Creamy Skillet Chicken with Mushrooms and Cheese: The 30-Minute Comfort Meal You’ll Crave
If you’re craving something warm, hearty, and deliciously satisfying, then you’re in the right place. There’s something undeniably comforting about a rich and creamy chicken dinner, especially when it’s brimming with earthy mushrooms and a blanket of melted cheese. This creamy skillet chicken with mushrooms and cheese is the kind of dish that speaks to your soul—quick to make, big on flavor, and perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re feeding your family or just treating yourself after a long day, this meal delivers both simplicity and comfort in a single pan.
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ToggleWhy You’ll Love This Creamy Skillet Chicken Recipe
You’re busy, and dinner shouldn’t be another stressful task on your to-do list. That’s where this recipe shines. It’s designed for weeknights, when you want something fast but crave something homemade and heartwarming. Here’s why it stands out:
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- One-pan convenience: Fewer dishes means less cleanup.
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- Ready in 30 minutes: Quick doesn’t have to mean bland.
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- Versatile ingredients: Swap in what you have on hand.
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- Kid-approved: Creamy, cheesy, and mild enough for picky eaters.
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- Restaurant-quality at home: Feel like a chef without the hassle.
This recipe gives you the ease of takeout with the quality and nourishment of a homemade meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Skillet Chicken with Mushrooms and Cheese
When you cook this dish, you’re using familiar, everyday ingredients in a way that transforms them into something extraordinary. Here’s your go-to shopping list:
Quantity | Ingredient | Notes |
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2 tsp | Olive oil | Can use butter or avocado oil |
1 small | Onion, chopped | Yellow or white onion works |
8 oz | White button mushrooms, sliced | Baby bella or cremini work well |
2 cloves | Garlic, minced | Garlic paste works too |
1½ lbs | Boneless chicken breasts, sliced | Boneless thighs as alternative |
¾ tsp | Salt | Adjust to taste |
½ tsp | Black pepper | Freshly cracked preferred |
4 oz | Cream cheese | Full-fat or light versions both work |
¼ cup | Chicken broth | Use low-sodium; veg broth is okay too |
¼–½ cup | Shredded mozzarella | Monterey Jack is a good sub |
— | Cooked rice | Brown, white, or cauliflower rice |
3 tbsp | Fresh parsley, chopped | Optional garnish |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking the Dish
Making this dish is as rewarding as it is simple. Follow these easy steps and your skillet dinner will be a home run.
Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your chopped onion and sliced mushrooms, letting them soften for about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir occasionally so they don’t stick. Once they’re soft and fragrant, toss in the garlic and cook it for another 30 seconds. This quick combo forms the flavor base of your dish.
Sear the Chicken
Turn the heat up to medium-high and add your seasoned chicken strips to the pan. Make sure each piece gets a bit of space to brown nicely. Sear them for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping once to get that golden, caramelized color. You’re locking in juices and flavor here, so take your time.
Add Cream Cheese and Broth
Lower the heat to medium and add the cream cheese and chicken broth. Stir gently as the cream cheese melts and blends into a silky, luscious sauce. You should see it begin to coat the chicken and mushrooms beautifully.
Melt the Cheese and Finish Cooking
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over everything in the pan. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. In about 2 to 3 minutes, the cheese will melt, and the chicken will finish cooking through. You’ll know it’s ready when the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Serve and Garnish
Serve the creamy chicken hot over your choice of rice. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a touch of freshness and color. The smell alone is enough to call everyone to the table.
Nutrition Information and Healthy Swaps
This recipe hits that perfect spot between indulgence and nutrition. Here’s the breakdown:
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- Calories: About 436 per serving
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- Protein: High in lean protein from chicken
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- Carbs: Variable depending on rice choice
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- Fat: Healthy fats from olive oil and cheese
Want to make it even healthier?
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- Use light cream cheese
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- Swap white rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice
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- Reduce cheese or use part-skim mozzarella
External Link: Health Benefits of Chicken and Mushrooms – Healthline
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
Perfect Pairings:
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- Garlic green beans
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- Roasted carrots or asparagus
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- Toasted crusty bread to soak up the sauce
Storage:
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- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in airtight container
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- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months
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- Reheating: Use the stovetop with a splash of broth or microwave in short bursts
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this creamy skillet chicken with mushrooms and cheese ahead of time?
Yes, it stores beautifully. Prepare and refrigerate up to 2 days in advance. Just reheat gently before serving.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can swap in Greek yogurt, mascarpone, or even coconut cream if you’re dairy-free.
Is this skillet chicken recipe gluten-free?
Yes—just be sure your broth and cheese are certified gluten-free, and serve with rice or veggies.
Can I add more vegetables to the skillet?
Definitely! Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers work well and add more color and nutrition.
Conclusion: Comfort Food That’s Quick, Creamy, and Crowd-Pleasing
You don’t need a complicated ingredient list or hours in the kitchen to make something that tastes incredible. This creamy skillet chicken with mushrooms and cheese is a recipe you can count on again and again. It’s weeknight-friendly, family-approved, and endlessly satisfying. The next time you need something warm, cozy, and quick, you know exactly what to make.
Ready to give it a try? Let us know how yours turns out! Share your creation on social media or drop a comment with your favorite variations. Don’t forget to bookmark this recipe—you’ll be coming back to it often!

Creamy Skillet Chicken with Mushrooms and Cheese
- Author: Chef Rina
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Skillet Chicken with Mushrooms and Cheese is your go-to 30-minute comfort meal—easy, cheesy, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
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2 teaspoons olive oil
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1 small onion, chopped
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8 oz white button mushrooms, sliced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
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¾ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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4 oz plain cream cheese (regular or reduced fat)
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¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
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¼ to ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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Steamed brown or white rice (for serving)
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3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
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Sauté the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms for 4–5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
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While the vegetables cook, slice the chicken and season with salt and pepper.
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Turn the heat up to medium-high. Add the chicken strips to the skillet and sear for 6–8 minutes, turning once, until golden brown.
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Add the cream cheese and chicken broth. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and mixed into the sauce.
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Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the skillet. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for another 2–3 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
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Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
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Serve hot over rice and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 436 per serving