If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy dinner that’s sure to win hearts (and appetites), look no further than Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice. This dish is pure comfort in a skillet: tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fluffy rice all nestled in a velvety, savory sauce. Whether you need a weeknight hero or want to impress friends with minimal effort, this one-pot wonder brings together classic flavors in a way that feels both nostalgic and just a little bit special.

Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice lies in its straightforward ingredient list—each one adds something memorable to the final dish, from rich creaminess to savory depth and herby brightness. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Chicken breasts or thighs: Use bite-sized pieces for juicy, tender bites throughout the dish.
Olive oil: Adds a lovely base flavor and helps brown the chicken.
Butter: Brings richness and that signature silky texture to the sauce.
Yellow onion: Lends sweetness and depth as it softens and melds into the sauce.
Garlic: For a fragrant, irresistible aroma—don’t skip it!
Cremini or white mushrooms: Earthy, meaty, and absolutely essential for the mushroom-forward flavor.
Long-grain white rice: Soaks up all the flavors and turns perfectly tender in the pan.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Delivers savory notes without making things too salty.
Heavy cream: The secret to that luscious, creamy sauce everyone craves.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that ties everything together.
Dried thyme: Just the right amount of herby aroma to cut through the richness.
Salt and black pepper: For simple, perfect seasoning.
Fresh parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that wakes up every bite.

How to Make Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Begin by heating olive oil and butter together in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Once the butter melts and starts to foam, add your chicken pieces. Season them with salt and pepper, and let them cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll want the chicken to be lightly browned and mostly cooked through—it doesn’t need to be perfect just yet! Remove the chicken to a plate and set it aside while you work your veggie magic.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pan (no need to clean it!), toss in the chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s softened and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Let these cook for another 5 to 6 minutes, stirring often, until the mushrooms are tender, browned, and have released their lovely earthy aroma. This layer is what gives Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice its signature flavor base.

Step 3: Build the Base

Now, stir in the uncooked rice, dried thyme, and the chicken you seared earlier. This is where all those flavors start to meld. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful browned bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil—get ready for your kitchen to smell amazing!

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let everything simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. This is the hands-off part where the rice becomes fluffy and absorbs every bit of savory flavor. Check to make sure the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed before moving on.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. This is the moment where Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice transforms from simple to spectacular. Let the dish sit uncovered for about 5 minutes—the sauce will thicken just enough, making every spoonful extra luxurious.

How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brightens up this creamy dish and adds a pop of color. You can also shower a bit more grated Parmesan over the top if you want to double down on that savory finish. For a little extra zing, a twist of black pepper works wonders.

Side Dishes

Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice is a complete meal in itself, but it’s lovely alongside a simple green salad or some steamed green beans. If you’re in the mood for something extra, try serving it with warm crusty bread to soak up every last drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party twist, serve Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice in individual ramekins or shallow bowls, garnished with a sprig of parsley. You can also spoon it into roasted bell pepper halves for a colorful, handheld option—guests will love the surprise and the vibrant presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. This dish will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches. The flavors deepen overnight, so it’s just as delicious (if not more so) the next day.

Freezing

Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice can be frozen, though the texture of the rice may soften a bit after thawing. To freeze, pack cooled portions into airtight containers or freezer bags. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer your portion to a skillet or saucepan and warm gently over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if it seems a little dry. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Just be careful not to overcook, as the chicken can dry out.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can absolutely use brown rice for Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice! Just remember to increase the amount of chicken broth and extend the simmering time, as brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs more liquid.

What type Main Course

Both cremini and white mushrooms are fantastic, but feel free to use your favorite variety. Even a mix of mushrooms adds extra depth and a more complex flavor to Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with more olive oil, swap the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative (like coconut cream or cashew cream), and use a dairy-free Parmesan. The result will still be creamy and comforting!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as written, Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your chicken broth and Parmesan cheese to ensure they don’t contain any hidden gluten.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Stir in a handful of baby spinach or frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking for extra color, flavor, and nutrition. Both options blend seamlessly into the creamy sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice recipe is everything you want in a comforting meal—simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a new favorite around your table!

Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice recipe combines tender chicken pieces, sautéed mushrooms, and fluffy rice in a rich, creamy sauce flavored with Parmesan and thyme. It’s a comforting one-pot meal perfect for a hearty dinner that’s easy to prepare and packed with delicious flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Cooking Fats

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced

Rice and Liquids

1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Dairy and Seasonings

1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

Chopped fresh parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and mostly cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring often, until mushrooms are tender and browned.
Combine Ingredients and Cook Rice: Stir in the rice, dried thyme, and cooked chicken pieces. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 18–20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Add Cream and Cheese: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese thoroughly. Let the dish sit uncovered for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for garnish. Serve the creamy mushroom chicken and rice warm and enjoy.

Notes

Brown rice can be used as a substitute, but increase the chicken broth and cooking time accordingly for proper cooking.
Add fresh spinach or peas at the end of cooking for added color and nutrition.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American