Description
This 30-Minute Skillet Chicken with Thyme Parmesan Mushroom Gravy is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and smothered in a creamy, cheesy mushroom gravy infused with fresh thyme and garlic. Served best over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, this delicious skillet meal combines hearty protein with rich, aromatic sauce in an easy one-pan preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
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. Butterfly the chicken breasts by carefully slicing horizontally almost through the other side, then open them like a book and cut each into two equal pieces. Season both sides 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. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Cook the mushrooms: Return the same skillet to medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add sliced mushrooms and fresh thyme leaves, seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until liquid evaporates and mushrooms turn golden brown, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove mushrooms from skillet and set aside.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth if substituting), stirring constantly to loosen any browned bits on the skillet bottom. Allow the liquid to reduce for about 2 minutes to concentrate flavor.
- Make the gravy: Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in the skillet. Whisk in the flour and cook until a paste forms, about 30 seconds. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk, ensuring no lumps form and the mixture is smooth. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the sauce to a simmer. Then reduce to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir in grated parmesan cheese, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine and simmer: Add the cooked chicken and mushrooms back into the skillet, spooning the gravy over the chicken. Cover and let simmer over low heat for 5 minutes to meld flavors and warm through.
- Serve: Garnish the dish with fresh thyme leaves and serve hot over creamy mashed potatoes or tender egg noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Butterflying the chicken breasts ensures even thickness for quick, uniform cooking.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the gravy.
- Dry white wine adds acidity and depth, but chicken broth is a great non-alcoholic substitute.
- For a lighter gravy, use 2% milk instead of whole milk.
- Serve this dish with mashed potatoes or egg noodles to soak up the delicious thyme parmesan mushroom gravy.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially salt and pepper, after the gravy thickens.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
