If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that feels like a warm hug on a chilly night, you’re going to adore this Skillet Chicken with Mushroom Parmesan Gravy Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I find myself coming back to again and again because it’s just so comforting yet elegant. Imagine juicy chicken smothered in a creamy, flavorful mushroom and parmesan gravy — it’s everything you want for a weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend meal. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll be on your regular rotation, too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This skillet recipe comes together in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy nights but with big flavors.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in your skillet, meaning fewer dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
- Rich Flavor Boost: The parmesan cheese in the mushroom gravy adds a lovely depth you won’t get from a standard sauce.
- Family Favorite: My whole family goes crazy for this dish, and I bet yours will, too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Picking the freshest ingredients really makes a difference here. The combination of juicy chicken breasts, earthy baby bella mushrooms, and sharp parmesan cheese creates a sauce that’s creamy but full of flavor. Plus, fresh thyme and garlic help brighten up the savory notes beautifully.

- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Butterfly and split so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Garlic powder and Italian seasoning: Simple spices that bring a classic flavor base.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: For searing the chicken to a perfect golden crust.
- Salted butter: Divided for cooking mushrooms and making the roux – brings richness to the gravy.
- Baby bella mushrooms: Their meaty texture and umami deepen the gravy flavor.
- Fresh thyme leaves: I love how the earthy herb complements the mushrooms and cheese.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh for that punch of aroma and savoriness.
- Dry white wine or chicken broth: Deglazes the pan, picking up all those tasty browned bits.
- All-purpose flour (or gluten-free): For thickening the gravy smoothly.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Builds the sauce base with great flavor as you simmer.
- Whole or 2% milk: Adds creaminess without heaviness.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated, it melts into the gravy for savory depth.
- Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish): Adds a fresh pop right before serving.
- Mashed potatoes or egg noodles: Perfect vehicles for soaking up that luscious gravy.
Variations
I love tweaking this Skillet Chicken with Mushroom Parmesan Gravy Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the mood I’m in. Feel free to get creative — that’s part of the fun cooking it up in your kitchen.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free broth for an easy allergy-friendly meal.
- Herb Swaps: If you don’t have thyme, rosemary or sage also pair beautifully with mushrooms and chicken.
- Wine Swap: If you prefer to skip the white wine, chicken broth works great and keeps the gravy flavorful.
- Creamier Gravy: For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream instead of milk — trust me, it’s heavenly!
How to Make Skillet Chicken with Mushroom Parmesan Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Butterfly and Season the Chicken
First things first — pat those chicken breasts dry really well. This helps the seasoning stick and gets you that gorgeous golden-brown sear. To butterfly, carefully slice horizontally almost to the other edge, then open it like a book and cut each breast into two pieces. Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper on both sides. This prep sets you up for juicy, flavorful chicken every single time.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken until Golden
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering but not smoking, add your chicken pieces. Sear each side for 4 to 5 minutes — you want that crust that locks in juices, but be careful not to burn them. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm while you focus on the mushrooms and gravy.
Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms with Thyme and Garlic
Use the same skillet (hello, flavor!) and melt a tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced baby bella mushrooms, fresh thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook them until all their moisture evaporates and they’re beautifully golden-brown — about 6 to 8 minutes. Then toss in the garlic and stir just until fragrant, around 1 minute. This garlic-mushroom combo is pure magic.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan with White Wine
Pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth if you’re skipping wine), scraping the bottom of the pan to get up all those delicious browned bits. Let it simmer for about two minutes to reduce slightly — this step deepens the flavor of your gravy and gives you that restaurant-quality sauce at home.
Step 5: Whisk up the Parmesan Mushroom Gravy
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter, then whisk in the flour until it forms a paste — you’re making a roux, the secret to silky gravy. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly so lumps don’t sneak in. Bring it to a simmer then reduce heat and cook the sauce down until thick enough to coat the back of your spoon, around 5 minutes. Stir in grated parmesan, and season with salt and pepper to taste — that cheesy finish is what pulls the whole dish together.
Step 6: Combine Chicken, Mushrooms, and Gravy
Pop the chicken and mushrooms back into the skillet and spoon plenty of that luscious gravy over everything. Cover and let it simmer gently on low for five minutes to marry all those flavors. I love how the chicken stays tender while soaking up the creamy mushroom goodness here.
Step 7: Serve with Your Favorite Sides
Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and serve immediately over creamy mashed potatoes or soft egg noodles — both are perfect for soaking up every last bit of that savory gravy. Trust me, your plate will come back spotless!
Pro Tips for Making Skillet Chicken with Mushroom Parmesan Gravy Recipe
- Butterfly for Even Cooking: Cutting chicken breasts into thinner pieces ensures they cook through quickly without drying out, making your dinner faster and juicier.
- Don’t Skip Deglazing: Those browned bits stuck to the pan are flavor gold; scraping them into your sauce elevates this gravy to restaurant quality.
- Whisk Constantly for Lumps-Free Gravy: Slowly adding your liquids while whisking keeps the sauce silky smooth every time.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt quite the same—freshly grated cheese always gives you that perfect creamy cheesy texture.
How to Serve Skillet Chicken with Mushroom Parmesan Gravy Recipe

Garnishes
I usually sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the top right before serving. It adds a fresh herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy gravy. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, I add a little extra parmesan shave for an eye-catching finish.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with this recipe are creamy mashed potatoes — they soak up that mushroom parmesan gravy like a dream. Egg noodles also work wonderfully for a comforting, hearty meal. If you want something green, a simple side of steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus balances the richness nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For family gatherings, I like to serve this skillet right at the table to keep it warm and to let everyone help themselves. Layering the chicken and mushrooms over a bed of buttered noodles in a shallow platter, then drizzling extra gravy on top, makes it look so inviting. You can even finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or chopped parsley for that extra pop of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because the chicken is already cooked in the gravy, the flavors deepen overnight. Just reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! I portion out the chicken and gravy into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion. It tastes almost as good as fresh when reheated and saves time on those days when you’re too busy to cook from scratch.
Reheating
To reheat, I recommend gently warming the skillet over low heat on the stovetop, stirring every few minutes to reincorporate the gravy and prevent it from breaking. If you use a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring between intervals for even warming.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Skillet Chicken with Mushroom Parmesan Gravy Recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add extra juiciness and might even be more forgiving when cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs can take a bit longer to cook through compared to butterflied breasts.
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What can I substitute for the dry white wine?
If you prefer to avoid wine, low-sodium chicken broth is a perfect substitute. It still helps deglaze the pan and adds flavor without altering the profile of the gravy. Apple cider vinegar diluted with water can also work in a pinch, but use sparingly.
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How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this dairy-free, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative like olive oil or vegan butter. Use a dairy-free milk substitute such as unsweetened almond or oat milk, and replace parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan-style cheese.
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Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything up until the final simmer step and refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, just warm everything together gently on the stove until heated through, then serve with your favorite sides.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Skillet Chicken with Mushroom Parmesan Gravy Recipe turns out every time. It’s cozy without being fussy, and that creamy mushroom gravy feels like pure comfort in a bowl. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how simple ingredients come together to create something so special. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try — I promise, you’ll be adding it to your favorites in no time.
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Skillet Chicken with Mushroom Parmesan Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This 30-Minute Skillet Chicken with Thyme Parmesan Mushroom Gravy is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts topped with a rich mushroom gravy infused with fresh thyme, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe combines quick pan-searing and stovetop simmering to deliver a hearty meal served alongside mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
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, for garnish
- Mashed potatoes or egg noodles
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Butterfly them by carefully slicing horizontally through each breast almost to the other side, then open like a book and cut into two equal pieces. Season both sides with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and sear them until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Cook the mushrooms: Reduce heat to medium and melt 1 tablespoon butter in the same skillet. Add sliced mushrooms and fresh thyme, seasoning lightly with kosher salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown, around 6 to 8 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set aside.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and stir constantly to lift all browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Let the liquid 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 to form a paste and cook for about 30 seconds. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Increase heat to medium-high; bring to a simmer then reduce to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Combine chicken and mushrooms: Return the cooked chicken and mushrooms to the skillet, spooning the gravy over the top. Cover and simmer on low heat for 5 minutes to meld flavors and reheat the chicken through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and serve hot over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a complete comforting meal.
Notes
- Butterflying the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and faster searing.
- Use a sharp knife to carefully cut the chicken without slicing all the way through.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend 1:1.
- Dry white wine can be substituted with chicken broth to keep the recipe alcohol-free.
- Adjust seasoning of the gravy to taste before serving.
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles to soak up the delicious gravy.
- This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with easy pantry ingredients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg


