Mediterranean Chicken Breast in Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This dish is a comforting Mediterranean-inspired classic: tender chicken breasts seared until golden, then simmered in a velvety mushroom sauce with garlic, cream, and a touch of Parmesan. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for guests. The rich sauce pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ cup flour (optional, for dredging)
For the Creamy Mushroom Sauce:
2 cups mushrooms (button or Swiss brown), sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp butter or olive oil
1 cup chicken broth or stock
1 cup heavy cream (or thickened cream)
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional)
Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the chicken:
Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. For extra texture, dredge lightly in flour (optional).
Cook the chicken:
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Make the sauce base:
In the same skillet, add butter or olive oil if needed. Sauté the mushrooms for 5–6 minutes until browned. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Deglaze and simmer:
Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Cream it up:
Lower the heat, then stir in heavy cream. Simmer gently until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir in Parmesan if using.
Return the chicken:
Add chicken back to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer another 5 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
Finish and serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Serve hot with pasta, rice, or warm bread.
Tips
Don’t overcrowd the pan: When browning the chicken and mushrooms, cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can steam instead of sear.
Use room-temperature chicken: This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy.
Thicken the sauce easily: If the sauce feels too thin, simmer a bit longer or whisk in 1 tsp of cornstarch mixed with water.
Balance flavors: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the richness of the cream.
Variations
Herb Upgrade: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano to give the sauce a stronger Mediterranean flavor.
Wine Lovers: Replace half of the chicken broth with dry white wine for more depth.
Cheesy Twist: Try crumbled feta or goat cheese instead of Parmesan for a tangier Mediterranean feel.
Veggie Boost: Stir in fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts just before adding the chicken back in.
Lighter Version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a healthier but still creamy sauce.
Protein Swap: Use turkey cutlets, pork chops, or even shrimp with the same sauce base.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce separately, then store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove so the cream doesn’t split.
Q: What can I serve with this dish?
A: It pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even a simple couscous salad. For a lighter option, serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Cream-based sauces don’t always freeze well, as the texture may separate when reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use olive oil instead of butter, and swap the cream for unsweetened coconut cream or a cashew-based cream alternative. Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese.
Nutrition Facts
(per serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: ~420
Protein: 34g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: ~420mg
(Values will vary depending on whether you use cream, cheese, or added flour.)
Conclusion
Mediterranean Chicken Breast in Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a hearty yet elegant dish that highlights the flavors of fresh mushrooms, garlic, and herbs in a rich, velvety sauce. It’s versatile, comforting, and can be dressed up with extra vegetables or cheese for a dinner party or kept simple for an easy weeknight meal. A perfect balance of creamy and savory, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.