Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake

Introduction

This Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake is a cozy, crowd-pleasing casserole packed with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a velvety cream sauce. Baked with a golden cheesy topping, it’s a warm and satisfying dish that’s perfect served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Whether you’re hosting or just need a comforting weeknight dinner, this creamy bake hits the spot every time.

⏱ Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35–40 minutes

Total Time: ~55 minutes

Serves: 4–6

Ingredients

1½ lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks

1 tbsp olive oil or butter

1 medium onion, chopped

3–4 garlic cloves, minced

8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)

1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

½ tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)

½ tsp salt, to taste

¼ tsp black pepper

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar (for topping)

Optional: chopped parsley, for garnish

‍ Method

1. Preheat & Prepare:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a baking dish (about 9×13″).

2. Cook Chicken:

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.
Add chicken pieces, season lightly with salt and pepper, and sauté until just golden (not fully cooked through).
Transfer to a plate and set aside.

3. Sauté Veggies:

In the same skillet, add onions and mushrooms.
Sauté until mushrooms are golden and onions soft (6–7 minutes).
Add garlic and cook for another minute.

4. Make Cream Sauce:

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute.
Gradually add chicken broth, stirring to avoid lumps.
Stir in cream, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Simmer until the sauce thickens (3–5 minutes), then stir in Parmesan.

5. Assemble Bake:

Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
Transfer everything to the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella (or cheese of choice) over the top.

6. Bake:

Bake for 20–25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
Optional: broil for 1–2 minutes for an extra crispy cheese topping.

7. Serve:

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Over pasta, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes
With a green salad or roasted veggies on the side
Use crusty bread to soak up the sauce!

❓ Q&A

Q: Can I use cooked rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes! Just skip the sautéing step and mix it into the sauce before baking.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes — assemble, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Absolutely! Freeze after baking and cool. Reheat in the oven until hot.

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 480
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Carbs: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 550mg