Mediterranean Creamy Mushroom Chicken In One Skillet

This Mediterranean-style creamy mushroom chicken is a comforting, one-skillet meal that combines tender golden chicken with a rich, garlicky mushroom sauce. The flavors of olive oil, Parmesan, and herbs give it that signature Mediterranean warmth without being heavy. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, and it pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.

Total Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 thighs)

2 tbsp olive oil

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for a light coating or thickening later)

For the Sauce:

1 tbsp olive oil

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

1 small onion or 2 shallots, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

½ cup chicken broth

½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half

¼ cup white wine (optional but adds depth)

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh thyme)

Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.

(Optional) Lightly dust the chicken with flour to help it brown nicely and slightly thicken the sauce later.

Cook the Chicken:

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.

Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Add the mushrooms and cook for 4–5 minutes until they release moisture and start to brown.

Stir in the chopped onion (or shallots) and cook another 2–3 minutes until softened.

Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Make the Sauce:

Deglaze the pan with white wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes.

Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.

Add the heavy cream (or half-and-half), Parmesan, and thyme. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes.

Combine and Serve:

Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it.

Let it simmer together for 2–3 minutes so the flavors blend.

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Tips

Get a Good Sear:
Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. A proper sear locks in moisture and creates a flavorful golden crust that adds richness to the sauce.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:
If your skillet is small, cook the chicken in batches so it browns evenly. Overcrowding can cause it to steam instead of sear.

Use Fresh Mushrooms:
Fresh mushrooms have better texture and flavor than canned. Cremini mushrooms offer a deeper, earthy flavor, while button mushrooms keep it mild and classic.

Deglaze for Flavor:
When you add white wine or broth, scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this builds the savory base for your sauce.

Adjust Creaminess:
For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or even evaporated milk. For a richer texture, stick with heavy cream.

Thickening Trick:
If you want a thicker sauce, stir in ½ teaspoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water near the end and simmer briefly.

Add Cheese Gradually:
Stir the Parmesan in slowly on low heat to prevent it from clumping or making the sauce grainy.

Finish with Fresh Herbs:
Fresh parsley, basil, or thyme brighten up the richness of the sauce—add them right before serving for color and freshness.

Variations:

Mediterranean Spin:
Add a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the sauce for an extra punch of Mediterranean flavor.

Lemon Twist:
Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a bit of zest at the end to balance the creaminess with brightness.

Mushroom Mix:
Use a mix of wild mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, or portobello for more depth and umami.

Cheese Options:
Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier profile, or add a spoon of cream cheese for a silkier texture.

Herb Lovers’ Version:
Try adding fresh rosemary or oregano for a more rustic Mediterranean aroma.

Vegetable Boost:
Stir in spinach, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers at the end for extra nutrition and color.

Wine-Free Option:
If you prefer not to use wine, replace it with a splash of extra chicken broth and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.

Q&A

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work beautifully. They’re juicier and add a deeper flavor to the sauce. Just adjust the cooking time slightly—thighs may take a few minutes longer.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
You can. Replace the cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavor will still be rich and satisfying.

Q: How can I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of oil slightly. You can also use less cheese or skip the optional flour to keep it lower in calories.

Q: Can I add vegetables to make it a full meal?
Definitely. Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini all work well. Just stir them into the sauce for a few minutes before adding the chicken back in.

Q: What can I serve it with?
It pairs perfectly with rice, mashed potatoes, couscous, or pasta. For a lighter side, try roasted vegetables or a simple Mediterranean salad.

Q: How long will leftovers last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

Nutrition

(Per Serving)

(Approximate, based on 4 servings using chicken breasts and heavy cream)

Calories: 380

Protein: 32 g

Carbohydrates: 7 g

Fat: 25 g

Saturated Fat: 10 g

Fiber: 1 g

Sugar: 2 g

Sodium: 420 mg

Cholesterol: 110 mg

Conclusion

The Mediterranean Creamy Mushroom Chicken in One Skillet is the kind of dish that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a velvety Parmesan sauce come together in one pan for an easy, satisfying meal that’s rich in Mediterranean flavor. It’s versatile enough for a quick weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve guests. Pair it with a crisp salad or warm bread, and you’ve got a complete meal that feels both cozy and refined.