Creamy Mushroom Basil Chicken

Name: Creamy Mushroom Basil Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped; Parmesan cheese for garnish

Highlighted under: Feel-Good Plates

I absolutely love making Creamy Mushroom Basil Chicken on busy weeknights when I crave a comforting yet elegant dish. This recipe brings together tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic basil in a luscious cream sauce that elevates the simplest of meals. It's a favorite in my household, as it pairs perfectly with pasta or rice to soak up all that flavorful sauce. Plus, it only takes about 30 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and tasty option that never disappoints.

Created by

Jenna Rowland

Last updated on 2026-02-16T10:31:36.808Z

When I first tried making Creamy Mushroom Basil Chicken, I was skeptical about how the flavors would come together. To my delight, they harmonized beautifully! I learned that sautéing the mushrooms until they’re golden not only enhances their flavor but also adds a lovely texture that blends seamlessly with the cream. Using fresh basil at the end infuses the dish with vibrant aroma and taste, making it feel like a gourmet meal.

One of the best tips I discovered is to let the chicken rest after cooking. This small step ensures the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy. I often serve this dish with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad, and it never fails to impress my family and friends!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy sauce that coats the chicken beautifully
Perfect balance of earthy mushrooms and fresh basil
Quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners

Mastering the Cream Sauce

The creamy sauce is the heart of this dish, offering a rich depth of flavor that elevates the chicken. To achieve the perfect consistency, make sure to simmer the sauce gently after adding the heavy cream and broth. Look for it to slightly thicken and become glossy without boiling vigorously, which can cause the cream to separate. If the sauce feels too thick, adding a splash more chicken broth can help reach that desired creaminess.

Adding mushrooms is crucial; they contribute an earthy flavor that complements the rich cream beautifully. For a deeper umami profile, consider using shiitake or cremini mushrooms instead of the standard white variety. Be sure to sauté them thoroughly until they are browned and have released most of their moisture before adding the garlic. This step not only enhances their flavor but also ensures the dish won’t become watery.

Basil: The Fresh Flavor Boost

Basil is not just a garnish; it adds a fresh, aromatic layer that brightens the dish. For optimal flavor, add the chopped basil at the end of cooking, just before serving. This prevents the leaves from wilting too much and losing their vibrant taste. If fresh basil isn't available, you can substitute with pesto, but use it sparingly to avoid overwhelming the sauce’s delicate balance.

When preparing your basil, I recommend using a knife to chop it roughly rather than mincing. This technique preserves more of its essential oils and flavor. Additionally, rinsing the basil leaves and patting them dry ensures that the sauce does not become diluted. Even floating whole basil leaves on top before serving can provide an enticing aroma and visual appeal.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, but my favorite is al dente fettuccine or creamy risotto that can soak up the sauce. When plating, consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan not just for flavor, but also for presentation. A fresh basil leaf and a light drizzle of olive oil can make your plate look restaurant-worthy in no time.

If you have leftovers, consider storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the dish on low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from breaking. Should the sauce thicken too much during refrigeration, a small splash of chicken broth or cream will help restore its velvety texture.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce

8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let it rest.

Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 5 minutes until browned. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine.

Combine and Serve

Bring the sauce to a simmer, then add the chopped basil. Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, deglaze the pan with white wine after sautéing the mushrooms before adding the cream.

Ingredient Insights

The chicken breasts in this dish are incredibly versatile. While boneless and skinless cuts are recommended for their tenderness and quick cooking time, you can also use bone-in chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Just remember that cooking times will increase for darker meat, so check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.

For those looking for a healthier twist, consider swapping out the heavy cream for Greek yogurt. This alternative will provide a similar creaminess but with lower fat. Just temper the yogurt before adding it to the hot sauce to avoid curdling. Start by mixing a few tablespoons of the warm sauce into the yogurt before fully incorporating it.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find your sauce has begun to separate during cooking, don't panic! Simply reduce the heat and whisk vigorously to bring it back together. Maintaining a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil is essential in avoiding this pitfall, especially when using heavy cream.

Another common issue is having a bland taste. If you feel your sauce is lacking flavor, add a pinch of salt or a splash of lemon juice to brighten it up. Remember that the flavors will intensify as they meld, so it's best to taste and adjust towards the end of cooking rather than adding too many seasonings at the start.

Variations to Try

Feeling adventurous? You can easily customize this recipe by adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist. Simply add the spinach after the cream and let it wilt before adding the chicken back into the skillet. Sun-dried tomatoes will add an additional sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory elements of the dish.

For a more robust flavor, consider incorporating white wine into the sauce. Just deglaze your skillet after sautéing the mushrooms by pouring in about half a cup of white wine, scraping the bottom to dislodge any browned bits. Let it reduce by half before adding in the cream for a sophisticated touch.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work beautifully for this recipe and will add more flavor.

→ Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative, but the richness will be less.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but the sauce may thicken; just add a little broth to loosen it when reheating.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

It's great with pasta, rice, or a light salad to balance the richness of the sauce.