I still remember the night my One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken saved the day. It was a hectic weekday, and I was scrambling to get dinner on the table with hungry kids and a full schedule. This recipe fit perfectly into that moment—a comforting, flavorful meal made in just one pan with simple ingredients I already had. The creamy sauce paired with tender chicken and earthy mushrooms made everyone ask for seconds.
What I love most about One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken is how it feels like a special dinner without any complicated prep or fancy extras. It’s the kind of dish that feels right at home on any night, whether you’re feeding family after school or hosting friends on a casual evening. It’s reliable, fast, and delivers on taste every time.
If you’re a home cook looking for a dependable recipe that’s creamy, garlicky, and full of parmesan-rich flavor, this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken is going to be your new go-to. It’s easy to make, doesn’t require a long ingredient list, and cleans up in a flash because it all happens in one pan. Let’s get cooking so you can add this crowd-pleaser to your recipe rotation.
What You’ll Need:

- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (white button or cremini)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic works best)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated makes all the difference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ cup chicken broth (regular or low sodium)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
No worries if you don’t have heavy cream on hand—I often use half-and-half or even a mix of cream and milk in my One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken, and it still turns out rich and delicious. If you can’t find fresh mushrooms, canned work in a pinch after draining well. You’ll find all these ingredients in the regular grocery aisle, making this an easy weeknight recipe to pull together.
This dish keeps costs reasonable because it relies on staple pantry items and simple fresh ingredients. A little Parmesan adds big flavor without breaking the bank. For prep shortcuts, I usually slice the mushrooms ahead and have garlic minced in a jar for busy nights. Leftovers store well covered in the fridge for up to three days, and the sauce thickens beautifully when reheated.
One little change I like to make is adding a splash of white wine to the pan before the cream goes in. It gives the sauce a subtle tang that keeps it from feeling too heavy without much extra effort.
Let’s Make It Together:
- Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken depends on well-seasoned chicken for that savory base.
- Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook each side for about 5 minutes until golden brown but not fully cooked through. You want a nice crust here. Then, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add your sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mushrooms release their moisture and start browning. This step adds deep, earthy flavor to your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken.
- Toss the minced garlic in with the mushrooms and cook for another minute or so until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should smell sweet and fresh.
- Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up those tasty browned bits from the bottom. Let it reduce slightly for about 2 minutes. This step builds flavor for your sauce.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. The sauce will start to thicken as the cheese melts. Stir gently and keep the heat low so the One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken’s sauce stays smooth.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for about 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. The sauce should be thick and luscious by now.
- Give the skillet a final stir, check for seasoning, and add more salt or pepper to taste. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
This whole process usually takes under 30 minutes. While your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken simmers, this is a great time to toss a quick salad or steam some veggies. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and that creamy garlic sauce will have everyone eagerly waiting for dinner.
If your sauce feels too thick, add a little extra chicken broth to loosen it. Don’t worry if your chicken looks a bit pale in the pan—that’s normal before simmering finishes it off perfectly.
How to Serve & Enjoy:

The best way I serve One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken is over cooked pasta, rice, or buttery mashed potatoes. These sides soak up the creamy sauce so well, making each bite deeply satisfying.
For simple sides, steamed green beans or garlic roasted asparagus work beautifully. They add just enough crispness and freshness to balance the richness of this parmesan mushroom chicken recipe.
This dish truly shines at any occasion—from an everyday family dinner to a cozy weekend meal with friends. I’ve even brought it along to potlucks, and it’s always a hit.
If you have leftovers, try turning them into a creamy chicken and mushroom pasta bake—just mix with cooked pasta, top with cheese, and pop under the broiler until golden. One of my favorite seasonal variations is swapping cremini mushrooms for shiitake or even adding a handful of fresh spinach near the end for a bit of green.
If you love this garlic parmesan chicken skillet, your family might also enjoy my garlic butter chicken thigh skillet or creamy Tuscan chicken recipes, which also come together in one pan and are packed with flavor.
Your Questions Answered:
Can I make this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! I often make this up to a day ahead and reheat gently on the stove. The sauce thickens when chilled, so you may want to add a splash of broth or cream when warming it back up.
What’s a good substitute for heavy cream in this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken?
Half-and-half works well for a lighter option. You can also use a mix of milk and a bit of cream cheese to keep it creamy. Avoid low-fat milk alone or it might get watery.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless thighs are great and stay juicy. Just adjust cooking time since thighs may take a few extra minutes to cook through. This variation makes for a slightly richer garlic parmesan chicken skillet.
How do I make this recipe for more or fewer people?
Simply scale your ingredients up or down, keeping the ratios the same. For more servings, a bigger pan or two skillets work well. This one-pan chicken dinner is flexible for any occasion.
Can I add other veggies to this recipe?
Sure! I’ve added spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even peas in the last few minutes of cooking. Just make sure they don’t overcrowd the pan or affect the sauce’s creaminess.
What kind of mushrooms work best?
White button mushrooms are classic and budget-friendly. Cremini mushrooms add a bit more depth and meatiness. Both make this Parmesan mushroom chicken recipe excellent.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
I recommend freezing the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers. When thawing, warm gently on the stove to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.
If you want similar recipes, check out this creamy Tuscan chicken or learn from this mushroom chicken recipe featuring parmesan and garlic flavors.
Final Thoughts:
This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken has earned a special place in my recipe collection because it’s dependable flavor that feels homemade with minimal fuss. Whenever I want something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this dish answers that perfectly.
My Best One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken Tips:
- Take your time browning the chicken for better flavor and texture.
- Don’t rush the sauce—low heat helps it thicken without breaking.
- Freshly grated Parmesan makes a noticeable difference over pre-shredded.
I’ve experimented with variations like adding sun-dried tomatoes for a bit of tang, swapping in spinach for color and nutrients, and even stirring in cooked orzo for a one-skillet meal similar to this parmesan herb chicken, mushroom and orzo skillet.
The version that gets requested the most around my table is the classic creamy garlic chicken skillet with mushrooms and plenty of fresh parsley sprinkled on top. It feels like a warm hug every time.
I hope you’ll make this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken your own by tweaking flavors and sides to fit your family’s taste. It’s a recipe that welcomes customization without ever losing that comforting, creamy charm.
For more reliable dinner ideas, try my garlic butter chicken thigh skillet or garlic butter beef bites with creamy mashed potatoes. And if you want a twist with veggies, this easy creamy chicken with mushrooms is a great foundation to build on.
Cooking friends, don’t hesitate. This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken is waiting to become a staple in your kitchen. You’ll love how approachable and satisfying it is. Happy cooking!
One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken
This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, cheesy garlic mushroom sauce, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become tender, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens slightly.
- Return chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over chicken, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, serve this dish over cooked pasta or steamed rice, and add a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.

