Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Sauce Recipe

This one-skillet Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Sauce Recipe is a delicious way to turn plain chicken breasts into something special in about 30 minutes.

Are you chickened out? You know what I mean, chicken this and chicken that. Boring and ho-hum chicken again for dinner. Well, say goodbye to that boring, ho-hum chicken and say hello to Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Sauce. I know. I sound like a car dealer. But this chicken is better than any car. Of course you wouldn’t eat a car. Or at least you shouldn’t. That would be weird. But this chicken, this chicken isn’t weird. It’s scrumptious! Let me tell you all about it.

Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Cream Sauce

Inspiration began with Julia Child’s recipe for Chicken Breasts with Mushrooms and Cream from Mastering the Art of French Cooking. I followed Julia’s basic flavor profile, using most of the same ingredients and measurements, as well as the first steps for making the cream sauce. But I veered off from her recipe, using skinless, boneless chicken breasts and ad-libbing ingredients and measurements here and there because, you know, it’s a free country.

After a bit of simmering and fiddling, this delicious dish was ready in no time. And, holy Toledo Batman, this easy chicken breasts recipe with mushrooms and a delectable cream sauce is some kind of goodness, far and away from boring or ho-hum. The savory cream sauce with a hint of cognac, combined with the chicken and mushrooms, is most satisfying. 

Since this recipe is so easy to prepare, it has become a fabulous addition to our regular dinner rotation. I tend to keep most of the ingredients stocked up and ready to prepare on the fly for those nights when I haven’t planned very well or our schedule goes awry. Of course, sometimes I may have to swing by the grocery store to grab mushrooms or a shallot (or use garlic in a pinch), but I usually have everything on hand for this one. 

Ingredients for Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Sauce

• boneless skinless chicken breasts
• butter
• fresh lemon juice
• kosher salt
• ground black pepper
• sliced mushrooms
• minced shallot
• beef broth
• cognac
• whipping cream

How to Make Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Sauce

1. Begin by pounding the trimmed chicken breasts lightly to about half an inch thickness.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add three tablespoons of butter and allow to melt.
3. Next add chicken breasts to the skillet in a single layer and sprinkle with lemon juice, salt and pepper. Brown chicken breasts on each side for three minutes. Once browned, transfer to a plate and cover.
4. To make the sauce, add the remaining two tablespoons of butter to the skillet and allow to melt. Add mushrooms and minced shallot to the pan, plus a pinch or two of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for five minutes.
5. Stir in the beef broth and cognac, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a steady simmer. Simmer and stir occasionally for 2-3 minutes.
   Stir in the cream, bring back to a steady simmer. Lower heat to achieve a slow simmer. Continue to stir occasionally, until thickened slightly, which should take about 2 minutes.
6. Finish by reducing heat to low and season to taste. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Turn chicken breasts to coat all sides with sauce. Cook on low until chicken is done.
7. Serve warm garnished with fresh parsley.

What to serve with Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Sauce 

So what are you waiting for? Ditch that ho-hum plan for boring chicken and take this Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Sauce for a spin. Serve with a side of veggies, like roasted asparagus, or a simple salad for a meal that will make you forget all about boring. Or, if you’re in the mood for pasta or rice, the sauce this recipe makes is perfect tossed with pasta or rice. If you are wanting to combine this dish with pasta or rice, I would double the sauce. Enjoy!

This chicken dish is an excellent go-to if you are entertaining or want to prepare a meal for a special occasion. While the cream and cognac are a bit indulgent, this recipe is not as fancy as it seems. Instead, it’s a super easy recipe and can be made in about 30 minutes. Plus, you can keep it warm on the stove (or transfer to a crockpot on very low heat) until you’re ready to serve. Also, there never seem to be leftovers with this recipe. It’s that yummy. So if you’re wanting extra, go ahead and double the recipe.

Other delicious chicken recipes you will love:

• Chicken Piccata Recipe 
• Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs
• Chicken Marsala Recipe 
• Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Cream Sauce Recipe

Originally published October 4, 2018. Updated May 5, 2023.