Skillet Chicken with Mushroom Parmesan Gravy Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner that feels fancy but comes together fast, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Skillet Chicken with Mushroom Parmesan Gravy Recipe is one of my absolute favorites because it combines juicy, perfectly seared chicken breasts with a rich, creamy mushroom gravy loaded with fresh thyme and Parmesan. Trust me, when I first tried this, it quickly became a staple in my kitchen—and it might become one of your go-to meals, too.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Skillet Chicken with Mushroom Parmesan Gravy Recipe are straightforward and come together beautifully. The fresh thyme and Parmesan are real stars that lift this dish from everyday to special, while the mushrooms bring earthy depth. When shopping, I look for firm, fresh mushrooms and good-quality Parmesan for the best flavor.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: I prefer large, even-sized breasts to ensure even cooking; butterflying them helps them cook faster.
• Garlic powder & Italian seasoning: These simple spices add a savory base to the chicken.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Great for searing chicken without overpowering the flavors.
• Baby bella mushrooms: I love their meaty texture and flavor, but cremini or white mushrooms work too.
• Salted butter: Adds richness and helps build a luscious gravy.
• Fresh thyme: Bright, herbaceous notes that complement mushrooms perfectly.
• Garlic cloves: Minced garlic amps up the fragrance and flavor of the gravy.
• Dry white wine (or chicken broth): I usually use wine for deglazing—it adds a subtle tang and depth to the sauce.
• All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour): This is the thickening agent for the gravy—watch your heat to avoid lumps.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce flavorful without too much salt.
• Whole milk (or 2%): Makes the gravy creamy and smooth.
• Parmesan cheese: The real game-changer; freshly grated if you can—it melts beautifully into the sauce.
• Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning at every step.
• Fresh thyme leaves: For garnish that adds a pop of color and extra aroma.
• Mashed potatoes or egg noodles: These make perfect vehicles for soaking up all that gravy.

Variations

I love making this recipe just as is, but I’ve played around with a few twists here and there that really make it your own. Switching up a few ingredients or adding extras is totally encouraged—after all, cooking’s all about what you enjoy.

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts: I tried this once for extra juiciness and the result was deliciously tender, though thighs may take a little longer to cook through.
• Dairy-free version: Swap out butter for olive oil and use a dairy-free milk like oat or almond milk; skip Parmesan or use a vegan alternative.
• Add spinach or kale: I sometimes toss in a handful of greens towards the end of making the gravy for a nutritious pop of color and flavor.
• Seasonal mushroom mix: Experiment with wild mushrooms when in season for an earthier, robust flavor.

How to Make Skillet Chicken with Mushroom Parmesan Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season Your Chicken

First things first: get your chicken ready. I always pat my chicken breasts dry with paper towels because moisture can interfere with searing. Then, I like to butterfly the breasts—it might sound intimidating, but a sharp knife and steady hand make it easy. Just cut horizontally almost through the other side, then open the breast like a book and slice into two even pieces. This helps the chicken cook evenly and faster. After that, season both sides generously with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and pepper. Don’t skimp on the seasoning—it really brings out the flavor in the chicken.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces and let them cook undisturbed for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for a beautiful golden-brown crust while ensuring the chicken is cooked through. Sometimes I like to use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F; it’s the safest way to guarantee juicy, properly cooked chicken. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside while you move on to the mushrooms.

Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms and Build Flavor

Using the same skillet (don’t clean it—those brown bits are gold!), melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced baby bella mushrooms and fresh thyme leaves, seasoning with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until the liquid evaporates and they turn a beautiful golden brown—about 6 to 8 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic for one more minute, just until fragrant. Remove the mushrooms from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Deglaze Your Pan and Create the Gravy

Next, pour in ¼ cup of dry white wine (or chicken broth if you prefer) to deglaze the pan. Scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom while stirring, and let the liquid reduce for about 2 minutes. This step lifts all that concentrated flavor into your sauce. Then, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in your flour to form a roux—a thick paste that will thicken your gravy. Cook for about 30 seconds, then slowly whisk in chicken broth followed by milk, making sure no lumps form. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook until the gravy thickens just right, about 5 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Bring It All Together & Simmer

Return the cooked chicken and mushrooms to the skillet, spooning that creamy Parmesan mushroom gravy over everything. Cover and simmer over low heat for about 5 more minutes. This lets all the flavors mingle and keeps the chicken warm and juicy. The aroma at this point is absolutely dreamy—you’ll want to call everyone to the table right away.

How to Serve Skillet Chicken with Mushroom Parmesan Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this dish with a few fresh thyme leaves right before serving. It adds a lovely pop of green and brightens the savory, creamy gravy. Sometimes I like to sprinkle a tiny extra pinch of fresh Parmesan on top—just a little indulgence that my family loves.

Side Dishes

This skillet chicken shines when paired with creamy mashed potatoes—the gravy soaks right in, making every forkful a dream. Egg noodles are another favorite in my house; their silky texture works beautifully with the sauce. For a lighter option, try buttered roasted green beans or a simple sautéed spinach on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to plate each chicken piece over a neat mound of mashed potatoes, then ladle the mushroom Parmesan gravy over. Garnishing with thyme and a few sautéed mushroom slices on top makes it look restaurant-worthy. Another idea: serve family-style on a large platter with rustic bread on the side to soak up every bit of gravy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Because of the creamy gravy, the sauce might thicken overnight, but it reheats beautifully. Just give it a gentle stir when warming up to bring back that silky texture.

Freezing

I have frozen this dish a couple of times with decent results. I recommend freezing the chicken and gravy together in a sturdy freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on the stove, adding a splash of broth or milk if the sauce looks too thick.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I prefer using a nonstick skillet on medium-low heat. Warm it slowly, stirring occasionally, to keep the chicken juicy and the gravy creamy. Microwaving works too if you’re in a pinch—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Skillet Chicken with Mushroom Parmesan Gravy Recipe holds a special place in my recipe arsenal because it’s both comforting and elegant. I love how the creamy gravy pairs with tender chicken and earthy mushrooms, bringing so much warmth with minimal fuss. If you’re craving something that feels homemade but restaurant-quality, give this one a try—you’ll be pleasantly surprised how easy and rewarding it is. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress your family or guests without spending all day in the kitchen. Happy cooking!

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