Some meals just have that wow factor—you know, the kind that makes you want to do a little happy dance after the first bite. Well, this Groovy Skillet Chicken with Thyme Parmesan Mushroom Gravy is exactly that. Imagine golden, juicy chicken seared to perfection, swimming in a rich, velvety mushroom gravy infused with fragrant thyme and melty Parmesan. It’s comforting, indulgent, and—best of all—made in just one skillet.
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This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home but fancy enough to impress guests. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Groovy Skillet Chicken with Thyme Parmesan Mushroom Gravy
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
One-Skillet Wonder: Less mess, more flavor! Everything comes together in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Rich & Creamy: The mushroom gravy is velvety smooth, packed with umami, and perfectly balanced with fresh thyme and Parmesan.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, so you can whip up a gourmet meal on a busy weeknight.
Versatile: Serve it over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice for a complete meal.
Crowd-Pleasing: A dish the whole family will love—kids and adults alike can’t resist that creamy, cheesy goodness!
Ingredients in Groovy Skillet Chicken with Thyme Parmesan Mushroom Gravy
Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Chicken Breasts: The star of the show! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are pan-seared to golden perfection.
Mushrooms: Earthy, umami-packed mushrooms soak up all the flavors of the sauce. Use cremini, button, or even wild mushrooms for depth.
Garlic & Onion: Aromatic and essential for building a deep, savory base for the gravy.
Fresh Thyme: This little herb brings warmth and freshness to the dish. It pairs beautifully with mushrooms and Parmesan.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty richness to the sauce, making it irresistibly creamy.
Heavy Cream: Creates that luscious, velvety texture in the gravy.
Chicken Broth: Enhances the depth of flavor and keeps the sauce light yet rich.
Butter & Olive Oil: A combination that ensures the chicken gets a beautiful sear while adding richness to the sauce.
Flour: Helps thicken the sauce, creating a perfect, creamy consistency.
Salt & Pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning every layer of the dish.
How to Make Groovy Skillet Chicken with Thyme Parmesan Mushroom Gravy
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a bit more butter, then sauté the onions and garlic until soft and fragrant.
Cook the Mushrooms: Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
Make the Gravy: Sprinkle in the flour and stir until it coats the mushrooms. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Let it simmer until slightly thickened.
Add Cream & Parmesan: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh thyme. Let it simmer until the sauce is rich and creamy.
Return the Chicken: Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh thyme, then serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
How to Serve Groovy Skillet Chicken with Thyme Parmesan Mushroom Gravy
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce is perfect for spooning over fluffy mashed potatoes.
Pasta or Rice: Serve over al dente pasta or buttery rice to soak up every drop of that delicious gravy.
Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for mopping up the sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts adds a pop of color and freshness.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: Save time by slicing the mushrooms and chopping the onions in advance.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Dietary Adjustments: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version or dairy-free alternatives for a lactose-free option.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain texture.
Double the Batch: This recipe freezes well, so consider making extra for easy future meals.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use bone-in chicken?
A1: Yes! Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs work great. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can make the gravy ahead and store it separately, then reheat and add fresh-seared chicken when ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Q6: Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
A6: Yes! Use half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Q7: What type of mushrooms work best?
A7: Cremini or baby bella mushrooms add a deep, rich flavor, but white button mushrooms also work well.
Q8: Can I make this dairy-free?
A8: Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Q9: Can I add wine to the sauce?
A9: Absolutely! A splash of white wine adds depth and sophistication.
Q10: Can I serve this over polenta?
A10: Yes! Creamy polenta pairs beautifully with the rich mushroom gravy.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it Groovy Skillet Chicken with Thyme Parmesan Mushroom Gravy, a dish that’s as comforting as it is impressive. It’s rich, creamy, packed with flavor, and made in just one pan. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to bring joy to your table. Give it a try and let me know how much you love it!
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Groovy Skillet Chicken with Thyme Parmesan Mushroom Gravy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet, Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Description
This rich, creamy skillet chicken is simmered in a savory thyme parmesan mushroom gravy for the ultimate comfort food dinner. Serve it with mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a cozy, protein-packed meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 to 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (2 large breasts)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
For the Mushrooms:
- 4 tbsp salted butter, divided
- 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Gravy:
- 3 to 4 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 flour)
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
- 2 oz Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup)
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- Black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Mashed potatoes or egg noodles
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
- Butterfly each breast by slicing horizontally, then cut into two equal pieces.
- Season both sides with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
-
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer to a plate and set aside.
-
Cook the Mushrooms:
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add mushrooms, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned (6-8 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Transfer mushrooms to a plate.
-
Deglaze the Pan:
- Pour in white wine (or broth) and stir to scrape up browned bits.
- Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
-
Make the Gravy:
- Add remaining 3 tbsp butter to the pan.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk until smooth.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
-
Finish & Serve:
- Return chicken and mushrooms to the pan, coating in gravy.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with fresh thyme and serve with mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in 2 tbsp heavy cream before serving.
- Make it gluten-free by using GF flour and serving with GF pasta or rice.
- No white wine? Just use extra chicken broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg