Sautéed Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Cooked in a rich and creamy mushroom sauce with garlic and thyme. This french-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends olive oil, minced garlic cloves, sliced cremini mushrooms into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 French cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts dry and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through, then transfer to a plate.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, cooking for 5 minutes until mushrooms are browned and tender.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1/2 cup heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly, then season with remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the mushroom sauce over them. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to reheat the chicken and meld flavors before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sautéed Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Sautéed Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce?

French chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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