Season and Sear the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes per side). Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Sauté the Mushrooms:
In the same pan, add the remaining butter or olive oil. Sauté the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic until the mushrooms are soft and golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Create the Creamy Sauce:
Add the heavy cream to the pan with the mushrooms and garlic. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the pan. Spoon the creamy mushroom sauce over the chicken. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb the flavors and heat through.
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley, if desired. Serve the creamy chicken mushroom dish hot, either on its own or with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.