Cream of Mushroom Chicken in the Instant Pot: Creamy Weeknight Meal

Quick, easy Instant Pot cream of mushroom chicken made from scratch with simple ingredients in about 30 minutes. This comforting dish combines cream of mushroom soup, fresh button or cremini mushrooms, garlic, onions, butter and tender chicken for a rich, flavorful meal.

The mushrooms add a soft, earthy richness to the sauce, while the chicken stays juicy and tender. This recipe is straightforward and versatile — ideal for weeknights or when you want a comforting dinner with minimal fuss.

How to make Instant Pot cream of mushroom chicken from scratch

1. Sauté the chicken with herbs until no longer pink.
2. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Sauté onions and mushrooms until softened and fragrant.
4. Add the chicken back and a little water or low-sodium broth; stir to combine.
5. Pour the cream of mushroom soup on top — do not stir so the soup doesn’t stick to the bottom.
6. Cover and pressure cook according to the instructions below.
7. Finish uncovered on Sauté to reduce excess liquid and thicken the sauce.

What to serve with chicken in mushroom sauce

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides:

• Pasta — plain boiled pasta or a simple garlic-lemon or tomato-basil pasta.
• Rice — steamed rice or fragrant coconut rice.
• Quinoa — lightly salted and steamed for a healthy grain option.
• Zucchini noodles (zoodles) or roasted spaghetti squash for a lower-carb choice.
• Salads — a crisp cucumber-radish salad or a massaged kale salad refreshes the plate.
• Use the creamy mushroom chicken as a stuffing for zucchini boats or in baked squash for a hearty twist.

Variations for mushroom chicken

Different soup base — swap cream of mushroom with cream of chicken or another cream soup for a different flavor.

Thinner consistency — add extra broth for a soupier result.

Chicken and rice casserole — mix prepared recipe with cooked rice in a greased baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and bake until bubbly.

Make it richer — stir in heavy cream at the end for a velvety finish (add after pressure is released).

Alternate proteins — try ham, beef, or other meats if you prefer.

Extra vegetables — boost nutrition with broccoli, carrots, green beans, zucchini, or yellow squash.

Garnishes — fresh parsley, basil or rosemary brighten the dish and add color.

Seasoning variations — Italian seasoning works well, but feel free to experiment with other blends.

Tips and techniques for creamy chicken and mushrooms

Avoid over-stirring once the dish is finished to keep the chicken and mushrooms intact.

Don’t mix in the soup before pressure cooking — add the soup on top and leave it until after pressure is released to prevent sticking or a burn notice.

Use a nonstick inner pot in your pressure cooker if available to reduce sticking and make cleanup easier.

Broth vs. water — broth adds more flavor, though water will work in a pinch.

Mushroom selection — white or cremini mushrooms both work; clean and slice before cooking.

Chicken pieces — whole breasts or cubed chicken both cook well; thighs, drumsticks, or breasts are all suitable choices.

Use low-sodium ingredients — unsalted butter, low-sodium soup and broth help control saltiness.

Brown the chicken first to improve texture and flavor.

For firmer mushrooms — sauté mushrooms separately and add back at the end.

For a bolder flavor — increase the Italian seasoning or add herbs you enjoy.

For thicker sauce — finish uncovered on Sauté mode until the liquid reduces.

For thinner sauce — stir in a little more water or broth to reach the desired consistency.

Storage

Refrigerate — store leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days; reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Freeze — cool completely, transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month.

Reheat — gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

More Instant Pot chicken recipes

• Instant Pot Chicken Curry (Indian)
• Easy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
• Instant Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup
• Instant Pot Jambalaya (Chicken, Sausage, Shrimp)
• Instant Pot Whole Chicken (Rotisserie-style)
• Instant Pot Peanut Butter Chicken

Recipe

Nutrition information is estimated using an automated tool and should be considered approximate.