Name: Creamy Chicken Mushroom Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 lbs chicken breasts (4 to 5 large), cut into 1-inch thick strips; 1 1/2 tsp sea salt (plus more to taste); 1/4 tsp black pepper (plus more to taste); 1 cup all-purpose flour (to coat the chicken); 6 Tbsp olive oil (divided); 1 lb white mushrooms, thickly sliced; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 3 Tbsp unsalted butter; 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour (for the sauce); 1 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 Tbsp lemon juice; 1 cup half and half (or 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 cup heavy cream)

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dinner that just feels like a warm hug, you’ve got to try this Creamy Chicken Mushroom Casserole Recipe. I absolutely love how the tender chicken and rich, velvety mushroom sauce come together to create a dish that’s deliciously satisfying without being complicated. When I first made this recipe, my family went crazy for it — and honestly, it’s become one of my top go-tos when I want something hearty but fuss-free.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultra Tender Chicken: The chicken stays juicy and tender thanks to the gentle oven finish inside the creamy sauce.
Rich, Flavor-Packed Sauce: The mushroom and buttery sauce hits just the right balance of comfort and elegance.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: No complicated ingredients; just pantry staples that come together beautifully.
Great for Leftovers: This casserole reheats brilliantly—perfect for meal prep or next-day dinners.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a creamy light brown sauce covered with pieces of cooked pale pink chicken layered with sliced brown mushrooms. The sauce has a smooth, slightly shiny texture and is garnished with small sprigs of bright green parsley evenly placed on top. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, and a pale pink spoon is partially visible inside the dish at the far end. The edges of the dish show some baked-on sauce residue. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken Mushroom Casserole, Chicken Mushroom Casserole, Chicken and Mushroom Bake, Easy Chicken Casserole, Comfort Food Recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients for this creamy chicken mushroom casserole recipe play a purpose — from the tender chicken breasts that soak up flavor, to the mushrooms that bring an earthy depth, and the simple sauce ingredients that come together to create that silky richness. When shopping, I recommend getting fresh mushrooms and good quality chicken broth to really elevate the dish.

Flat lay of four large raw chicken breasts cut into thick strips, a small pile of all-purpose flour in a simple white ceramic bowl, a few whole brown garlic cloves, one medium yellow onion finely diced in a white bowl, thickly sliced white mushrooms arranged neatly on a white plate, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a few cubes of unsalted butter on a white dish, a small white bowl with pale creamy half and half, a small white bowl with pale yellow lemon juice, and a few whole uncracked brown eggs placed symmetrically alongside a tiny mound of coarse sea salt and a small heap of whole black peppercorns all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Chicken Mushroom Casserole, Chicken Mushroom Casserole, Chicken and Mushroom Bake, Easy Chicken Casserole, Comfort Food Recipes

Chicken breasts: Choose thick, meaty breasts for juicy, tender results.
Sea salt: Enhances flavor; kosher salt works well too.
Black pepper: Freshly ground adds more kick.
All-purpose flour: Used both for dredging chicken and thickening the sauce.
Olive oil: A good quality olive oil gives a nice base flavor when browning chicken and sautéing veggies.
White mushrooms: Thickly sliced for meaty texture and deep mushroom flavor.
Onion: Finely diced to blend seamlessly into the sauce and add sweetness.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic has such a wonderful aroma and depth here.
Unsalted butter: For a rich, buttery sauce without too much salt.
Chicken broth: Provides the savory base — homemade or store-bought both work.
Lemon juice: Just a splash to brighten the sauce and balance richness.
Half and half (or milk + heavy cream): Creates that creamy, luscious finish in the sauce.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love experimenting with this creamy chicken mushroom casserole recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs — and honestly, that’s part of what makes it my go-to comfort meal. Feel free to tweak it a bit!

Make it dairy-free: I swapped the half and half for coconut milk once, and you wouldn’t even miss the creaminess.
Add herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary stirred in adds a lovely aromatic layer — a tip I picked up from a friend.
Mix mushrooms: Use cremini or shiitake mushrooms for more complex flavor — I tried this last fall and loved the deeper mushroom notes.
Use chicken thighs: If you prefer dark meat, thighs are juicier and stay tender, and the casserole turns out just as amazing.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Mushroom Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Brown the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken strips well with salt and pepper, then dredge them lightly in flour. I learned the hard way that not coating the chicken evenly can make the sauce a little clumpy later — so take your time here. Heat half your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan; you want that nice golden crust. Remember, the chicken won’t be fully cooked yet — it finishes baking in the oven. Transfer browned chicken strips to your casserole dish once done.

Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms, Onions, and Garlic

Using the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and toss in the thickly sliced mushrooms and diced onions. Sauté until everything is golden and soft — this step develops tons of flavor, so don’t rush it. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute or two until fragrant. Spread this delicious mushroom mixture evenly over the chicken in your casserole dish.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Now for the sauce! Melt butter in a medium saucepan or the same skillet, then whisk in the flour to make a roux. Cook this for 1-2 minutes until it’s just turning golden — this step removes the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and black pepper, stirring until the sauce is silky smooth. Add the half and half and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Be sure to season generously with salt and pepper to taste; this is where the flavor really shines. Pour this creamy goodness over your chicken and mushroom layers in the casserole dish.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Perfect

Cover the casserole with foil and pop it into a 350˚F oven for 45 minutes. When you take it out, you’ll notice the sauce is thickened beautifully, and the chicken is incredibly tender. This part always makes me happy — that moment when creamy bubbling sauce meets juicy chicken just melts my heart. Serve it up warm, spooned over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice, and get ready to savor every bite.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Mushroom Casserole Recipe

Don’t Skip the Flour Coating: It helps seal the chicken and thickens the sauce later — giving you that dreamy creamy texture.
Sauté Mushrooms Thoroughly: Properly browning mushrooms adds rich umami flavor that lifts the whole dish.
Use Fresh Garlic: Pre-minced garlic won’t give you the same aromatic punch—fresh is best here.
Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking chicken and veggies in batches ensures even browning and better flavor.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Mushroom Casserole Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with creamy chicken and mushrooms. The dish has several chicken pieces on top, covered in thick beige sauce with visible sliced mushrooms scattered throughout. Fresh green parsley leaves are placed on top as garnish, adding a bright contrast to the creamy sauce. On the right side, a wooden spoon partly covered in sauce rests inside the dish. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken Mushroom Casserole, Chicken Mushroom Casserole, Chicken and Mushroom Bake, Easy Chicken Casserole, Comfort Food Recipes

Garnishes

I love finishing this casserole with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives — they add a pop of color and a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy sauce. Sometimes I add a little grated parmesan on top for an extra touch of indulgence. It really ups the presentation and flavor without much effort.

Side Dishes

My favorite way to serve this creamy chicken mushroom casserole recipe is over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes — the sauce soaks into every bite. But it’s just as wonderful over buttered noodles or even fluffy rice. I like to pair it with a simple green salad or steamed green beans to balance the richness of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered this casserole in individual ramekins for a fuss-free yet elegant presentation. Garnishing with sautéed mushroom slices and fresh herbs on top makes it look restaurant-worthy. It’s a fun way to make a homey dish feel a little fancy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying this casserole, if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which I hope you are!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I generally eat mine within 3 days to keep the sauce fresh and creamy. Reheating gently on the stove or in the oven with a splash of broth or cream keeps everything luscious.

Freezing

I once froze a portion in a freezer-safe container, and it thawed beautifully. For best results, freeze before baking or after it’s fully cooled. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven covered with foil to avoid drying out.

Reheating

I like to reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a bit of chicken broth or half and half to revive the creaminess. If you’re short on time, reheating in the microwave works, but watch it carefully to avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use other types of mushrooms in this recipe?

Absolutely! While white mushrooms are classic, you can use cremini, shiitake, or portobello mushrooms for a more robust flavor. Just be sure to slice them thickly and sauté until golden to develop their rich taste.
Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs work wonderfully— they’re juicier and can add extra flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if using bone-in thighs, and keep the pieces similarly sized for even cooking.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

You sure can! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for easy weeknight dinners or entertaining.
What can I serve with this creamy chicken mushroom casserole?

This casserole pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, rice, or even a light side salad. I like to keep the sides simple to let the flavors of the casserole shine.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Definitely! Swap the half and half for coconut milk or your favorite plant-based cream. Using vegan butter or olive oil in place of butter also works well. The sauce will still be creamy, just with a slightly different flavor.

Final Thoughts

This creamy chicken mushroom casserole recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s the perfect balance of simple and satisfying. I love making it on crisp evenings when we want comfort food that doesn’t require endless prep or fancy ingredients. If you’re looking for a dish that will make your family smile and keep everyone coming back for seconds, give this a try — I promise you’ll love it as much as we do!