Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with paprika, salt and black pepper.
Heat a large non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat and mist lightly with low-calorie cooking spray.
Add the chicken breasts and cook for approximately 4 minutes on each side until lightly golden.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. It will finish cooking in the sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms
In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened, adding a splash of water if needed.
Stir in the crushed garlic and sliced mushrooms.
Cook for another 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to turn golden brown.
Allowing the mushrooms to brown helps develop the deep, savoury flavour that makes this dish so delicious.
Step 3: Make the Forestière Sauce
Pour the chicken stock into the pan, scraping up any flavourful bits from the bottom.
Add the Dijon mustard and dried thyme, then stir well.
Return the chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the mushroom mixture.
Cover and simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 74°C.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Reduce the heat to very low.
Place the fat-free fromage frais in a small bowl and gradually mix in a few spoonfuls of the warm cooking liquid.
Gently stir this mixture into the pan until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Avoid boiling the sauce once the fromage frais has been added, as excessive heat may cause it to split.
For a thicker sauce, stir the optional cornflour into a little cold water and add it to the simmering stock before incorporating the fromage frais.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the creamy mushroom sauce over the chicken breasts and finish with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve immediately with your favourite vegetables, fluffy rice or tender baby potatoes.
Tips for the Best Chicken Forestière
Choose flavourful mushrooms. Chestnut mushrooms have a slightly deeper flavour than regular button mushrooms and work particularly well in this recipe.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Giving the mushrooms enough space helps them brown rather than steam.
Keep the sauce on a gentle heat. Fat-free fromage frais works best when added towards the end of cooking.
Use good-quality stock. A flavourful chicken stock adds richness without needing butter or cream.
Avoid overcooking the chicken. Check that the chicken is cooked through while keeping it tender and juicy.
What to Serve with Chicken Forestière
This creamy chicken and mushroom dish pairs beautifully with a variety of simple sides.
For a balanced dinner, try steamed broccoli, green beans, roasted carrots or sautéed courgettes.
If you prefer something more substantial, serve it with boiled baby potatoes, mashed potatoes made with skimmed milk, or plain rice.
The mushroom sauce is especially delicious spooned over potatoes.
Easy Recipe Variations
Chicken Forestière with Spinach
Add a couple of handfuls of fresh baby spinach during the final few minutes of cooking. Stir until wilted for an extra serving of vegetables.
Garlic and Herb Chicken Forestière
Increase the garlic slightly and add fresh thyme or rosemary for a more aromatic sauce.
Extra Mushroom Chicken Forestière
Use a mixture of chestnut mushrooms, button mushrooms and oyster mushrooms for a deeper, more complex mushroom flavour.
How to Store and Reheat
Allow leftovers to cool promptly before transferring them to an airtight container.
Store in the fridge at 4°C or below for up to 2–3 days.
Reheat gently in a covered pan with a splash of chicken stock until piping hot throughout.
Avoid prolonged boiling, which may affect the texture of the creamy sauce.
Freezing is possible, although the fromage frais sauce may separate slightly once thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Chicken Forestière without cream?
Yes! Fat-free fromage frais is a useful alternative to double cream. It creates a lighter sauce while maintaining a creamy texture.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely. Skinless, boneless chicken thighs work well, although cooking times and nutritional values will vary.
Is this chicken and mushroom recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes. Prepare the chicken and mushroom mixture ahead of time and, for the smoothest result, stir in the fromage frais when reheating.
How do I stop the creamy sauce from splitting?
Reduce the heat before adding the fromage frais and gradually mix it with some warm cooking liquid first. Avoid bringing the finished sauce to a rapid boil.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, provided you use gluten-free chicken stock and mustard, and check the labels of any additional ingredients. Cornflour is generally gluten-free, but always check the packaging.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Forestière is proof that a comforting, flavour-packed dinner doesn’t need lots of butter or double cream.
With tender chicken, golden mushrooms and a beautifully seasoned sauce, it’s an easy recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Whether you’re planning a family dinner or looking for a lighter chicken recipe, this delicious one-pan meal is sure to become a favourite.
