Fork tender chicken that’s super easy to make, flavorful, and delicious! The Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce is a perfect dish for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings. This recipe combines juicy chicken cutlets with a rich, savory wine sauce that highlights the earthy flavors of mushrooms and fresh herbs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just about an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of white wine, garlic, and thyme creates a depth of flavor that elevates simple chicken to a gourmet experience.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, potatoes, or noodles to suit your family’s tastes.
- Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors and textures make this dish visually appealing for guests.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, it’s a healthier option for dinner.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare the Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce effectively, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Shallow bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: A wide surface allows for even cooking of the chicken and mushrooms.
- Shallow bowl: Perfect for coating the chicken evenly with flour before cooking.
Ingredients
Fork tender chicken that’s super easy to make, flavorful, and delicious!
For the Chicken
- 3 boneless skinless (5 to 6 oz) chicken breasts (cut in half horizontally into cutlets)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (66g)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Sauce
- 12 ounces mushrooms (cleaned and thick sliced)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 large shallots (sliced thin)
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 large sprigs of fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (dissolved in 2 tablespoons water or broth)
How to Make Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Cut each breast in half horizontally into 2 thinner cutlets. Alternatively, place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness.
Step 2: Season the Flour
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a large skillet. Heat over medium until the butter is melted. Dredge three chicken cutlets in the flour mixture, coating both sides while shaking off excess flour. Add coated chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on one side for about 5 minutes. Turn over and cook another 3-5 minutes until done. Remove cooked chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm. Repeat with remaining cutlets.
Step 4: Sauté Mushrooms
Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan; heat until melted. Add sliced mushrooms; cook undisturbed until dark on one side. Stir mushrooms until moisture evaporates and they are well browned.
Step 5: Add Shallots and Deglaze
Stir in sliced shallots; cook until softened. Add minced garlic; sauté for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Pour wine into pan; scrape bottom to deglaze. Add thyme sprigs, chicken broth, mustard, and cream. Bring mixture to a boil; cook for 5 minutes.
Step 6: Thicken Sauce & Combine
Stir in dissolved cornstarch; bring sauce back to simmer. Return chicken to skillet; heat through for about 5 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly. Remove thyme sprigs; adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
Step 7: Serve
Garnish with parsley or more thyme if desired. Enjoy your Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce with rice, potatoes, or noodles!
How to Serve Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce
Serving Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce can elevate your dinner experience. This dish pairs well with various sides that complement its rich flavors.
With Rice
- Fluffy white or brown rice makes an excellent base for the sauce, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
Over Noodles
- Egg noodles or fettuccine provide a delightful texture and soak up the creamy wine sauce beautifully.
Accompanied by Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy mashed potatoes offer a comforting side that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and mushroom sauce.
Topped on Polenta
- For a unique twist, serve the chicken over creamy polenta, which adds a rustic touch to your meal.
With Steamed Vegetables
- Bright, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans add color and freshness to balance the richness of the dish.
Served with Crusty Bread
- A slice of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce, making every bite count.
How to Perfect Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce
To achieve the best results with your Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce, follow these simple tips.
- Use fresh ingredients – Fresh mushrooms, herbs, and quality chicken enhance the overall flavor of your dish.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – Cooking in batches prevents steaming and ensures even browning for better texture.
- Deglaze properly – Scraping the bottom of the skillet after adding wine helps incorporate those flavorful bits into your sauce.
- Adjust seasoning – Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper based on your preference to enhance flavors.
- Let it simmer – Allowing the sauce to simmer thickens it beautifully while melding all flavors together.
- Garnish thoughtfully – A sprinkle of fresh herbs just before serving adds visual appeal and freshness to your dish.
Best Side Dishes for Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce
Pairing side dishes with Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread complements the creamy sauce perfectly while providing a delightful crunch.
- Roasted Asparagus – Tender roasted asparagus adds a delightful crunch and vibrant color to your plate.
- Cauliflower Rice – For a lighter option, cauliflower rice offers a healthy alternative that soaks up the sauce well.
- Quinoa Salad – A refreshing quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
- Grilled Zucchini – Grilled zucchini adds a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the savory notes of the dish.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw can provide a refreshing crunch that balances out the creaminess of the sauce.
- Sautéed Spinach – Quick sautéed spinach adds nutrients and complements the meal without overpowering it.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn on the cob is not only delicious but also adds a fun element to your dinner table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people struggle with cooking Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Not drying the chicken – Failing to pat the chicken dry can lead to uneven cooking. Always use paper towels to remove excess moisture before cooking.
- Overcrowding the skillet – Adding too many chicken pieces at once can lower the pan’s temperature, causing steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches for even results.
- Skipping deglazing – Neglecting to deglaze the pan may result in a less flavorful sauce. Always scrape the bottom of the pan after adding wine to capture all those delicious bits.
- Incorrect heat levels – Cooking on too high or too low heat can affect texture. Use medium heat for consistent cooking and browning of both chicken and mushrooms.
- Not tasting the sauce – Failing to season your sauce properly can lead to blandness. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months; label with date for reference.
Reheating Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce
- Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave – Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop – Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce.
Can I use different types of mushrooms?
Yes! Feel free to substitute with cremini or shiitake mushrooms for added flavor.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
What can I serve with Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce?
This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta. Choose your favorite side!
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for a dairy-free version.
Final Thoughts
Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly delicious. This recipe is versatile; feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs or vegetables. Give it a try tonight!
Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce, a dish that transforms simple chicken cutlets into an elegant meal. This recipe combines juicy, fork-tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce infused with white wine, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also visually stunning on any dinner table. Serve it over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal that your family will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 12 ounces mushrooms
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1½ cups low sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Fresh thyme
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and cut into cutlets. Dredge in a mixture of flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through; set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté mushrooms until browned. Add shallots and garlic; cook until softened.
- Deglaze with white wine, then add broth, cream, thyme, and Dijon mustard; simmer for five minutes.
- Stir in dissolved cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Return chicken to the skillet to heat through.
- Adjust seasoning and serve garnished with fresh herbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
