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This Cream of Mushroom Chicken Skillet is a creamy, rich and comforting dish that is great any time of the day - breakfast, lunch and dinner! With tender pieces of chicken cooked in a delicious mushroom sauce, it's an easy and tasty recipe the whole family will enjoy!

Do you love chicken recipes? Try my Baked Chicken Breast.

Creamy mushroom sauce chicken in a skillet with a spatula for serving.

The staple Chicken with Cream of Mushroom Soup recipe has graced home kitchens for generations, providing a delicious and filling dish with very little effort. Once beloved as a default comfort dish in busy homes, it is easy, rich, and creamy. Whether over rice, on pasta or with vegetables on the side, the dish has a pleasing and nostalgic familiarity that brings warmth to the table.

Every family has their own version of this dish, passed down through generations with variations like adding garlic, herbs, or cheese for flavor and depth. It's a dish as home-cooking-y as they come, easy and satisfying and always a hit. Prepared in any number of ways, this dish remains a comforting tribute to home-cooked goodness.

After you've tried this recipe, try my other chicken recipes. Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs, Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Casserole and Oven Baked Thin Sliced Chicken Breasts.

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Why you'll love this recipe:
Ingredients and Substitutions:
Substitutions and variations
How to make cream of mushroom chicken
Tips
Leftovers and storage
What to Serve with Cream of Mushroom Chicken
Frequently Asked Questions
More Easy Chicken Recipes
Recipe
Cream of Mushroom Chicken Skillet

Why you'll love this recipe:

Quick and Easy - With a handful of ingredients and little prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. All you do is season and sear the chicken, stir together the soup sauce and let it simmer. No special steps or hours of cooking, just good eating that's easy on your time.
Deep and Luscious Flavor - The rich mushroom cream sauce envelops the chicken so it's not only savory but so satisfying. The flavors, deep and comforting, are perfect for snuggly dinners at home, and each bite is chock-a-block with them.
Adaptable - The dish can be enjoyed as is or you can get creative, adding garlic or onions, say, or herbs or even cheese for richness. You can serve it over rice, pasta or mashed potatoes if you like to make a meal of it.
Kid-friendly - Its creaminess and mild, tasty flavor makes this dish a great hit with both kids and adults. It's a meal that gathers folks around the table, creating a special occasion at dinnertime with little fuss.
One-Pan Cleanup: It all happens in a single skillet, so there's barely anything to wash afterward.

Ingredients and Substitutions:

These are the primary components and alternatives.

Chicken breast, garlic, chili powder, salt, pepper, cream of mushroom soup, water, mushrooms and olive oil laid out.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the protein-rich heart of this recipe. It soaks up the creamy mushroom sauce nicely, creating a tender bite that's bursting with flavor.
Cream of Mushroom Soup - This ingredient is the key to the creamy texture and deep savory flavor of the dish. It makes a silky sauce that clings to the chicken and adds a depth of umami flavor.
Garlic - Another little thing that can do a lot for your food, garlic is a strong flavoring that adds some aromatic, mild heat. It adds complexity and warmth, making the dish all the more hard to resist.
Chicken Broth (or Water) - This thins the soup out to a smooth, pourable sauce, while intensifying the chicken's natural flavors. It also keeps the dish from becoming overly rich.
Butter or Oil - For searing the chicken, this creates a golden-brown crust that seals in the juices, keeping the meat moist and flavorful. It also makes the dish richer.
Cornstarch - A main thickener, cornstarch contributes to a rich, silky sauce that doesn't become too goopy. Combining it with a little water before adding to the dish avoids lumps and ensures a nice texture.
Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Paprika, or Herbs) - They add depth to the overall dish. And if you like spice, you can add some, or if you like herbs such as thyme or parsley, the seasonings are there for you to personalize it however you see fit.
Optional Add-ins (cheese, mushrooms, or vegetables) - If you want some extra depth, feel free to add in fresh mushrooms for more earthiness or cheese for a creamier finish. Other vegetables, such as spinach or peas, add color, texture and nutritional value.
Fresh Mushrooms (optional): Button mushrooms keep the flavor light, while cremini or shiitake bring a deeper, earthier taste.

Substitutions and variations

Cream of mushroom soup doesn't appeal to you? Instead, try cream of celery or cream of chicken soup.
This recipe would be perfect for chicken thighs, but you might need to cook them for a bit longer to get them soft.
Before you put the chicken back in the pan, try to add a few handfuls of fresh spinach for some greens.
Extra flavor boost: A little Italian seasoning, fresh thyme, or extra garlic and onion powder all work well. Start with a small pinch and add more to taste.

How to make cream of mushroom chicken

Season the Chicken - Make sure the chicken is dry, then season both sides with salt, black pepper, chili powder, and paprika for flavor.
Sear the Chicken - In a large skillet, heat butter or oil on medium-high. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics - In the same skillet, add more butter if needed, then sauté the onions and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce - Add the cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth, stirring to combine. For a thicker sauce, whisk cornstarch with a bit of water and add to the skillet, stirring until smooth.

Simmer the Chicken - Add the seared chicken back to the skillet, covering it in sauce. Turn heat to low, place lid on pot, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Adjust Seasoning - Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, black pepper or chili powder if you want more heat.
Garnish and Serve - Top with fresh herbs or grated cheese as desired. It's really good served warm over rice, pasta or mashed potatoes, and you will have a big comforting meal!

Tips

Sear for Maximum Flavor - Don't skip the searing of the chicken! Browning it first creates a flavorful crust and seals in juices, resulting in tender, delicious meat.
Control the Thickness - For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with some water before adding the mixture to the skillet. Add more chicken broth, or a splash of milk, for a thinner consistency.
Adjust the Spice - Add more or less chili powder depending on your taste. Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a bolder kick. If you want it milder, use less chili powder and add some smoked paprika to balance.
Even Thickness - If your chicken breasts are thick at one end, pound them to an even ½ inch so every piece cooks at the same rate.
Flour for a Better Crust - For an extra-golden crust, dust the seasoned chicken lightly with flour before searing (skip this if you need it gluten-free).
Keep It Separate - Store leftovers apart from the rice or pasta you serve them with, so the grains don't turn soggy.

Leftovers and storage

Refrigerate - Leftover Chicken with Cream of Mushroom Soup can be covered in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors meld overnight, so it tastes even better the next day!
Freezing - For long-term storage, transfer the cooled dish to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating - Reheat leftover food in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave until heated through, in 30-second bursts, stirring between bursts.

What to Serve with Cream of Mushroom Chicken

Egg noodles or rice: Spoon it over buttery egg noodles, or white or brown rice, to catch every bit of sauce.
Mashed potatoes: The sauce doubles as a mushroom gravy, so mashed potatoes and a side of green beans are a classic match.
Low-carb sides: Cauliflower rice or roasted broccoli, carrots and green beans keep it light.
Toppings: Finish with grated Parmesan, or try a spoonful of sour cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does Cream Of Mushroom Chicken Last?

Stored in an airtight container, Cream of Mushroom Chicken will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it up to 3 months, thaw and reheat before serving.

How can I thicken the sauce if it's too runny?

If the sauce is too runny, combine 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir this into the sauce, bringing it to a simmer until thickened. You can also stir in a dash of heavy cream, cheese or a slurry of flour (1 teaspoon flour mixed with water) for even more richness and thickness.

Can I Freeze Chicken And Mushroom Sauce?

Yes! Chicken with Mushroom Sauce freezes well for up to 3 months in an air-tight, freezer-safe container. Cool it completely before freezing, and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk as needed.

Can I stir in fresh mushrooms too?

Absolutely! After searing the chicken, sauté the sliced mushrooms in a little butter until golden, then add the soup and broth and carry on with the recipe.

Can I use chicken tenderloins instead of chicken breasts?

Yes. Tenderloins are smaller, so they brown faster and need less time in the sauce. Start checking early; they're done at 165°F inside.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup if I don't have any?

Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup are the easiest swaps. Sour cream also works for a tangier sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be. Choose a canned mushroom soup labeled gluten-free and read the ingredients carefully, since many brands contain wheat. Skip the optional flour dusting, too.

If you tried this Cream of Mushroom Chicken Skillet or any other recipe on my website, please feel free to leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. And remember to tag me on Instagram!

Cream of Mushroom Chicken Skillet