftovers within three days for the best taste.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. This method keeps the chicken juicy. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce is too thick. Heat until the chicken reaches 165°F. You can also use a microwave. Cover the dish loosely to allow steam to escape. Heat in short bursts, checking frequently.

Freezing Options

Yes, you can freeze this dish! To freeze, let it cool completely first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To defrost, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it as mentioned above for the best results.

FAQs

How can I make Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken more spicy?

To spice up your dish, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. These spices bring heat without overwhelming the flavor. You can also try diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. Start with a small amount, then taste and adjust. This way, you control the spice level.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Just reduce the cooking time to about 5 minutes. You want to heat the chicken through without drying it out. Add it to the sauce once the mushrooms and garlic are ready. This keeps the flavor intact and makes it quick.

What sides pair well with Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken?

For sides, I recommend rice or mashed potatoes. They soak up the rich sauce well. Steamed vegetables like green beans also add color and nutrients. A fresh salad can balance the meal with crunch and freshness. Choose what you love!

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

You can prep some components ahead of time. Season and sear the chicken, then store it in the fridge. Slice the mushrooms and mince the garlic in advance, too. This saves time on busy nights. Just assemble and cook when you’re ready!

This blog post guides you through making a delicious Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken. We covered the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to ensure juicy chicken. You learned about variations and storage tips for leftovers too.

Remember, feel free to customize the dish with different proteins or add spices for kick. This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but is also fun to prepare. Enjoy cooking and savoring every bit

Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken Delight

A delicious chicken dish featuring seared chicken breasts in a creamy mushroom and Parmesan sauce, garnished with fresh parsley.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 2

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
0.25 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon dried thyme
to taste sea salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Season the chicken breasts generously with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried thyme on both sides.
In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and keep warm.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add unsalted butter, and sauté the sliced mushrooms for about 5 minutes until browned. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Lower the heat to medium-low, pour in the heavy cream, and stir to combine. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Transfer the chicken to serving plates, spoon more sauce over the top, and garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes

Serve on a bed of rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Keyword chicken, creamy sauce, mushroom, Parmesan