Do Share Recipe

I still remember the first time I made this Chicken Rosa Maria recipe at home—it felt like restaurant magic happening right in my kitchen. I had just taken my first bite, and the combination of juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and savory mushrooms completely won me over. This is one of those recipes that looks fancy but is surprisingly easy once you get started.

Every time I make it, I’m reminded why it’s such a beloved classic. If you’re craving a comforting, creamy chicken dinner, let me walk you through how I make it step by step. And for those who enjoy experimenting with marinades, I sometimes pair my chicken with a Garlic Herb Steak Marinade Recipe for extra flavor.

Ingredients

Below are the ingredients I use to make the best Chicken Rosa Maria at home, along with little tips I’ve learned along the way.

Chicken breasts – 4 boneless, skinless: I always use fresh chicken breasts and pound them evenly so they cook uniformly and stay juicy.
Salt – 1 teaspoon: Seasoning the chicken well at the start builds flavor from the inside out.
Black pepper – ½ teaspoon: Freshly ground pepper gives a cleaner, sharper taste than pre-ground.
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons: This helps achieve a golden crust on the chicken without overpowering the flavor.
Butter – 2 tablespoons: Butter adds richness and helps sauté the mushrooms beautifully.
Mushrooms – 8 ounces, sliced: Fresh mushrooms are essential; canned mushrooms won’t give the same depth or texture.
Garlic – 3 cloves, minced: Fresh garlic adds aroma and warmth that really elevates the sauce.
Heavy cream – 1 cup: This is the base of the creamy sauce, making it luxurious and smooth.
Chicken broth – ½ cup: It balances the cream and adds savory depth without making the sauce too heavy.
Mozzarella cheese – 1 cup, freshly grated: Freshly grated cheese melts better and gives that stretchy, gooey finish.
Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, freshly grated: This adds sharpness and a nutty flavor that completes the sauce.
Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon: A simple blend that ties all the flavors together.
Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped: I use this at the end for color and a touch of freshness.

Note: This ingredient quantity serves 4 people generously. For those who like experimenting with beef as well, trying a Skirt Steak Marinade Recipe alongside this chicken dinner can be a fun twist.

Variations

This Chicken Rosa Maria recipe is flexible, which makes it even more fun to cook.

For a lighter version, I sometimes replace heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.
If you’re dairy-free, you can use full-fat coconut milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives—just expect a subtle flavor change.
To boost flavor, I occasionally add sun-dried tomatoes or a splash of white wine to the sauce.
For a low-carb twist, I serve it over sautéed zucchini noodles instead of pasta.

Cooking Time

Here’s how much time you’ll need from start to finish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large skillet – for searing the chicken and making the sauce
Sharp knife – to slice mushrooms and mince garlic
Cutting board – keeps prep safe and organized
Meat mallet – helps pound chicken evenly
Wooden spoon – perfect for stirring the creamy sauce

How to Make Chicken Rosa Maria Recipe?

This recipe comes together in simple stages, and each one builds flavor.

Prepare the Chicken

I start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly. Then I season both sides with salt and pepper. This step makes a big difference in texture and taste.

Sear the Chicken

I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the chicken. Each side cooks for about 5–6 minutes until golden brown. Once done, I remove the chicken and set it aside.

Cook the Mushrooms

In the same skillet, I melt butter and add the sliced mushrooms. I let them cook until they release their moisture and turn golden. This step adds deep, savory flavor to the dish.

Add Garlic and Seasoning

I stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking just until fragrant. Garlic burns quickly, so I keep a close eye on it here.

Make the Creamy Sauce

Next, I pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently. The sauce simmers for a few minutes until slightly thickened. This is where everything starts to smell amazing.

Add the Cheese

I lower the heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. The sauce becomes rich and velvety at this point.

Return the Chicken

I place the chicken back into the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece. Then I sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and cover the skillet briefly until the cheese melts.

Garnish and Rest

Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, I turn off the heat. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness before serving.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this recipe many times, these little tips always help me get the best results.

I always let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving to keep it juicy.
I grate my cheese fresh—it melts smoother and tastes better.
I keep the heat medium-low once the cream is added to avoid curdling.
I taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt if needed.

How to Serve Chicken Rosa Maria Recipe?

I love serving Chicken Rosa Maria over fettuccine or angel hair pasta so the sauce coats every bite. Mashed potatoes also work beautifully and soak up the creamy sauce. For a lighter plate, I pair it with steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and parsley on top makes it look restaurant-worthy.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional profile per serving.

Calories: Approx. 520 per serving
Protein: High in protein from chicken and cheese
Carbohydrates: Moderate, mostly from the sauce
Fat: Rich and satisfying due to cream and cheese

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

I often prepare the sauce and cook the chicken a few hours ahead. I keep them separate and combine them just before serving for the best texture.

Storage

Leftovers stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight.

Freezing and Reheating

I don’t usually freeze this dish because cream-based sauces can separate. When reheating, I warm it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if needed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This Chicken Rosa Maria recipe has become one of my favorites for good reason.

Here’s why it always wins hearts at the table:

It’s easy to make but feels like a restaurant-quality meal.
The creamy mushroom sauce is rich, comforting, and full of flavor.
It’s versatile and pairs well with pasta, potatoes, or veggies.
You can easily customize it to fit different dietary needs.

If you’re looking for a cozy, impressive chicken dinner that never disappoints, this Chicken Rosa Maria recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.

Ben Carraoli