Unforgettable Creamy Parmesan Herb Mushroom Chicken: Your Go-To Healthy Dinner (No Heavy Cream!)
Prepare to fall in love with your new favorite dinner recipe: a remarkably thick, lightened-up, and incredibly flavorful Creamy Parmesan Herb Mushroom Chicken. This dish delivers a powerful kick of garlic and a rich, savory experience, all while offering a fantastic option with absolutely NO heavy cream — or *any* cream — at all! Say goodbye to guilt and hello to an unbelievably satisfying meal that the whole family will adore.
Imagine perfectly crispy-skinned chicken, expertly seared, then simmered to perfection in a luscious, thick sauce. What’s truly remarkable is that this incredible creaminess is achieved without a drop of traditional heavy cream. Instead, a clever blend of simple ingredients, aromatic herbs, a generous punch of fresh garlic, and savory Parmesan cheese combine to create an explosion of flavor in every bite. This one-pan wonder simplifies dinner without compromising on taste, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. It’s a healthy chicken recipe that feels indulgent!
Why This Creamy Chicken Dish Will Become Your Family’s Favorite
This recipe holds a special place, as it was one of the first I shared at the beginning of 2017, and it quickly became an undeniable hit. It offers a brilliant low-fat alternative that never compromises on flavor, proving that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and deeply satisfying. We’re talking about a dish so good, it had to be made a second time immediately after everyone had finished the first round – because they *all* wanted more! Since its initial introduction to my family in October 2016, this Creamy Parmesan Herb Mushroom Chicken has graced our dinner table at least once a week, a testament to its irresistible appeal and ease of preparation.
Honestly, it feels almost unfair that I’ve kept this culinary gem under wraps for so long. For a while, I doubted the quality of my photos, thinking they weren’t good enough to do this incredible dish justice. Looking back, I must have had rocks in my head! The flavors speak for themselves, and the joy it brings to the table is unparalleled. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers comfort and gourmet taste in a single pan. It’s the ultimate easy chicken dinner, packed with savory garlic and earthy mushrooms, making it a perfect weeknight solution.
The Star of the Show: Perfectly Cooked Chicken Thighs
Just like many of my go-to chicken recipes, this dish begins with searing the chicken thighs to achieve that coveted golden, crispy skin. This initial step is crucial for locking in moisture and building a foundational layer of flavor that will permeate the entire dish. Searing creates a beautiful caramelization on the skin, enhancing both texture and taste, and renders some of the fat, leaving behind delicious pan drippings. Don’t skip this step – it’s where much of the magic begins!
Once perfectly seared, the chicken is set aside briefly while the magic of the sauce unfolds. This method ensures that your chicken remains incredibly tender and juicy, with a delightful textural contrast from the crisp skin. The chicken then finishes cooking in the oven, enveloped in the rich, creamy sauce. This two-step cooking process guarantees the chicken is cooked through perfectly without drying out, allowing it to absorb all the wonderful flavors of the sauce. For those who prefer chicken breasts, fear not! You can absolutely substitute them. The key difference is that chicken breasts generally cook faster, so there’s no need for the oven step. Simply continue simmering them in the flavorful garlic mushroom sauce on the stovetop until they are thoroughly cooked, ensuring they remain succulent and tender.
Crafting the Velvety, No-Cream Sauce
The true genius of this recipe lies in its incredibly flavorful and thick sauce, which defies expectations by achieving a luxurious creaminess without any heavy cream. This innovative approach makes the dish lighter yet just as satisfying, if not more so, than traditional cream-based recipes. The secret weapon here is evaporated milk, which, when combined with a touch of cornstarch (or cornflour), creates a beautifully thick and velvety texture. Evaporated milk provides a rich, milky base without the high fat content of heavy cream, making this a healthier choice for your family while still delivering on flavor and consistency. It’s a brilliant hack for a lighter creamy chicken sauce!
The depth of flavor in the sauce comes from sautéed minced garlic, which infuses the pan juices with an irresistible aroma right from the start. Sliced mushrooms add an earthy, umami richness, perfectly complementing the chicken and contributing to the sauce’s body. A harmonious blend of dried basil, dried oregano, and fresh parsley provides an aromatic complexity, while chicken bouillon powder enhances the savory chicken notes. Finally, the generous addition of freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, contributing its signature salty, nutty, and incredibly savory essence, creating a truly unforgettable experience. Every spoonful of this parmesan herb sauce is a burst of exquisite taste.
Key Ingredients and Their Roles for Maximum Flavor
Every ingredient in this Creamy Parmesan Herb Mushroom Chicken recipe plays a crucial role in building its deep, complex flavors. Understanding their purpose will help you appreciate the magic of this dish even more.
- Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are highly recommended for their unparalleled flavor and juiciness. The skin crisps up beautifully during searing, and the bone imparts additional depth to the sauce. However, boneless, skinless thighs or even chicken breasts can be used for a quicker cooking time, adjusting the method as noted below.
- Garlic Powder, Salt & Pepper: These aren’t just basic seasonings; they form the essential flavor base for the chicken itself, ensuring it’s well-seasoned from the inside out before it even touches the pan.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic is absolutely essential for the sauce, providing an aromatic and pungent foundation that elevates all the other flavors. Don’t skimp on the fresh garlic!
- Mushrooms (sliced): Whether cremini, button, or your favorite variety, sliced mushrooms add an incredible earthy, umami richness and a delightful texture, perfectly soaking up the creamy sauce. They are a must-have for a truly savory mushroom chicken.
- Dried Basil & Oregano: This classic Italian herb combination lends a warm, fragrant, and slightly peppery quality to the sauce, reminiscent of your favorite comforting Italian dishes.
- Fresh Parsley (chopped): Used both within the sauce and as a fresh garnish, parsley adds a vibrant, herbaceous lift that brightens the overall flavor profile and provides a pop of color.
- Evaporated Milk: The star ingredient for achieving profound creaminess without the heaviness of traditional cream. It’s milk that has had about 60% of its water removed, resulting in a richer, thicker consistency that mimics heavy cream when cooked down.
- Chicken Bullion Powder (or stock powder): This concentrated flavor enhancer boosts the savory chicken notes in the sauce, creating a more cohesive and robust taste.
- Cornstarch (Cornflour): Mixed with a small amount of milk, this forms a slurry that is the secret to thickening the sauce to a perfect, velvety consistency. It’s a key component in our “no heavy cream” approach.
- Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated): This is where the “Parmesan” in our dish really shines! Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty, and intensely umami richness that melts beautifully into the sauce, making it incredibly luxurious and irresistible.
- Optional Add-ins: Ingredients like fresh spinach or lightly steamed broccoli florets are fantastic additions for extra nutrients, color, and texture, making this a truly balanced one-pan meal.
Cooking Techniques for a Perfect Result
Achieving restaurant-quality results at home is simpler than you think with this Creamy Parmesan Herb Mushroom Chicken recipe. The process starts with a critical step: searing. High heat is your friend here, creating a beautiful, golden-brown crust on your chicken thighs. This not only makes the skin incredibly delicious but also renders some of the fat, leaving behind flavorful pan drippings that will form the base of your sauce. Don’t rush this step; patience will be rewarded with superior texture and taste, a hallmark of excellent chicken cooking.
After searing, the chicken transitions to the oven to finish cooking. This allows the heat to penetrate evenly, ensuring the chicken is tender and cooked through without over-browning the exterior. While the chicken bakes, your focus shifts to the sauce. Using the same pan means you capture all those caramelized bits and flavorful oils left behind from the chicken, which become the backbone of your rich sauce. Sautéing garlic until fragrant, then adding mushrooms and herbs, builds incredible layers of aroma and taste. Gradually whisking in the evaporated milk (or your chosen alternative) and the cornstarch slurry ensures a smooth, lump-free, and perfectly thickened sauce. Finally, incorporating Parmesan cheese right at the end melts into a silky, savory coating that perfectly complements the juicy chicken, tying all the flavors together in a symphony of taste.
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Creamy Parmesan Herb Mushroom Chicken
Ingredients
FOR THE CHICKEN:
- 6 chicken thighs skin on or off, bone in or out
- 2-3 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch pepper
FOR THE SAUCE:
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 400 g mushrooms sliced
- 1 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1½ cups evaporated milk half and half or cream if using: see notes
- 1 teaspoon chicken bullion powder or stock powder
- 1 pinch salt to taste
- 1 pinch pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch cornflour mixed with 2 tablespoons of extra 2% milk
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese fresh grated, divided
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped, to serve
OPTIONAL ADD IN:
- 2 cups spinach
- 2 cups broccoli florets lightly steamed
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 200°C | 400°F.
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Season chicken with garlic powder, salt and pepper.
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Heat cooking oil spray in a large, non stick and oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Sear chicken thighs until golden and crispy on each side (about 3-4 minutes each side).
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Transfer chicken to the oven and roast until completely cooked through, (about 25-30 minutes).
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Once chicken is done, transfer to a warm plate and set aside. Drain some of the excess fat from the skillet, reserving 2 tablespoons for added flavour.
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Return skillet to the stove over medium-high heat and sauté the garlic in the pan juices until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add the mushrooms, herbs and 2 teaspoons of parsley and fry until mushrooms begin to soften.
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Reduce heat to low-medium heat, add the milk (or cream) and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and being careful not to boil. Add in the bullion powder and season with salt and pepper to your taste.
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Pour the milk/cornstarch mixture to the centre of the pan, and continue to simmer while quickly stirring the mixture through until the sauce thickens.
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Add 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese; allow sauce to simmer for a further minute until cheese melts through the sauce. Add the chicken back into the pan and allow to simmer for 1-2 minutes in the cream to take on the flavours. Taste test and add extra salt or pepper, if desired.
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At this point, add in the optional add-ins, if desired. Allow spinach to wilt (if using).
Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup of parsley and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese.
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Serve with steamed rice, over steamed vegetables or pasta.
Notes
*If you don’t have to oregano and dried basil leaves, use 2 teaspoons Italian herbs.
*For DAIRY FREE OPTIONS: Substitute evaporated milk with almond, coconut or rice milk.
SIDE NOTE: Alternatively, replace the evaporated milk with half and half, heavy cream, thickened cream or a reduced fat cooking cream. If using any of the creams suggested, do not add the cornstarch mixture. You won’t need it.
*For a gluten free option, find GLUTEN FREE Cornstarch where available
PLEASE NOTE: Due to some readers having difficulty with this recipe, I have retested it and found the original recipe posted works fine, as it has for many other readers. However, I have modified the recipe since posting for a better outcome for future readers! ENJOY!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings
This versatile Creamy Parmesan Herb Mushroom Chicken is a complete meal in itself, but it truly shines when paired with the right sides. The rich, savory sauce is perfect for soaking up with a variety of accompaniments. For a classic comfort food experience, serve it alongside fluffy steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes. The sauce acts as an incredible gravy, coating every grain or dollop with its irresistible flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, it pairs wonderfully with steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or additional broccoli florets. The vibrant freshness of the vegetables provides a lovely contrast to the creamy chicken. For pasta lovers, tossing the chicken and sauce with your favorite pasta shape—think fettuccine, penne, or linguine—creates a hearty and satisfying meal that will rival any Italian restaurant dish. A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese before serving adds a final touch of gourmet flair, making every bite of this parmesan chicken a delight.
Tips for Success and Recipe Variations
To ensure your Creamy Parmesan Herb Mushroom Chicken turns out perfect every time, and to customize it to your preferences, consider these expert tips and variations:
Making the Most of Your Chicken:
- Choosing Your Cut: While chicken thighs (skin-on, bone-in) offer the most flavor and a delightful crispy skin when seared, boneless, skinless thighs or even chicken breasts work beautifully. If using breasts, skip the oven roasting step and finish cooking them in the sauce on the stovetop until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This prevents them from drying out.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing chicken, ensure your skillet isn’t too crowded. This allows the chicken to sear properly and achieve a beautiful, golden, crispy crust. If necessary, sear in batches to maintain high heat. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than searing.
- Deglazing for Flavor: The browned bits at the bottom of the pan after searing are packed with flavor, often called “fond.” Sautéing your minced garlic and mushrooms in these pan juices helps to “deglaze” the pan, incorporating all that delicious fond into your sauce and building incredible depth.
Sauce Perfection:
- No Heavy Cream, No Problem: The evaporated milk and cornstarch slurry are key to achieving a thick, luxurious sauce without heavy cream. This makes the dish lighter without sacrificing richness. Remember, if you *do* opt for dairy alternatives like heavy cream, half-and-half, or thickened cream, you won’t need the cornstarch mixture as these will naturally thicken as they reduce.
- Herb Alternatives: If fresh basil and oregano are not readily available, a good quality dried Italian seasoning blend can be a fantastic substitute. Use about 2 teaspoons to achieve a similar aromatic profile in your parmesan herb sauce. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also add lovely complexity.
- Dairy-Free Options: For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, evaporated milk can be successfully substituted with unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, or rice milk. The sauce may have a slightly different flavor profile depending on the milk chosen, but it will still be delicious and creamy. Ensure any bouillon or stock used is also dairy-free.
- Gluten-Free: To make this dish entirely gluten-free, ensure your chicken bouillon powder and cornstarch are certified gluten-free. Most cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, but always check labels.
Enhance Your Meal:
- Add More Veggies: The optional addition of spinach or lightly steamed broccoli florets is a wonderful way to boost the nutritional content and add color. Wilt the spinach directly into the hot sauce during the last few minutes of simmering, or stir in the pre-cooked broccoli just before serving. Other great additions include sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes.
- Spice It Up: For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce along with the garlic. Adjust to your desired level of spice.
- Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest grated over the finished dish, right before serving, can add a bright, fresh counterpoint to the richness of the creamy sauce, elevating the overall flavor.
Storage and Reheating
This Creamy Parmesan Herb Mushroom Chicken makes for fantastic leftovers, perfect for meal prep throughout the week. Store any unused portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and to re-emulsify the sauce. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. Freezing is generally not recommended for cream-based sauces as they can sometimes separate upon thawing, but since this recipe primarily uses evaporated milk, it tends to hold up better than traditional heavy cream sauces. If you choose to freeze, freeze the chicken and sauce separately, then thaw and reheat gently, whisking the sauce well to restore its creamy texture.
This Creamy Parmesan Herb Mushroom Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create a truly extraordinary dining experience. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking for a reliable, flavorful, and healthier option, this easy chicken dinner is sure to impress. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors and the satisfying creaminess without compromise!