If you are searching for a cozy, flavorful dinner that feels like a warm hug, this Skillet Chicken with Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe is your new best friend. It takes humble chicken breasts and a classic pantry ingredient to create a creamy, comforting dish that’s loaded with savory goodness and comes together in just about half an hour. Imagine tender chicken smothered in a luscious mushroom sauce, all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup and maximum flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a delicious meal without fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white round plate holds three raw chicken fillets, pale pink and smooth, stacked slightly on top of each other. Above the plate, there are six small white bowls and a clear glass measuring cup arranged on a white marbled surface. The first bowl at top left contains a square piece of pale yellow butter, the second bowl next to it has chopped white onions. To the right of those, another bowl is filled with minced garlic, light yellow in color, and beside it a bowl holds golden yellow oil. Below these is a bowl with four spices divided into sections: dried green herbs, white powder, red powder, and light brown granules. Next to it, an open tin of creamy off-white sauce is visible with its lid flipped back. The glass measuring cup at bottom left is filled with milk, white and smooth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Skillet Chicken with Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe is surprisingly simple but packed with ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the herbs that season the chicken to the creamy soup base, these components combine to deliver a dish that is rich, tender, and incredibly satisfying.

Boneless, skinless chicken breast (1 1/2 pounds): The star protein that becomes tender and juicy with the right seasoning and cooking.
Olive oil (1 1/2 tablespoons): For creating that golden, crispy crust on the chicken and helping other ingredients cook evenly.
Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons): A fragrant blend of herbs that infuses the chicken with classic Mediterranean flavor.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle depth and warmth to the seasoning mix.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a hint of smoky color and mild heat to the dish.
Butter (1 tablespoon): Melts into the pan to enrich the sautéed onions and garlic, adding creaminess to the sauce.
Diced yellow onion (1/2 cup): Provides a gentle sweetness and structure to the creamy mushroom sauce.
Minced garlic (6 cloves): Fresh garlic that enlivens the sauce with aromatic punch.
Chicken broth or dry white wine (1/4 cup): Used to deglaze the pan and incorporate all those flavorful browned bits.
2% milk (3/4 cup): Helps create a creamy texture in the sauce without overpowering richness.
Cream of mushroom soup (10.5-ounce can): The retro pantry staple that makes this recipe effortlessly creamy and savory.
Balsamic vinegar (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a touch of acidity to balance the richness and elevate flavors.
Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance each element perfectly.

How to Make Skillet Chicken with Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you’re working with thinner pieces that cook quickly and evenly. Next, coat every side generously with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This step makes sure the chicken shines with flavor and develops a beautiful golden crust when cooked.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, then add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook them in batches, if needed, to avoid overcrowding, so each piece can brown nicely on all sides, about 5-6 minutes per side. The goal is to build a flavorful crust while sealing in the juicy tenderness. Once cooked through, set the chicken aside.

Step 3: Build the Cream of Mushroom Sauce

Without cleaning the pan, turn heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet to capture all those tasty brown bits left behind. Toss in diced onions with some salt and pepper, cooking them until soft and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Then add minced garlic, stirring for 30 seconds more to release its aroma without burning.

Step 4: Deglaze and Combine Sauce Ingredients

Pour in chicken broth or dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up every savory morsel stuck to the bottom. Next, whisk in milk and the cream of mushroom soup until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Let it simmer gently over low heat for about three minutes to thicken and meld the flavors. Finish by stirring in balsamic vinegar for brightness, then season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Reintroduce the Chicken and Finish Cooking

Return the cooked chicken and any juices back to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the sauce. Warm everything together for a minute until the chicken is heated through, ensuring every bite is smothered in that luscious mushroom cream sauce.

How to Serve Skillet Chicken with Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe

The image shows four browned, seasoned chicken pieces cooking inside a white pan with short handles. Each piece has a golden-brown color with dark seasoning spots, creating a textured, crispy surface. The pan has some dark brown bits stuck to it around the chicken, highlighting the cooking process. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To enhance the dish’s beauty and brighten each serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top. They add a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce and a pop of color that makes this meal as pleasant to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Side Dishes

This skillet chicken shines served over egg noodles, fluffy mashed potatoes, or creamy polenta, all perfect for soaking up extra sauce. For a lighter balance, add a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus alongside, bringing texture and freshness to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning the chicken and sauce over buttered rice or roasted potatoes for a different twist that’s just as comforting. Or serve it plated in individual shallow bowls topped with a dollop of sour cream for richness and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for texture contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors continue to meld overnight, making it an even tastier meal the next day. It will keep well for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunches or dinner on a busy night.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, too. Portion the chicken and creamy mushroom sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture of the onions may soften further once thawed, but the flavor will remain superb.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick after refrigeration or freezing, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it back up and bring back that delightful creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for quick cooking and tenderness, boneless thighs also work beautifully and add extra juiciness.

Is it possible to make the sauce from scratch without canned soup?

Yes, you can create a homemade mushroom sauce using sautéed mushrooms, cream, and broth if you prefer fresh ingredients. However, the canned soup simplifies this recipe and keeps it quick and easy.

What can I substitute for the balsamic vinegar?

If you don’t have balsamic vinegar on hand, a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar works well to add the needed acid and balance richness.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

Yes, by swapping the butter for olive oil, using a dairy-free milk alternative, and choosing a suitable cream of mushroom soup without dairy, you can adapt this dish for dairy-free diets.

What wine pairs well with Skillet Chicken with Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe?

A nice Chardonnay or Pinot Noir pairs wonderfully with the creamy, savory flavors, complementing the earthy mushrooms and tender chicken perfectly.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Skillet Chicken with Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe becomes one of your go-to meals because it’s truly a game-changer. It marries simplicity and flavor effortlessly, coming together in one pan with minimal fuss. Give it a try and enjoy the cozy satisfaction of a classic dish done right with a creamy, homemade touch!

Skillet Chicken with Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe