Skillet Chicken with Mushroom Parmesan Gravy Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, flavorful dinner that’s quick enough for a weeknight but fancy enough to impress, then you’re going to adore my Skillet Chicken with Mushroom Parmesan Gravy Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish brings tender chicken and rich, creamy mushroom sauce together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze and the flavors really pop. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to for cozy dinners that everyone raves about.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Skillet Chicken with Mushroom Parmesan Gravy Recipe features simple, fresh ingredients that blend beautifully — think juicy chicken breasts, earthy mushrooms, fragrant thyme, and cheesy Parmesan. When shopping, pick mushrooms that are fresh and firm, and don’t shy away from fresh herbs for that aromatic touch.

• Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless, and aim for two large breasts for even cooking and easy butterflying.
• Garlic powder and Italian seasoning: These give the chicken a tasty, aromatic foundation.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning — don’t be shy!
• Extra-virgin olive oil: For searing chicken to a beautiful golden brown.
• Butter: Adds richness for sautéing mushrooms and building the gravy.
• Baby bella mushrooms: Their meaty texture and deep flavor shine here.
• Fresh thyme leaves: I love how thyme subtly brightens the mushrooms and gravy.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for that punch of flavor.
• Dry white wine or chicken broth: Helps deglaze the pan and builds depth in the gravy.
• All-purpose flour (or gluten-free option): Thickens the gravy perfectly.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: To keep the gravy savory without overwhelming saltiness.
• Whole milk or 2% milk: For creaminess in the sauce.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated cheese elevates the gravy with nutty, salty goodness.
• Mashed potatoes or egg noodles: Classic sides that soak up the incredible gravy.

Variations

I love mixing things up a bit, especially when I want to tailor this skillet chicken recipe to what’s in my fridge or to suit different diets. Feel free to experiment with your favorite mushrooms or swap out dairy if you need.

• Use different mushrooms: I’ve tried cremini or shiitake mushrooms, which give a unique flavor profile but still keep the gravy luscious.
• Dairy-free option: Swap milk for coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan — it’s surprisingly good!
• Add a splash of cream: For an ultra-rich gravy, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking garlic for a subtle heat kick.

How to Make Skillet Chicken with Mushroom Parmesan Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Butterfly and Season the Chicken

First things first, take your chicken breasts and pat them dry – this is key for getting a good sear. To butterfly, place your hand flat on the breast, slice horizontally almost through the chicken, then open it like a book and cut in half for even thickness. This helps them cook quickly and evenly. Then season both sides with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. If you’ve never butterflied chicken before, take your time and use a sharp knife for safety and precision.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, lay the chicken pieces gently in the pan — you should hear an immediate sizzle. Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Don’t fuss with the chicken too much; let it develop that beautiful crust. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. The flavorful browned bits left in the pan are what make the mushroom Parmesan gravy extra tasty, so don’t wipe the pan yet!

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms with Thyme and Garlic

Lower the heat to medium and melt a tablespoon of butter in the same skillet. Add the sliced baby bella mushrooms, fresh thyme leaves, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring now and then, until the mushrooms are golden brown and the liquid has evaporated — that usually takes around 6 to 8 minutes. Just as they’re turning golden, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This one-minute garlic finish is a little trick I learned that amps up the flavor without burning the garlic.

Step 4: Deglaze and Build Your Gravy

Remove the mushrooms temporarily and pour in about a quarter cup of dry white wine (or chicken broth if you prefer) to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let the liquid reduce by about half, which takes around 2 minutes — this concentrates the flavor. Then melt the remaining butter, whisk in the flour, and cook for 30 seconds to form a roux. Slowly add in the chicken broth and milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and cook until thickened, around 5 minutes. Finally, stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt, and more pepper if needed — the cheese gives the gravy a dreamy richness that’s totally addictive.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer for Maximum Flavor

Return the chicken and mushrooms to the skillet, spoon generous amounts of that glorious gravy over the top, cover and let everything simmer together over low heat for about 5 minutes. This step is where all the flavors marry beautifully and the chicken stays juicy and tender. It’s such a satisfying moment when the kitchen fills with that irresistible aroma!

How to Serve Skillet Chicken with Mushroom Parmesan Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

I almost always sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top just before serving — it adds a bright, herbaceous note and makes the dish look pretty inviting. Sometimes a little extra Parmesan on top doesn’t hurt either if you’re cheese lovers like me!

Side Dishes

Mashed potatoes are my classic choice since they soak up the mushroom Parmesan gravy like a dream. But I’ve also served this over buttered egg noodles or even creamy polenta, which pairs beautifully and makes for a comforting plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or special occasions, I like to plate the chicken over a nest of buttery noodles and drizzle extra gravy on top, garnished with thyme sprigs and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Adding a side of roasted green beans or asparagus brightens the plate with color and freshness — your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the meal, I let any leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The chicken stays tender, and the gravy thickens nicely overnight, making next-day dinners just as comforting.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well! Just portion out the chicken and gravy into freezer-safe containers, and it’ll keep for up to three months. I recommend freezing without the mashed potatoes or noodles, since those don’t always thaw as well.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the gravy gets too thick. This keeps the sauce creamy without scorching and ensures the chicken doesn’t dry out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Skillet Chicken with Mushroom Parmesan Gravy Recipe is absolutely one of my favorites because it combines simplicity with rich, indulgent flavors that feel like a hug on a plate. I’ve cooked it when I needed a quick dinner and also for special family meals, and it never disappoints. I really hope you give it a try — it’s the perfect recipe to add to your weeknight rotation, guaranteed to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share the meal with you.

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