Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce

Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce is a dish that brings together fork-tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce infused with the earthy flavor of mushrooms and a hint of white wine. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party or simply enjoying a cozy meal at home. The unique combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout choice for various occasions, from family dinners to elegant gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Cooking Time: This dish is ready in just 60 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
• Flavorful Sauce: The combination of white wine, garlic, and fresh thyme creates a sauce that enhances the chicken and mushrooms beautifully.
• Versatile Pairings: Serve this dish with rice, potatoes, or pasta to complement the rich sauce and make it your own.
• Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors and savory aroma make it a visually appealing dish that will delight your guests.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with common kitchen staples, you won’t need to hunt for specialty items.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce efficiently, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Shallow bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: A spacious skillet allows even cooking of the chicken cutlets while providing ample space for sautéing mushrooms and shallots.
• Shallow bowl: Perfect for dredging the chicken in flour, ensuring an even coating for better browning.

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 springs 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: Prep 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 them to an even thickness.

Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Mixture

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 melts. 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 well browned, about 5 minutes. Turn over and cook another 3-5 minutes until cooked through. Remove cooked chicken from skillet to a plate; cover to keep warm. Repeat until all chicken is browned.

Step 4: Sauté Mushrooms

Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan; heat until melted. Add sliced mushrooms; cook undisturbed until very dark on one side. Stir mushrooms; continue cooking until moisture is released then evaporated, resulting in well-browned mushrooms.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

Add sliced shallots; cook until softened and starting to brown. Add minced garlic; sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant. Pour in wine; scrape bottom of pan to deglaze. Add thyme sprigs, chicken broth, mustard, and cream. Bring mixture to a boil; cook for about 5 minutes. Stir in dissolved cornstarch; return sauce to light simmer before adding back cooked chicken. Heat through for another 5 minutes or until sauce thickens.

Step 6: Serve

Remove thyme sprigs from sauce; season dish with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley or additional thyme as desired, then serve alongside rice, potatoes, or noodles for a complete meal.

Enjoy your Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce!

How to Serve Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce

Serving Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce can elevate your dining experience. It pairs well with various sides that complement its rich flavors and creamy texture.

With Rice

• Steamed White Rice – A light option that absorbs the delicious sauce.
• Herbed Rice Pilaf – Adds a fragrant touch with herbs and spices.

With Potatoes

• Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the wine sauce.
• Roasted Potatoes – Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside; they add a nice contrast in texture.

With Noodles

• Butter Noodles – Simple yet flavorful, these noodles allow the chicken and sauce to shine.
• Fettuccine – Wider noodles provide a hearty base for the savory sauce.

With Vegetables

• Sautéed Green Beans – Crisp-tender beans add color and a fresh crunch.
• Garlic Spinach – Lightly sautéed spinach enhances the dish with earthy notes.

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How to Perfect Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce

To achieve the best results when making Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh mushrooms and herbs will significantly enhance flavor.
• Don’t Rush Browning – Allow the chicken to brown properly for maximum flavor.
• Deglaze Thoroughly – Scrape up any browned bits from the pan for added depth in your sauce.
• Adjust Consistency Wisely – If the sauce is too thick, add more broth; if too thin, let it simmer longer.
• Taste as You Go – Adjust seasoning throughout cooking to ensure balanced flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce

Complementing your Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce with delicious side dishes can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread – Perfect for sopping up the rich wine sauce; easy to prepare.
2. Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine with a tangy dressing adds freshness to your plate.
3. Grilled Asparagus – A light veggie side that pairs well with chicken; quick to grill.
4. Quinoa Salad – Nutty quinoa provides a healthy touch while being filling.
5. Polenta Cakes – Creamy polenta cakes offer a unique twist and absorb flavors nicely.
6. Brussels Sprouts – Roasted or sautéed, they add a caramelized sweetness that contrasts beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for.

• Not drying the chicken: Failing to pat the chicken dry can prevent it from browning properly. Always use paper towels to remove excess moisture before cooking.
• Overcrowding the skillet: Placing too many cutlets in the pan at once can lead to steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches for even cooking and a nice sear.
• Ignoring the wine choice: Using a poor-quality wine can negatively affect the sauce’s flavor. Always choose a dry white wine that you enjoy drinking.
• Skipping deglazing: Not scraping up the browned bits after cooking chicken can lead to a less flavorful sauce. Take time to deglaze with wine for added depth.
• Under-seasoning: Forgetting to taste and season your dish can leave it bland. Always adjust salt and pepper according to your preference before serving.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce

• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The dish is best consumed within 2 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in a covered dish for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in increments of 1 minute, stirring between sessions, until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce.

Can I use other types of mushrooms?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different mushroom varieties like cremini or shiitake for unique flavors.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free as well.

Can I make Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dish ahead but store it separately from any sides. Reheat when ready to serve.

What can I serve with Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce?

This dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different herbs or add vegetables like spinach or peas. It’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy family dinner. Give it a try!