Mediterranean Creamy Garlic Chicken with Mushrooms
Succulent seared chicken pieces, golden-browned mushrooms, and a velvety garlic cream sauce come together in this stunning Mediterranean-inspired skillet dish. With classic herbs, aromatic garlic, a touch of cream, and earthy mushrooms, this recipe is the perfect balance of indulgent and wholesome. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet luxurious enough for guests. Serve it over pasta, rice, couscous, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of the creamy goodness.
Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Mushrooms:
1.5 lbs (700g) chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Cream Sauce:
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1/3 cup grated Parmesan (optional for richness)
1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Season chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, turning to brown evenly. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms
In the same skillet, melt butter.
Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and caramelized. Remove and set aside with chicken.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
Lower heat to medium and add minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan (if using), Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
Step 4: Combine & Finish
Return chicken and mushrooms to the skillet.
Simmer for 5 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and coated in the sauce.
Stir in fresh parsley, adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Tips for Success
Golden mushrooms = flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pan or they’ll steam instead of sear.
Use chicken thighs for juicier results, especially if cooking longer.
Deglazing the pan with broth brings depth to the sauce.
Add lemon juice last so it doesn’t curdle the cream.
Make it extra creamy by stirring in a spoon of mascarpone or cream cheese.
Variations
Mediterranean Veggie Boost: Add spinach, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of cream and Parmesan.
Serve it differently: Over pasta, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice.
Add heat: A pinch of chili flakes or harissa paste for a spicy kick.
Herb swap: Try rosemary or thyme for a woodsy touch.
FAQs
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes, add it at the end just to warm through, but freshly seared chicken adds more flavor.
Q: Can I freeze this?
A: The sauce may separate when reheated if frozen. For best texture, refrigerate and eat within 3 days.
Q: How do I make it low-carb?
A: Serve it with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles instead of rice or pasta.
Q: Can I skip the Parmesan?
A: Yes. It adds umami and thickness, but the sauce will still be creamy without it.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 480
Protein: 38g
Fat: 32g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 520mg
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Creamy Garlic Chicken with Mushrooms is the ultimate comfort dish that feels gourmet without the fuss. With tender chicken, golden mushrooms, and a velvety garlic herb sauce, it’s a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family or a cozy date night in, this skillet masterpiece will have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even the recipe. It’s easy, elegant, and endlessly customizable.