This Creamy Chicken with Mushroom Sauce is a simple, weeknight dinner that's packed with flavor. Coconut milk creates a silky, dairy-free sauce, while mushrooms, thyme, and mustard bring a sophisticated French touch. Serve it up with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a comforting meal on a cold evening. Gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free.
A Seriously Comforting One-Pan Meal
The combination of chicken and mushrooms in a creamy sauce is a classic flavor pairing. Cooking everything together in one pan allows all the flavors to mingle, creating a pan sauce that's rich, deep and savory. There's no fancy ingredients here, just wholesome staples that taste indulgent. It's versatile, too: Stir in a handful of spinach for extra greens, serve over polenta or buttered noodles, or add a side of roasted vegetables. It's a cozy, nourishing meal that's ready in just 35 minutes!
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Ingredients and Substitutions
Chicken thighs - Boneless, skinless chicken thighs cook up quickly and have deliciously savory flavor. Use chicken breast instead for a lighter taste.
Dried thyme - A woodsy, herbal flavor that complements the mushrooms. If you have fresh thyme, use 2 teaspoons fresh picked thyme leaves instead.
Olive oil - This flavorful oil helps with caramelizing the chicken and mushrooms. Avocado oil also works well here.
Baby bella mushrooms - Have a mild, nutty flavor and firm texture. You can swap in your favorite mushroom or a mix of wild mushrooms here for a different flavor.
Garlic - Fresh garlic is best as the flavor shines through in the sauce. Pre-chopped garlic can be used to speed up prep.
Coconut milk - Brings the creamy texture to the sauce, without needing dairy. I recommend full-fat coconut milk for a good level of richness. If dairy isn't an issue you can use heavy cream instead.
Chicken broth - Adds a savory layer of flavor to the creamy sauce. Use low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness of the dish. Check that the broth you're using is certified gluten-free, if needed. Vegetable broth is also a great substitute.
Dijon mustard - A gluten-free condiment that adds a zingy, savory flavor to the sauce. Wholegrain mustard also works well.
Arrowroot powder - A gluten-free starch that thickens the sauce, enhancing the creamy texture. You can use cornstarch or tapioca starch instead, if needed.
Parsley - This garnish adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note. You can alternatively use a sprinkle of fresh thyme as a garnish.
Salt and black pepper
How to Make Creamy Chicken with Mushroom Sauce
Step 1: Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and thyme. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: In the same skillet, add mushrooms. Cook 5-6 minutes until browned and softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add coconut milk, chicken broth, and Dijon mustard. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Whisk arrowroot powder with 1 tablespoon water first in a small cup, then stir into sauce. Simmer 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over top. Simmer 2-3 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Variations
- For an easy way to add vegetables to the dish, stir in a few handfuls of baby spinach right at the end.
- Add a splash of gluten-free tamari to give the sauce a richer flavor.
- Try garnishing with a sprinkle of chopped fresh tarragon.
- For extra fiber and protein, stir in a can of drained white beans or butter beans.
Recipe tips
- Mixing the arrowroot powder with water before adding it to the skillet prevents it from clumping, guaranteeing a silky smooth sauce.
- Coconut milk adds a mild coconutty flavor to the sauce. For a more neutral taste, try soaking cashews and blending them up (like I do in this vegan Alfredo sauce) to make a cashew cream to use instead.
- Add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast to the sauce for a 'cheesy' flavor, without any dairy.
Serving suggestions
This recipe is delicious served with a simple salad, rice, or some steamed vegetables on the side. Other options to try are:
More Chicken Recipes
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📖 Recipe
Creamy Chicken with Mushroom Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 oz baby bella mushrooms sliced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ¾ cup full-fat coconut milk
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and thyme. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add mushrooms. Cook 5-6 minutes until browned and softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add coconut milk, chicken broth, and Dijon mustard. Stir to combine. Whisk arrowroot powder with 1 tablespoon water first in a small cup, then stir into sauce. Simmer 3-5 minutes, continuing to stir periodically, until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over top. Simmer 2-3 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
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