This Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake is the sort of weeknight dinner you dream about: tender chicken breasts, golden and juicy, nestled in an ultra-creamy, garlicky mushroom sauce with just the right hint of herbs. The velvety sauce bubbles up beautifully in the oven, blanketing everything in savory goodness. And with a duo of melted cheeses on top, every bite feels both cozy and a little bit special—like a hug on a plate. If you’re looking for a casserole-style dish that feels both easy and elegant, this one’s destined to be a new favorite.

Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake has a purpose—bringing richness, comfort, or a touch of fresh flavor. You don’t need anything fancy, just good-quality basics and a little love to coax out their very best flavors.

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these cook up juicy and soak in all the luscious sauce.
Olive oil: Gives the chicken golden color and prevents sticking during the sear.
Unsalted butter: Adds depth and buttery richness to the veggies and sauce.
Mushrooms: Sliced and sautéed, they bring earthy flavor and a meaty, satisfying texture.
Garlic: Just two cloves pack in loads of fragrant punch, enhancing every bite.
Onion: Diced small, it caramelizes into the base of the sauce, adding sweetness and body.
Heavy cream: Forms the base of the sauce, making it luxuriously thick and creamy.
Chicken broth: Lightens up the sauce and infuses it with extra savoriness.
Dried thyme: This tiny herb packs big flavor, adding an herby, aromatic note.
Salt and black pepper: Don’t skimp—these bring all the flavors into perfect balance.
Parmesan cheese: Stirred in until melted for nutty sharpness and silky texture.
Mozzarella cheese: Sprinkled on top for gooey, melty deliciousness and that irresistible casserole crust.
Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens up all the richness.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to go when you are. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this ensures nothing sticks and makes for easier cleanup later.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Sear for about three to four minutes per side until they’re golden and fragrant. There’s no need to cook them all the way through; the oven will finish that job for you! Transfer the seared chicken to your prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms, Onion, and Garlic

Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add that generous tablespoon of butter. Toss in the diced onion and sliced mushrooms and sauté for five to six minutes until they’re softened, browned, and their aroma starts to fill the kitchen. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This step builds the beautiful base for your creamy sauce.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the pan (they’re pure flavor!). Sprinkle in the dried thyme, a little more salt and pepper, and let it simmer gently for three to four minutes to thicken slightly. Then, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a smooth, dreamy sauce.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour every bit of your savory mushroom cream sauce over the chicken in the baking dish, making sure each breast gets a generous blanket. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top for that irresistible golden finish. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes—until the chicken is cooked through, the sauce is bubbling, and the cheese is gloriously melted. Let the Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake rest for five minutes, then shower with fresh chopped parsley if you’re feeling extra fancy.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley lends a lovely pop of color and a bit of brightness that cuts through the creamy richness. For an extra hit of flavor, try a twist of cracked black pepper or a grating of extra Parmesan right before serving.

Side Dishes

This comforting casserole begs for something to soak up that luscious sauce! Serve it with fluffy rice, pillowy mashed potatoes, or tender pasta for a heartier meal. A simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables will bring welcome balance and freshness to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make dinner feel extra special, serve Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake family-style on a big platter, scattered with fresh herbs. Or, plate individual chicken breasts over a pool of sauce, add a side of garlicky greens, and drizzle a little olive oil on top for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake keeps wonderfully! Place cooled portions in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors actually develop even more overnight, making leftovers seriously tempting.

Freezing

You can freeze this bake, though the sauce may separate slightly due to the cream. For best results, let the dish cool completely, then wrap tightly (or use airtight containers) and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, cover your portion and warm gently in the oven at 325°F (about 15 to 20 minutes) or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. This helps the sauce regain its smooth texture and keeps the chicken from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs make the Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake even richer and stay extra juicy. You may need to adjust baking time slightly, but the process is exactly the same.

What kind of mushrooms work best?

Button or cremini mushrooms are classic, but feel free to try a mix (like shiitake or baby bella) for deeper, earthier flavor. Just be sure to slice them evenly for consistent cooking.

Is Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake gluten free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten free, which is fantastic for anyone with dietary restrictions. Always check your chicken broth for hidden gluten just to be safe.

Can I prep this dish ahead?

You sure can! Assemble everything up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, add 5–10 minutes to the baking time to account for the chill.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

The key is to gently simmer the cream—don’t let it boil furiously. Stirring in the Parmesan off the heat can also help keep the sauce silky and smooth every time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner, you really can’t go wrong with this Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake. It’s got all the best things: tender chicken, a silky sauce, and that cheesy, golden top. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed Sunday supper, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try—and watch it become a regular in your own kitchen!

Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this Chicken and Mushroom Bake. Juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich mushroom cream sauce, topped with gooey melted cheese, and baked to perfection. A comforting and satisfying meal for any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
8 ounces mushrooms (sliced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 small onion (diced)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sear chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear in a skillet until golden, then transfer to the baking dish.
Prepare sauce: In the same skillet, sauté mushrooms, onion, and garlic. Add cream, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer and stir in Parmesan until smooth.
Assemble and bake: Pour sauce over chicken, sprinkle with mozzarella, and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. Garnish with parsley before serving.