Creamy Chicken Mushroom with Rice: Your Weeknight Hero
When the clock strikes “What’s for dinner?” and your energy is somewhere between “cereal” and “takeout,” this Creamy Chicken Mushroom with Rice is here to save the evening. Packed with tender chicken thighs, luscious mushrooms, and a velvety sauce that clings lovingly to each grain of rice, this dish is comfort food magic—without the hours of fuss.
Whether you’re wrangling little ones, running late from work, or just craving something that feels like a warm hug, this recipe is a no-brainer.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Mushroom with Rice
- One-pan wonder: Fewer dishes means more “me time.”
- Meal prep friendly: It tastes even better the next day (hello, easy lunches).
- Customizable: Toss in some spinach, peas, or roasted veggies to make it your own.
And let’s be real: any dish that involves parmesan, heavy cream, and butter is already halfway to winning our hearts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
- Paprika powder
- Cornstarch
- Chicken stock powder
- Salt and pepper
- Cooking oil
- Butter
- Mushrooms (champignon, cremini, or button)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- Sugar
- Cooked rice (to serve)
- Dried parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Chicken Mushroom with Rice
1. Marinate the Chicken: In a big bowl, toss bite-sized chicken pieces with paprika powder, chicken stock powder, salt, pepper, and cornstarch. Let them chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. (Overnight? Even better.)
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat some oil in a large skillet until shimmering. Add chicken in a single layer, cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden, flip, and cook another 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil.
3. Build the Sauce Base: Same skillet, lower heat. Melt butter, then add mushrooms. Let them brown for 2 minutes undisturbed, then stir. Add onion and garlic; cook till softened and fragrant.
4. Develop the Dreamy Sauce: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up all those flavorful bits. Simmer 2 minutes. Turn heat to medium-low, stir in heavy cream and parmesan. Add a pinch of sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently until sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
5. Assemble and Serve: Layer hot rice onto plates, spoon over the creamy chicken mushroom goodness, and sprinkle with dried parsley. Grab a fork, dig in, and let the world fade away for a minute.
Pro Tips for Creamy Perfection
- Get that sear: Make sure your pan is hot enough so your chicken gets that gorgeous golden crust.
- Dry those mushrooms: Pat them dry before cooking to avoid soggy sadness.
- Deglaze like a pro: A splash of white wine before the broth can add major flavor points (optional, but delightful!).
For more tips on working magic with one-pan meals, check out our Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps.
Personal Touch: Why Chicken Thighs Are the Real MVP
Growing up, my mom insisted on using chicken thighs for everything. “Breasts are fine, but thighs? Thighs have soul,” she’d say. And after a few too many dry chicken dinners in my twenties, I’ve learned she was right. In this recipe, chicken thighs stay tender and flavorful, turning a simple meal into something worth gathering around.
Creamy Chicken Mushroom with Rice
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp paprika powder
- 1 tsp chicken stock powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cups mushrooms champignon, cremini or button, sliced
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1/2 tsp sugar
To Serve
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 1 tsp dried parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken with paprika, chicken stock powder, salt, pepper, and cornstarch. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or overnight.
- Heat oil in a skillet. Sear chicken in a single layer for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add mushrooms and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes. Stir, then add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
- Add chicken broth, deglazing the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in cream, parmesan, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened (5–7 minutes).
- Return chicken to the pan, stir to coat in sauce, and cook for another 2 minutes until heated through.
- Serve over rice and garnish with parsley.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Just cook them carefully so they stay juicy. Check out this guide for leftover rotisserie chicken to get ideas for flavor-packed poultry.
What’s the best type of mushrooms to use?
Champignon mushrooms are my go-to, but cremini and button mushrooms work beautifully too.
How can I thicken the sauce even more?
If your sauce isn’t thickening enough, simmer a little longer or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water).
Can I prep this dish ahead?
You bet. Store chicken and sauce separately from rice to avoid mushy sadness. They’ll keep up to 3 days in the fridge.
Can I substitute heavy cream?
You bet. Store chicken and sauce separately from rice to avoid mushy sadness. They’ll keep up to 3 days in the fridge.
Can I substitute heavy cream?
Half-and-half works in a pinch, but the sauce will be less rich. Coconut cream is a great dairy-free option—just know it’ll add a slight tropical twist.
For more meal prep winners, visit our Easy Make-Ahead Meals Collection.
Conclusion
So the next time life feels a little too “meh” and your dinner motivation needs a pep talk, pull out this Creamy Chicken Mushroom with Rice recipe. It’s reliable, cozy, and might just become your new family favorite. (Bonus: your kitchen will smell amazing.)
For more meal prep winners, visit our Healthy Mexican Pasta Salad or cozy Creamy Pasta Salad.
Recap the Key Message
Busy weeknights don’t have to mean bland dinners. This Creamy Chicken Mushroom with Rice recipe proves that with just one pan and a few staple ingredients, you can serve a comforting, flavor-packed meal that satisfies every time.