Introduction

Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Mushrooms is a rich, comforting, and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, flavorful sauce, accented by earthy mushrooms. This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal. The chicken is lightly browned and then simmered in a luscious cream sauce, making every bite melt in your mouth. With just the right amount of garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs, it offers the perfect balance of flavors that will have your family or guests asking for seconds.

I remember the first time I made this for a special family gathering. The aroma of the creamy sauce and sizzling chicken filled the house, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in. The combination of the tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and rich sauce made for a comforting, indulgent meal that everyone loved. I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly it came together, and how it elevated the dinner with such simple ingredients. It became an instant favorite, and now it’s a go-to for occasions when I want to impress!

Perfect for:

Weeknight dinners
Family gatherings
Special occasions
Comfort food lovers
Mushroom fans

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Mushrooms is sure to be a hit:

Rich, Creamy Sauce: The velvety sauce made with heavy cream, garlic, and chicken broth creates a luscious coating that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken and mushrooms.
Quick & Easy: Despite its indulgent taste, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Tender Chicken: The chicken is pan-seared until golden brown, then simmered in the creamy sauce, ensuring it stays juicy and flavorful.
Earthy Mushrooms: The mushrooms add depth and umami, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Comforting & Satisfying: This dish feels luxurious but is simple enough to make any night of the week.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Mushrooms:

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup sliced mushrooms (button or cremini)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy, the chicken breasts form the heart of this dish.
Mushrooms: Mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor to the sauce that complements the chicken perfectly.
Heavy Cream: Creates a luscious, creamy sauce that binds all the flavors together.
Garlic and Lemon: These aromatics provide a savory depth and bright tang.
Thyme and Parsley: Fresh herbs elevate the dish with their aromatic fragrance.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Mushrooms:

Prepare the Chicken:

Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce:

Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until they release their moisture and turn golden brown.
Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the broth simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add the Cream and Seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and thyme. Bring to a simmer, and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Return the Chicken to the Pan: Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the chicken. Simmer for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors and heat through.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

Serve and Garnish:

Serve: Plate the chicken breasts and spoon the creamy mushroom sauce over the top.
Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

How to Serve

With Mashed Potatoes: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
Over Pasta or Rice: Pair with pasta or rice for a complete, hearty meal.
With Steamed Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a balanced meal.
With Crusty Bread: Use a side of crusty bread to mop up the creamy sauce.

Additional Tips

Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half or milk in place of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Add More Veggies: For extra flavor and nutrition, add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce.
Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Recipe Variations

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scallopini: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Lemon Butter Chicken Scallopini: Use more lemon and a bit of white wine to create a tangy butter sauce.
Spinach and Mushroom Chicken Scallopini: Add fresh spinach to the sauce for added color and nutrients.
Cajun Chicken Scallopini: Season the chicken with Cajun spices for a spicy, bold twist.
Herb-Infused Chicken Scallopini: Add fresh basil, rosemary, or oregano to the sauce for a different flavor profile.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat.

Special Equipment

Large skillet or sauté pan
Meat thermometer (optional, for checking chicken doneness)
Chef’s knife (for slicing mushrooms and garlic)
Wooden spoon or spatula

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, but make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? The chicken and sauce can be made ahead and reheated.
Can I use a different type of mushroom? Yes, cremini, shiitake, or portobello mushrooms work great.
Can I make this dairy-free? Substitute the cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream, and use a plant-based butter.
Can I add cheese to the sauce? Yes, Parmesan or mozzarella would be a great addition to the sauce for a cheesy twist.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Mushrooms is a decadent yet easy-to-make dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its tender chicken, creamy sauce, and savory mushrooms, it’s a meal that’s both comforting and impressive. The rich, velvety sauce complements the perfectly cooked chicken, while the mushrooms add a savory depth of flavor that makes every bite irresistible.

This dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for everything from busy weeknight dinners to special meals with loved ones. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with a side of crispy bread to soak up that luscious sauce—either way, it’s a guaranteed hit.

I’d love to see how your Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Mushrooms turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!

Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Mushrooms – Pudge Factor