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Homemade Creamy Mushroom & Thyme Chicken Skillet recipe photo

Creamy Mushroom & Thyme Chicken Skillet

This Creamy Mushroom & Thyme Chicken Skillet is a rich, comforting, and easy one-pan meal packed with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic thyme.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded slightly for even cooking
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing the chicken and sautéing vegetables
  • 8 ounces mushrooms sliced, cremini or white button mushrooms work beautifully
  • 1 medium onion chopped, adds sweetness and depth
  • 3 cloves garlic minced, for aroma and flavor punch
  • 1 cup chicken broth base for the sauce, adds savory notes
  • 1 cup heavy cream makes the sauce creamy and luscious
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme infuses dish with earthy, herbal flavor
  • Salt and pepper to taste, essential for seasoning
  • Fresh thyme for garnish, adds color and freshness

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Prep the Chicken
  1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place each between plastic wrap sheets and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about 1/2-inch thick for even cooking and juiciness.
Sear the Chicken
  1. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear about 4-5 minutes per side until golden-brown crust forms and chicken is nearly cooked. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
  1. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sliced mushrooms. Sauté 5-7 minutes until mushrooms release moisture and onions become translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 1 more minute until fragrant.
Build the Sauce
  1. Pour in chicken broth and scrape browned bits from skillet bottom. Stir in dried thyme and bring to gentle simmer. Reduce slightly for 3-4 minutes.
Add Cream and Simmer
  1. Lower heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream. Return chicken breasts to skillet and nestle into mushroom mixture. Simmer 5-7 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and sauce thickens.
Season and Garnish
  1. Taste sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for color and herbal aroma.
Serve
  1. Serve creamy skillet meal over mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or pasta. Optionally pair with Baked Three Cheese Chicken Penne for a heartier dish.

Notes

  • Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure the chicken and mushrooms sear properly, creating a nice caramelized crust.
  • Use heavy cream rather than low-fat alternatives to prevent sauce curdling or separation.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen up to 2 months; reheat gently adding broth or cream if needed.