Name: Creamy Balsamic Skillet Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 tablespoons butter; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin; Salt and pepper to taste; 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, chopped; 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (gluten-free flour can be used); 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth as a substitute); 3/4 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 tablespoon grainy mustard; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1/2 cup Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan cheese), grated; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 89 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that balances rich, tangy, and comforting flavors all in one skillet, this Creamy Balsamic Skillet Chicken Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious mushroom and parmesan cream sauce, elevated by the deep tang of balsamic vinegar, make this meal unforgettable. It’s a perfect blend of approachable ingredients and dedicated technique that come together to create a dinner that feels both indulgent and homemade, ideal for weeknights or impressing company.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A collection of ingredients arranged neatly on a wooden tray with a white marbled surface background. In the top left, there is a white plate holding several pieces of raw chicken with a pale pink color and smooth, shiny texture. To the right is a white bowl filled with sliced brown mushrooms showing their cream-colored inner flesh and dark gills. Below the chicken, a white bowl holds chopped white onions with a slightly translucent look. Near the center, a small white bowl contains a dark brown liquid, likely soy sauce. Surrounding these are additional small white bowls containing minced garlic, dried herbs, black pepper mixed with salt, grated pale yellow cheese, golden broth, white cream or milk, and pale yellow butter cubes at the top right corner. The arrangement is clean and orderly, showcasing a variety of colors and textures, from smooth liquids to finely chopped and sliced ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the earthy mushrooms and fragrant thyme to the creamy parmesan finish, everything works in harmony to bring this dish to life.

Olive oil: The foundation for browning chicken and adding a subtle fruity richness.
Butter: Adds a silky depth to the sautéed vegetables and enriches the sauce.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pounded thin to ensure even cooking and tender bites.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance every element.
Mushrooms: Provide an earthy, meaty texture that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
Onion: Adds sweetness and a tender bite when cooked down.
Garlic: A fragrant, flavorful punch that keeps the dish vibrant.
Thyme: A fresh, herby note that complements the creamy and balsamic flavors.
All purpose flour: Used to thicken the sauce — easily substituted with gluten-free flour if needed.
Dry white wine (or chicken broth): Adds acidity and a complex aroma when deglazing the pan.
Chicken broth: Gives the sauce a savory base and moisture.
Heavy/whipping cream: Creates the luscious, creamy texture the dish is known for.
Grainy mustard: Introduces tang and a slight texture contrast in the sauce.
Balsamic vinegar: The signature ingredient that adds a sweet-tart zing and balances the creaminess.
Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan cheese): Grated fresh for a salty, nutty finish that melts into the sauce perfectly.

How to Make Creamy Balsamic Skillet Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the thinly pounded chicken breasts and cook them until beautifully golden on both sides, about 10 minutes total. Browning the chicken first locks in those juices and creates flavor-packed bits on the pan that will add depth later.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Once the chicken is set aside, add butter to the same pan and let it melt. Toss in diced onion and sliced mushrooms, letting them cook gently until tender and sweet, which should take around 10 minutes. This step builds a flavorful aromatics base that complements the creamy sauce.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Thyme

Next, stir in the chopped garlic and fresh thyme, cooking just until fragrant — about one minute. Garlic wakes up the senses, while thyme lends an earthy brightness that cuts through the richness.

Step 4: Create the Base with Flour

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well, cooking for about a minute to remove any raw taste. This not only thickens the sauce but gives it a nice, velvety texture that coats every ingredient beautifully.

Step 5: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze your pan, using a spatula to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. This step infuses the sauce with acidity and complexity, balancing all those creamy and savory flavors.

Step 6: Simmer the Sauce with Broth and Cream

Add chicken broth, heavy cream, grainy mustard, and balsamic vinegar back to the pan along with the chicken. Bring everything to a boil before turning the heat down to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld into a harmonious creamy concoction.

Step 7: Finish with Parmesan Cheese

Turn off the heat and stir in the freshly grated parmigiano reggiano until it melts completely. This final layer adds a salty, nutty richness that finishes the sauce with flair. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and your Creamy Balsamic Skillet Chicken Recipe is ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Creamy Balsamic Skillet Chicken Recipe

The image shows a close-up view of a large white pot filled with a rich, golden-brown creamy sauce that covers four large pieces of cooked chicken. Sliced mushrooms with a soft, cooked texture are scattered evenly over the chicken and sauce. The sauce has a smooth, slightly thick texture with small bits of herbs and spices mixed in. Bright green chopped parsley is sprinkled on top, adding a fresh contrast to the warm colors. The pot is on a white marbled surface and the sauce looks warm and inviting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley adds a pop of vibrant green and fresh aroma to finish the plate beautifully. You can also grate a little more Parmesan over the top if you want to amp up the cheesy goodness.

Side Dishes

This creamy skillet chicken pairs wonderfully with buttery mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or crusty artisan bread to soak up every bit of that heavenly sauce. Roasted seasonal vegetables or a crisp green salad also provide a refreshing contrast for balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve your chicken atop a bed of herb-infused rice or creamy garlic pasta, drizzling the balsamic cream sauce generously on top. Presentation becomes effortless when your sauce is this good!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your meal, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. The Creamy Balsamic Skillet Chicken Recipe stays delicious for up to 3 days, perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of this dish if you want to save time down the line. Be sure to cool it completely before sealing it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months without losing much of its creamy texture and rich flavor.

Reheating

When reheating, gentle warming on the stove over low heat works best to preserve the sauce’s creaminess. Add a splash of broth or cream if it starts to thicken too much. Microwave works in a pinch but watch the texture to avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use other types of mushrooms?

Absolutely! Cremini, button, or even shiitake mushrooms will work beautifully in this recipe. Each variety brings its own unique texture and flavor, so feel free to mix it up based on what you have or prefer.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes! You can swap out the butter and heavy cream for dairy-free alternatives like olive oil or vegan butter and coconut or cashew cream. Keep in mind it’ll taste a bit different but still rich and delicious.

What can I substitute for dry white wine?

If you’d rather skip the wine, chicken broth works as a perfect replacement. It keeps all the moisture and savory notes in the sauce, making the dish just as delightful and family-friendly.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Chicken thighs offer extra juiciness and flavor due to their higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through without drying out.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free all purpose flour instead of regular flour. This way you’ll still get the lovely sauce thickness without any gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Balsamic Skillet Chicken Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate—rich, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, it delivers big on flavor with minimal fuss. Give it a try soon, and I promise it will quickly become a go-to meal that you’ll want to make again and again.