Crunchy Golden Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Mushroom Sauce
There are few things more satisfying than the crunch of golden chicken paired with the richness of a creamy, cheesy mushroom sauce. This Crunchy Golden Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Mushroom Sauce brings together a crispy breadcrumb coating and a savory, silky sauce for the ultimate comforting dinner. And best of all? It’s made in one skillet and finishes in the oven for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.
Why I Love This Recipe
This dish hits all the right notes for me: golden, crunchy texture from pan-seared chicken, an earthy depth from mushrooms, and that dreamy, velvety sauce kissed with Parmesan. It’s elegant enough for date night but simple enough for a weeknight win. If you’re into cozy dinners that feel indulgent but are secretly straightforward to whip up, this one’s for you.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button work great)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (yes, again—for the sauce!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish
Ingredient Swaps & Notes
- Mushrooms: Swap in shiitake or portobello for deeper umami.
- Cream: You can lighten this up by using half-and-half, but it won’t be as rich.
- Breadcrumbs: Gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds work as alternatives.
- Parmesan: Always go for freshly grated if possible—it melts smoother and tastes better.
How to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs and ½ cup Parmesan.
- Dip each chicken breast in the beaten eggs, then dredge in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mix, pressing to adhere.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, and the remaining ½ cup Parmesan. Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over top, and bake uncovered for 5–7 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley, and serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
- Don’t crowd the skillet when searing the chicken—cook in batches if needed.
- If your sauce gets too thick, add a splash more broth or cream to loosen it.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve this rich main over:
- Buttery mashed potatoes
- Garlic herb rice
- Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts
- Al dente pasta or creamy polenta
For drink pairings, try a chilled Chardonnay, a crisp sparkling water with lemon, or even this refreshing blueberry lemonade.
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave in 30-second intervals, adding a splash of cream if needed.
- Freezer: Not ideal due to the dairy-based sauce, but you can freeze the cooked chicken without sauce for up to 2 months.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Craving more comforting dinners? Try these favorites from the site:
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
- This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor
- This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving something rich and homey, this Crunchy Golden Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Mushroom Sauce will steal the show. It’s a perfect balance of crispy and creamy, rustic yet refined.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it went! Leave a comment below, share your twist, and follow along for more comfort food classics and easy dinner wins.
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