If you’re craving something cozy, comforting, and absolutely delicious, then you’re going to love this Skillet Chicken with Mushroom Parmesan Gravy Recipe. It’s one of those beautiful one-pan meals where tender chicken meets a creamy, savory mushroom and Parmesan gravy that just hits all the right notes. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and every single time my family goes crazy over it. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up on a weeknight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Amazing Flavor: The Parmesan and mushroom combo creates an indulgent, flavorful gravy that elevates simple chicken breasts.
- One-Skillet Convenience: You’ll only have one pan to clean, making dinner prep and cleanup a breeze.
- Perfect Weeknight Meal: Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe is both quick and satisfying for busy nights.
- Family Friendly: I’ve never met a kid or adult who didn’t ask for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients here work together to give you those rich, comforting vibes without any fancy fuss. Plus, most of them are pantry and fridge staples, so you can probably get started right away. Here are the essentials and a few tips for choosing the best ones.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: I prefer using two large, evenly sized breasts for consistent cooking — and butterflying them helps them cook faster and evenly.
- Garlic powder and Italian seasoning: These bring classic, aromatic layers of flavor that really complement the gravy.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Choose a good quality one; it makes a difference in searing the chicken beautifully.
- Salted butter: For that savory richness, butter is key — it helps sauté the mushrooms and build the gravy.
- Baby bella mushrooms: Their meaty texture and earthy flavor are perfect for this gravy.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Adds a subtle herbal brightness — don’t skip this!
- Fresh garlic cloves: Minced garlic is a must for that robust umami punch.
- Dry white wine or chicken broth: I usually go with white wine for extra depth, but broth works just fine if you prefer no alcohol.
- All-purpose flour: For thickening the gravy; you can swap with gluten-free if needed.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Low-sodium lets you control the saltiness better.
- Whole milk or 2% milk: I love how whole milk adds creaminess without heaviness.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is non-negotiable here — it melts into the sauce perfectly.
- Freshly ground black pepper: To finish it all off with a little kick.
Variations
I love how versatile this Skillet Chicken with Mushroom Parmesan Gravy Recipe is. Over time, I’ve tweaked it based on my mood, dietary needs, and what’s in my pantry — feel free to do the same. It’s yours to make!
- Dairy-free option: Swap out butter for olive oil and use almond or oat milk with nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan — it’s still tasty but a little lighter.
- Gluten-free modification: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend (make sure it’s one that thickens well) for a safe substitute.
- Adding greens: I sometimes toss in fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of simmering for a veggie boost.
- Replace white wine: If you don’t have wine or want a kid-friendly version, chicken broth works just as well for deglazing.
How to Make Skillet Chicken with Mushroom Parmesan Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Butterflying and Seasoning the Chicken
First things first — pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because it helps you get a nice golden sear without steaming the chicken. Next, butterfly them by carefully slicing horizontally almost through to the other side (think of opening a book). This not only cuts down cooking time, but also makes sure your chicken cooks evenly. Season both sides well with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I usually rub it in with my hands to really infuse the flavors.
Step 2: Searing the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and let it cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes per side, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Resist the temptation to move it around too much — letting the chicken develop that crust adds so much flavor. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm while you work on the mushrooms and gravy.
Step 3: Cooking the Mushrooms and Aromatics
Lower the heat to medium and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet. Add the sliced baby bella mushrooms and fresh thyme. Season lightly with salt and pepper. I like to give them some space in the pan to brown instead of steam, so stir occasionally but give them time to caramelize — about 6-8 minutes. When they’re golden and most of their liquid evaporated, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Transfer mushrooms to a plate, setting them aside for now.
Step 4: Deglazing and Creating the Gravy
Pour in ¼ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth if you’re skipping wine). Scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the pan — that’s flavor gold! Let the liquid simmer and reduce for about 2 minutes. Then, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter, whisk in the flour to form a paste, and cook for 30 seconds to get rid of the raw flavor. Gradually add the chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly so you don’t end up with lumps. Once smooth, let the gravy simmer until it thickens—about 5 minutes. Finally, stir in the Parmesan cheese, plus salt and pepper to taste. You’ll love how creamy and rich this gravy becomes.
Step 5: Bringing It All Together
Add the chicken breasts and mushrooms back to the skillet, spooning the luscious gravy all over. Cover the pan and reduce heat to low. Let everything simmer gently for 5 minutes — this melds the flavors beautifully and keeps the chicken succulent. When you lift the lid, the kitchen smells like pure comfort.
Pro Tips for Making Skillet Chicken with Mushroom Parmesan Gravy Recipe
- Pat Chicken Dry: Moisture is the enemy of browning — I always dry my chicken well for the perfect golden crust.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give mushrooms some breathing room; crowded mushrooms steam instead of brown, which dulls the flavor.
- Whisk Slowly: When adding broth and milk, add it slowly while whisking to avoid lumps in your gravy.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese can clump; freshly grated Parmesan ensures a silky, smooth sauce.
How to Serve Skillet Chicken with Mushroom Parmesan Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish this dish off with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves — it adds a lovely pop of green and fresh aroma that brightens the rich gravy. Sometimes, I toss in a handful of chopped parsley if I want a fresher touch, but thyme is my go-to.
Side Dishes
This chicken and mushroom Parmesan gravy shines served over creamy mashed potatoes—perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. Egg noodles are another favorite of mine; their light texture pairs beautifully with the gravy. For a lighter option, buttery rice or roasted vegetables work well too.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve laid this skillet chicken over a bed of sautéed spinach and finished with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for added crunch. Serving it family-style right from the skillet keeps things cozy and casual, plus everyone gets to enjoy that beautiful aroma.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After dinner, if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge — they’ll stay good for up to 3 days. I usually place a layer of plastic wrap directly on the chicken to keep it moist before sealing the container.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish a few times, especially the gravy. To freeze, cool everything completely, then place portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to leave space for expansion and avoid freezing the chicken with the gravy for best texture.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, I recommend warming on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently to avoid breaking up the chicken and to keep the gravy smooth. If it looks too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up. Microwaving works in a pinch but can sometimes dry out the chicken.
FAQs
-
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Skillet Chicken with Mushroom Parmesan Gravy Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit more forgiving because they stay tender and juicy even if slightly overcooked. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—thighs might take a few minutes longer depending on thickness. Boneless, skinless thighs work best for an even cook.
-
What can I use if I don’t have white wine for deglazing?
No worries if you don’t have white wine on hand! Low-sodium chicken broth makes a great substitute and keeps the flavor balanced. You can also use apple cider vinegar diluted with a bit of water for a touch of acidity, but broth is my favorite alternative.
-
How do I know when the gravy is thick enough?
The gravy should coat the back of a spoon nicely and have a consistency similar to what you’d expect in restaurant-style sauces—not too runny but not overly thick. It usually takes about 5 minutes simmering on medium-low to reach this texture.
-
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the chicken, mushrooms, and even make the gravy a day ahead. Store everything separately in the fridge and reheat gently together when ready to serve. This helps preserve the texture of the chicken and keeps the gravy fresh.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, the Skillet Chicken with Mushroom Parmesan Gravy Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation. It’s that perfect blend of simple ingredients transformed into a dish that feels like a warm hug. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a small dinner gathering, this meal always impresses without the fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how comforting and flavorful it is — plus the bonus of just one skillet to clean up. Let me know how you like it and any twists you give it along the way!
Print
Skillet Chicken with Mushroom Parmesan Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This 30-Minute Skillet Chicken with Thyme Parmesan Mushroom Gravy is a comforting, quick-to-make meal featuring juicy butterflied chicken breasts seared to perfection and smothered in a rich mushroom gravy infused with fresh thyme and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, it pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a hearty, flavorful dish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 to 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (ideally, 2 large equal-sized breasts)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
For the Mushrooms:
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup dry white wine (or substitute chicken broth)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Gravy:
- 3 to 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free all purpose flour)
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk (or 2% milk)
- 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (about ½ cup)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Mashed potatoes or egg noodles
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and pat dry with paper towels. To butterfly, carefully slice horizontally through each breast almost to the other side, open like a book, and cut into two equal-sized pieces. Season both sides of the chicken evenly with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken and sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Cook the mushrooms: Return the skillet to medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and fresh thyme leaves, seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their liquid and become golden brown, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set aside.
- Deglaze the pan: Add the white wine (or chicken broth) to the skillet, stirring constantly to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the liquid reduce for about 2 minutes to concentrate flavors.
- Make the gravy: Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in the skillet. Whisk in the flour and cook until it forms a paste, about 30 seconds. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer. Then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Add chicken and mushrooms to gravy: Return the cooked chicken and mushrooms to the skillet. Spoon the gravy over the chicken pieces. Cover the skillet and simmer over low heat for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors and warm through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and serve the skillet chicken and gravy hot with mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- Butterflying the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and tender, juicy pieces.
- Use dry white wine for deglazing to add depth of flavor; chicken broth works as a non-alcoholic substitute.
- You can substitute gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust gravy thickness by varying the amount of flour used.
- Fresh thyme is preferred for vibrant flavor, but dried thyme can be used in a pinch.
- Let the gravy simmer gently to avoid scorching and to develop a smooth texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg