Skillet Chicken And Mushroom Wine Sauce Recipe

Sizzling Skillet Chicken & Mushroom Wine Sauce Recipe

Rustic skillet chicken with a velvety mushroom wine sauce brings elegant comfort right to your dinner table.

Weeknight meals rarely feel this luxurious without complex preparation.

Succulent chicken breasts absorb rich, earthy flavors from tender mushrooms and a delicate white wine reduction.

Fragrant herbs and a splash of cream create depth that makes every bite memorable.

Crisp pan-seared edges seal in moisture while the sauce develops intense, multilayered taste profiles.

Professional chefs would be impressed by this simple yet sophisticated approach to home cooking.

Each forkful promises a delightful culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.

FAQs

  • What type of white wine works best for this recipe?

Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are ideal because they add crisp acidity without overpowering the chicken and mushroom flavors.

  • Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute dried thyme. Use about 1/3 of the amount of fresh thyme called for in the recipe, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part to ensure it’s safe to eat.

  • What if I don't have chicken broth?

You can replace chicken broth with water or vegetable broth, though chicken broth will provide the most robust flavor for the sauce.

Why Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce Works

  • Whip Up Restaurant-Quality Meal: Create a sophisticated dinner that tastes like it's from a gourmet restaurant, right in your own kitchen with minimal professional cooking skills.
  • Embrace One-Pan Convenience: Minimize cleanup with this skillet recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a delicious meal using just one pan, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Elevate Weeknight Dinner: Transform ordinary chicken into an elegant dish with rich wine sauce and tender mushrooms, making a simple protein feel luxurious and special.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by switching white wine for broth, using different herbs, or adding extra vegetables to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Skillet Chicken Mushroom Wine Sauce

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that serves as the centerpiece of this flavorful skillet dish.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
  • Garlic: A pungent ingredient that adds depth and aromatic complexity to the sauce.
  • Thyme: A fragrant herb that provides a subtle earthy and slightly minty note to the dish.
  • Parsley: A fresh herb used as a bright garnish to add color and a light, clean flavor.
Cooking Liquids and Fats:
  • Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil used for searing the chicken and creating a golden exterior.
  • Butter: A rich fat that helps saute the mushrooms and contributes to the sauce's smooth texture.
  • White Wine: A light, acidic liquid that adds complexity and helps deglaze the pan.
  • Chicken Broth: A savory liquid that creates the base of the sauce and adds additional depth of flavor.
Vegetables:
  • Mushrooms: A tender, umami-rich ingredient that adds earthiness and texture to the sauce.

How to Make Chicken Mushroom Wine Sauce Dish

Step 1: Prepare Chicken For Cooking

Grab your chicken breasts and generously sprinkle salt and black pepper across both sides, ensuring an even coating that will lock in incredible flavor.

Step 2: Golden Sear The Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust develops.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 3: Saute Mushroom Medley

In the same skillet, melt butter and add mushrooms.

Cook mushrooms until they become tender and release their rich, earthy essence, approximately 5 minutes.

Toss in minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute, allowing the aromatic flavors to bloom.

Step 4: Create Sumptuous Wine Sauce

Pour white wine and chicken broth into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom.

Sprinkle fresh thyme into the liquid, creating a fragrant and complex sauce.

Step 5: Reunite Chicken With Sauce

Gently return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet.

Simmer everything together for about 15 minutes, allowing the chicken to finish cooking and the sauce to reduce and intensify.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve the chicken immediately while warm, ensuring each plate receives a generous portion of the rich, velvety sauce.

Helpful Tips for Chicken Mushroom Sauce Recipe

  • Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a healthier, quicker-cooking option that absorbs the wine sauce beautifully.
  • Simmer the sauce uncovered to help it reduce and thicken naturally, creating a rich, concentrated flavor profile.
  • Use a mix of fresh mushroom varieties like cremini and shiitake for deeper, more complex umami notes in the dish.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, preventing overcooking while guaranteeing food safety.
  • Chop fresh thyme and parsley right before adding to maintain maximum aromatic intensity and bright green color.

Mushroom Wine Sauce Variations You’ll Like

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace butter with olive oil or coconut oil for a lactose-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for added flexibility.
  • Herb Garden Remix: Swap thyme with rosemary or tarragon to create a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs can transform the entire dish's taste and aroma.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Verify white wine is also gluten-free before adding to the sauce.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms. Slice tofu or mushrooms into similar-sized pieces and follow the same cooking method for a plant-based alternative.

What Goes Well With Chicken Mushroom Sauce

  • Wine-Paired Plating: Serve alongside a crisp chardonnay that complements the white wine sauce, enhancing the delicate mushroom and chicken flavors.
  • Rustic Side Companions: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty French bread to soak up the rich, flavorful sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
  • Fresh Green Balance: Add a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the chicken and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Herb Garden Finish: Sprinkle extra fresh chopped parsley or thyme just before serving to boost the aromatic profile and add a bright, fresh touch to the dish.

How to Store Skillet Chicken Mushroom Sauce

  • Transfer leftover chicken and sauce to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
  • Pack the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing excess air. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months. Freeze flat to save space and ensure even freezing.
  • Place chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
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Skillet Chicken And Mushroom Wine Sauce Recipe

Skillet Chicken And Mushroom Wine Sauce Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty skillet chicken and mushroom wine sauce brings French countryside comfort to your dinner table. Elegant ingredients blend seamlessly for a rich, satisfying meal you’ll savor with pure culinary pleasure.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 2 cups mushrooms (sliced)
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Generously coat chicken breasts with salt and pepper for robust flavor enhancement.
  2. Ignite olive oil in a heavy skillet at medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling surface to achieve a golden-brown exterior on chicken. Sear each side approximately 4-5 minutes until crisp and caramelized. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
  3. Within the same skillet, melt butter and introduce mushrooms, allowing them to soften and release their earthy essence for roughly 5 minutes. Sprinkle minced garlic and briefly toast for 60 seconds, releasing aromatic notes.
  4. Deglaze the skillet by streaming white wine and chicken broth, expertly loosening caramelized remnants from the pan’s surface. Incorporate fresh thyme to infuse delicate herbal undertones.
  5. Carefully reintroduce seared chicken into the bubbling liquid, reducing heat to allow gentle simmering. Cook for approximately 15 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches optimal internal temperature while sauce condenses and concentrates flavors.
  6. Crown the dish with delicate parsley sprigs, presenting a vibrant, restaurant-quality entrée ready to be savored immediately.

Notes

  • Choose chicken breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
  • Use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for the best flavor balance without overpowering the dish.
  • Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and develop rich caramelized exterior.
  • Allow chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to help juices redistribute, keeping meat tender and moist.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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