Creamy Skillet Chicken with Thyme Parmesan Mushroom Gravy Recipe

Skillet Chicken with Thyme Parmesan Mushroom Gravy: Dinner Magic!

Skillet chicken dishes are perfect for turning simple meals into something special.

This recipe makes use of just one pan, making it easy to cook without leaving a pile of dirty dishes.

Tender chicken pairs with mushrooms and thyme to create a meal that feels both hearty and fancy.

Adding Parmesan cheese gives the dish a rich flavor that feels indulgent but not overpowering.

Cooking in a skillet helps achieve perfectly cooked chicken with little fuss.

Whether you’re having dinner with family or hosting friends, this comforting recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Fresh Variations On Groovy Skillet Chicken With Thyme Parmesan Mushroom Gravy

  • Gluten-Free Chicken Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or rice flour to create a thick, creamy gravy without gluten. Adjust thickening techniques to maintain sauce consistency.
  • Low-Carb Keto-Friendly Version: Substitute milk with heavy cream and use almond flour instead of wheat flour. Serve over cauliflower mash to reduce carbohydrate content while preserving rich flavors.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of milk, swap butter with olive oil, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for similar umami profile. Select dairy-free margarine to maintain recipe's creamy texture.
  • Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken with thick-cut portobello mushrooms or plant-based chicken alternatives. Keep mushroom gravy ingredients identical, maintaining the original recipe's herbal and savory characteristics.

FAQs About Groovy Skillet Chicken With Thyme Parmesan Mushroom Gravy

  • Why butterfly the chicken breasts?

Butterflying creates even thickness, ensuring uniform cooking and preventing dry, overcooked edges while keeping the center juicy and tender.

  • Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?

Yes, substitute 1 teaspoon of dried thyme for every tablespoon of fresh thyme. Dried herbs are more concentrated, so use less to maintain balanced flavor.

  • What if I don't have white wine?

You can replace white wine with chicken broth or water. The wine adds depth, but broth will still provide excellent flavor and help deglaze the pan.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature. Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part to ensure it’s safe to eat and prevents foodborne illness.

Why Groovy Skillet Chicken With Thyme Parmesan Mushroom Gravy Tastes Amazing

  • Quickly Craft a Satisfying Meal: Whip up this chicken dish in just 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
  • Savor Restaurant-Quality Flavors: Create a creamy, rich Parmesan mushroom gravy that transforms simple chicken into a gourmet experience without complex techniques.
  • Minimal Cleanup Magic: Use a single skillet for the entire recipe, reducing dish washing and making cooking and cleanup a breeze.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap white wine for chicken broth, adjust seasonings, or serve with different sides to match your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.

What Goes Into Groovy Skillet Chicken With Thyme Parmesan Mushroom Gravy

Meat Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean protein base for the main dish, choose fresh, high-quality boneless and skinless cuts for best results.
Seasoning Group:
  • Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Classic blend of spices to enhance chicken's flavor, choose fresh and high-quality seasonings for maximum taste.
Cooking Fat Group:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich flavor and help with browning, use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • White Wine, Chicken Broth: Add depth and complexity to the sauce, dry white wine works best, can substitute with additional broth.
Dairy Group:
  • Milk, Parmesan Cheese: Create creamy texture and add tangy richness, use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting quality.
Thickening Agents:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps create smooth and rich gravy consistency.
Vegetable Group:
  • Mushrooms, Thyme, Garlic: Provide earthy and aromatic elements, choose fresh mushrooms and fresh thyme for optimal flavor.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Thyme: Adds final aromatic touch and visual appeal to the dish.

How To Make Groovy Skillet Chicken With Thyme Parmesan Mushroom Gravy

How To Make Groovy Skillet Chicken With Thyme Parmesan Mushroom Gravy

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

  • Pat chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels
  • Slice each breast horizontally to butterfly
  • Cut into two equal portions
  • Season chicken with: garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

  • Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat
  • Cook chicken pieces until gorgeous golden brown
  • Ensure chicken is fully cooked through
  • Transfer chicken to separate plate

Step 3: Sauté Mushroom Medley

  • Melt butter in same skillet over medium temperature
  • Add mushrooms with fresh thyme
  • Season with salt and pepper
  • Cook until mushrooms develop deep brown color
  • Stir in minced garlic
  • Cook additional minute
  • Move mushrooms to another plate

Step 4: Create Delicious Pan Sauce

  • Pour white wine into skillet
  • Scrape all tasty browned bits from bottom of pan
  • Let liquid simmer and reduce slightly

Step 5: Whisk Creamy Parmesan Gravy

  • Add remaining butter
  • Sprinkle flour into pan
  • Whisk continuously
  • Slowly incorporate: chicken broth, milk
  • Stir in Parmesan cheese
  • Season with salt and pepper
  • Simmer until sauce thickens

Step 6: Combine and Serve

  • Return chicken and mushrooms to skillet
  • Coat everything in luxurious sauce
  • Warm through for few minutes
  • Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs
  • Serve alongside mashed potatoes or egg noodles

Tips To Get Groovy Skillet Chicken With Thyme Parmesan Mushroom Gravy Just Right

  • Perfect Chicken Drying: Use clean paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy golden-brown exterior when searing the chicken.
  • Smart Seasoning Strategy: Create a balanced spice blend by mixing garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper directly on the chicken for maximum flavor penetration.
  • Mushroom Browning Mastery: Cook mushrooms in a single layer without overcrowding the pan to achieve deep, caramelized edges and rich umami flavor.
  • Wine Substitution Hack: Replace white wine with chicken broth if avoiding alcohol, maintaining the same deglazing technique and depth of flavor.
  • Gravy Smoothness Secret: Whisk flour and liquid slowly and consistently to prevent lumps, creating a silky-smooth Parmesan mushroom sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.

How To Store Groovy Skillet Chicken With Thyme Parmesan Mushroom Gravy

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Cool Down: Let the dish cool completely before placing in storage containers to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Reheat Gently: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out and maintain sauce consistency.
  • Avoid Microwave: Skip microwave reheating if possible, as it can make chicken tough and separate the creamy gravy's texture.

Best Pairings For Groovy Skillet Chicken With Thyme Parmesan Mushroom Gravy

  • Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir to complement the rich, creamy mushroom gravy and tender chicken.
  • Craft Perfect Side Dish: Serve alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up the luxurious Parmesan thyme sauce.
  • Balance Flavor Profile: Add a fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness and provide a bright, zesty contrast.
  • Enhance Herbal Notes: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or additional thyme on top to amplify the herb's earthy undertones and add visual appeal.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Skillet Chicken with Thyme Parmesan Mushroom Gravy Recipe

Creamy Skillet Chicken with Thyme Parmesan Mushroom Gravy Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Culinary magic happens when Groovy Skillet Chicken with Thyme Parmesan Mushroom Gravy arrives on your dinner table, blending rustic comfort with gourmet elegance. Rich, herbaceous flavors and tender chicken promise a delightful meal that makes you crave each savory forkful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 to 1.5 pounds (450 to 680 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts (2 large breasts)

Seasoning and Flavoring:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter, divided
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) baby bella mushrooms, sliced
  • ¼ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 flour)
  • 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
  • 2 ounces (55 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated (½ cup)
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh thyme leaves
  • Mashed potatoes or egg noodles

Instructions

  1. Carefully butterfly chicken breasts by slicing horizontally, creating two even portions. Pat the meat thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Season chicken generously with aromatic garlic powder, robust Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring complete coverage on both sides.
  3. Preheat a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling cooking surface for perfect golden searing.
  4. Place seasoned chicken pieces into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a rich, caramelized exterior for approximately 4-5 minutes until completely cooked through.
  5. Transfer perfectly seared chicken to a holding plate, maintaining its warmth and juiciness while preparing subsequent components.
  6. In the same skillet, melt butter and introduce sliced mushrooms, incorporating fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Develop deep brown coloration through consistent stirring over 6-8 minutes.
  7. Introduce minced garlic to the mushroom mixture, allowing its fragrance to bloom for an additional minute before removing from heat.
  8. Deglaze the pan with white wine, using a wooden spoon to lift and incorporate all flavorful browned bits from the skillet’s surface.
  9. Create a silky gravy by whisking flour into melted butter, cooking briefly to eliminate raw flour taste.
  10. Gradually incorporate chicken broth and milk, continuously whisking to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, luxurious consistency.
  11. Fold in grated Parmesan cheese, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper. Simmer until the gravy reaches a rich, velvety thickness.
  12. Reunite the seared chicken and sautéed mushrooms with the creamy Parmesan gravy, allowing everything to warm together for 2-3 minutes.
  13. Garnish with delicate fresh thyme sprigs and serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or tender egg noodles for a complete, comforting meal.

Notes

  • Moisture Matters: Pat chicken completely dry to ensure a golden, crispy exterior that seals in juicy flavors during searing.
  • Slice Strategically: Butterflying chicken breasts helps them cook evenly and creates more surface area for delicious seasoning absorption.
  • Seasoning Secret: Use fresh thyme alongside dried Italian seasoning for a deeper, more complex herbal profile that elevates the dish.
  • Low-Carb
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star