Creamy Chicken Casserole with Mushrooms – Cozy, Creamy, and Comforting

Few dishes bring the same satisfying comfort and warmth as a classic Creamy Chicken Casserole with Mushrooms. This rich, velvety, oven-baked casserole combines tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, aromatic onions, garlic, herbs, and a luscious creamy sauce. Topped with melted cheese for a bubbly golden finish, this dish is exactly what you want on a busy weeknight or a slow, cozy weekend dinner.

This casserole has everything: depth of flavor, incredible texture, and a balanced combination of protein and vegetables. It’s hearty yet surprisingly simple, and the creamy mushroom sauce ties everything together in a way that feels indulgent but still homey and family-friendly.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping lunches, or serving a comforting dinner for the whole family, this recipe is guaranteed to become a regular on your table. It’s also customizable with different vegetables, seasonings, cheeses, and proteins — making it one of the most versatile comfort food recipes you can keep in your rotation.

Let’s get into every detail, including why the casserole works so well, how to master the cream sauce, expert variations, serving ideas, and everything you need to make this creamy chicken masterpiece with confidence.

Why This Creamy Chicken Casserole With Mushrooms Is a Must-Try

✔ Extremely comforting

Creamy sauce + tender chicken + mushrooms = perfect cold-weather food.

✔ Just one pan + one casserole dish

Minimal dishes, maximum flavor.

✔ Meal prep friendly

Stays creamy even when reheated.

✔ Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved

Creamy, cheesy, mild flavor profile.

✔ Works with many diets

Can be made low-carb or gluten-free with easy swaps.

✔ Ready in under an hour

Quick prep + 25–30 minute bake.

Ingredients

Chicken Base

• 2 large chicken breasts, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Vegetables

• 2 cups sliced mushrooms (white or cremini)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp butter

Cream Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp pepper

Topping

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken
   Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
2. Sear the Chicken
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until lightly golden but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
   In the same skillet, melt butter. Add mushrooms and onions; cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
4. Make the Cream Sauce
   Reduce heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. Stir in mozzarella and parmesan until melted and creamy.
5. Combine Everything
   Add chicken back into the sauce. Simmer 2–3 minutes to begin cooking through.
6. Transfer to Casserole Dish
   Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 casserole dish.
7. Top and Bake
   Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. Rest and Serve
   Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.

Creamy Chicken Casserole with Mushrooms

A rich, comforting chicken casserole made with tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and a creamy cheese sauce baked to golden perfection.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 420

Ingredients

  

Chicken Base

• 2 large chicken breasts diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Vegetables

• 2 cups mushrooms sliced
• 1 onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp butter

Cream Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp onion powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp pepper

Topping

• 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese for topping
• parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Skillet
• Casserole dish
• Whisk
• Knife

Method

 

1. Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
2. Sear chicken in olive oil until lightly browned; set aside.
3. Sauté mushrooms, onions, and garlic in butter until softened.
4. Add cream, broth, sour cream, and seasonings; whisk until smooth.
5. Stir in cheeses and melt into a creamy sauce.
6. Combine chicken with sauce and transfer to a casserole dish.
7. Top with cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes.
8. Let rest 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Notes

Add spinach, broccoli, or peas for extra vegetables. Ideal for meal prep.

How to Get Perfect Creamy Chicken Casserole Every Time

Sear the Chicken First

A quick sear locks in moisture and adds flavor.

Use Fresh Mushrooms

Canned mushrooms are watery and won’t brown properly.

Stir the Sauce Until Smooth

This prevents clumps and ensures a silky texture.

Use Low Heat for the Cream Sauce

High heat causes cream to separate.

Let the Casserole Rest Before Serving

This thickens the sauce naturally.

Variations

Low-Carb / Keto Version

Use more mushrooms and add spinach, omit the flour (none used here), and serve over cauliflower mash.

Chicken and Broccoli Bake

Swap mushrooms for steamed broccoli florets.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Replace mozzarella with parmesan and add fettuccine.

Spinach & Mushroom Chicken Bake

Add 2 cups of fresh spinach at the sautéing stage.

Cheddar-style Version

Swap mozzarella for sharp cheddar for a richer, deeper flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with:

Low-Carb Options

• Cauliflower rice
• Mashed cauliflower
• Zucchini noodles

Comfort Food Sides

• Mashed potatoes
• Rice pilaf
• Buttered egg noodles

Vegetables

• Roasted asparagus
• Honey garlic green beans
• Side salad

Bread

• Garlic bread
• Dinner rolls
• Herb focaccia

Meal Prep & Storage

Refrigerator:

Up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Freezer:

Freeze before baking for 2–3 months.
Thaw overnight and bake normally.

Reheated:

Keeps its creaminess! Reheat at 325°F for 10–12 minutes.

Fun Food Facts

• Mushrooms add natural umami, creating a richer, meatier flavor without extra fat.
• Cream-based casseroles have been American classics since the 1950s.
• Searing chicken boosts flavor through the Maillard reaction — the secret to depth in casseroles.