There’s something magical about the combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich wine-infused sauce simmering together in a skillet. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water! This elegant yet easy-to-make dish is perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to intimate gatherings.
I first discovered this recipe during a trip to a cozy countryside bistro where the chef shared the secret to his silky mushroom sauce. With a few tweaks, it’s now a staple in my kitchen – and soon, it will be in yours too.
Why You'll Love This Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce
Get ready to impress your family or guests with this flavorful and comforting dish. Here’s why this recipe will become your new favorite go-to dinner:
- Quick and Simple: Despite its gourmet flair, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something special.
- Rich, Restaurant-Quality Flavor: The combination of white wine, mushrooms, and a touch of cream creates a sauce that tastes like it’s straight out of a fine dining kitchen.
- Versatile and Customizable: This recipe is easy to adapt. You can swap ingredients based on what you have or adjust the sauce to your taste.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Serve this with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a meal that will have your guests raving.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a small dinner party, this skillet chicken is a foolproof option that never fails to impress.
Ingredients Notes

The key to the incredible flavor of this dish lies in the thoughtful combination of ingredients. Let’s dive into the stars of this recipe:
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Thighs tend to stay juicier, but breasts work wonderfully when cooked correctly. Pound them to an even thickness for quicker cooking.
- Mushrooms: Opt for cremini or baby bella mushrooms for their deep, earthy flavor. White button mushrooms work in a pinch, but they’re milder in taste.
- White Wine: A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio adds depth and complexity to the sauce. If you prefer to skip alcohol, substitute with chicken broth and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Garlic and Shallots: These aromatics build the foundation of flavor, infusing the sauce with a savory, fragrant base.
- Heavy Cream: Just a splash of heavy cream gives the sauce its luxurious texture. You can use half-and-half if you want a lighter option, but the creaminess won’t be as pronounced.
- Fresh Herbs: Thyme and parsley bring brightness and balance to the dish. Feel free to experiment with rosemary or tarragon for a different twist.
You’ll also need a good heavy-bottomed skillet for even cooking and a whisk for a velvety-smooth sauce.
How To Make This Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce

Creating this show-stopping dish is much simpler than it looks. Here’s how to make it step by step:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed, then toss in the sliced mushrooms. Cook them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they’re browned and tender. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
- Add the Aromatics: Reduce the heat slightly and stir in the minced garlic and diced shallots. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet – this is where all the flavor lives! Let it simmer for a few minutes until the wine reduces by half.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in chicken broth and a splash of heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your liking. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
This dish is ready in under 30 minutes, yet it tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.
Storage Options
Have leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat this delicious dish:
- Refrigeration: Store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing.
- Freezing: While the chicken freezes well, cream-based sauces can sometimes separate. If you’d like to freeze this dish, freeze the chicken and mushrooms separately from the sauce. When reheating, make a fresh batch of sauce to serve with the thawed chicken.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the chicken.
Variations and Substitutions
This Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce recipe is wonderfully versatile. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Swap the Protein: Try this sauce with pork chops, turkey cutlets, or even salmon for a delightful twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or portobello mushrooms for a meatless version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. The flavor will differ slightly but will still be delicious.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, oregano, or tarragon for unique flavor profiles.
- Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach, asparagus, or peas during the final simmer for added color and nutrition.
Cooking is all about making a recipe work for you, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite variation.
This Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce is a recipe that’s sure to impress, whether it’s your first time making it or your fiftieth. With its rich flavors, elegant presentation, and effortless preparation, it’s a dish you’ll come back to time and again. What are you waiting for? Grab your skillet and get cooking!
PrintSkillet Chicken And Mushroom Wine Sauce Recipe
This Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce recipe features tender chicken breasts seared to perfection, paired with a creamy, savory mushroom wine sauce. It's an easy, one-pan dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal to impress guests.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear each side until golden brown (about 4–5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions until softened. Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking until mushrooms are golden.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up browned bits. Let the wine reduce by half.
- Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and thyme. Stir well and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over, and simmer for another 5–7 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute white wine with chicken broth for an alcohol-free version.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a complete meal.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and customize with additional herbs like rosemary or sage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420mg
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