Skillet Chicken Mushroom Soup

This skillet chicken and cream of mushroom soup transforms ordinary chicken into a comforting, restaurant-worthy meal in just 30 minutes. The combination of tender chicken breast, savory mushroom soup, and aromatic herbs creates a creamy dish that's perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something quick yet impressive for unexpected dinner guests. The rich mushroom sauce earned so many compliments that it's now my go-to when I want to elevate basic chicken breasts without much fuss.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: provide a lean protein base that soaks up all the delicious flavors
• Italian seasoning blend: saves time while delivering complex herb flavors in one ingredient
• Cream of mushroom soup: creates an instant velvety sauce with rich umami depth
• Balsamic vinegar: adds a subtle tang that balances the richness of the cream sauce
• Chicken broth: deglazes the pan capturing all the caramelized bits of flavor from cooking the chicken
• Butter and olive oil: combine for the perfect searing fat with a higher smoke point
• Garlic and onion: form the aromatic foundation that makes the sauce irresistible
• Milk: thins the soup to the perfect consistency while adding creaminess

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Chicken:

Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create four thinner cutlets. This helps them cook evenly and quickly while maximizing the surface area for the delicious seasoning crust. Season generously on all sides with the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, making sure to press the seasonings into the meat.

Sear the Chicken:

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Place the seasoned chicken carefully into the hot pan without overcrowding. Allow each piece to cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes before flipping. The key is developing that golden brown crust that seals in juices and creates flavor. Once both sides are beautifully browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, set aside on a clean plate.

Create the Flavor Base:

Without wiping the pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add your diced onion with a pinch of salt and pepper to draw out moisture. Cook until translucent and beginning to caramelize around the edges, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to prevent burning which would cause bitterness.

Build the Sauce:

Pour in the chicken broth while using a wooden spoon to scrape all the caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan. This fond contains concentrated flavor that will enrich your sauce. Whisk in milk and cream of mushroom soup until completely smooth, making sure to break up any lumps. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer, not a boil which could cause the dairy to separate.

Finish and Serve:

Stir in the balsamic vinegar which brightens the flavor and cuts through the richness. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan, spooning the sauce over each piece. Allow everything to warm through for about a minute before serving over your preferred starch.

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My family particularly loves the sauce in this recipe so I often make extra by adding additional cream of mushroom soup and milk. My daughter calls it liquid gold and always asks for more to drizzle over her vegetables too making this a sneaky way to get her to eat more greens.

Make Ahead Options

This dish actually improves with time as the flavors meld together overnight. You can prepare it completely up to two days before serving simply store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to refresh the sauce if it seems too thick. The chicken will remain tender and the sauce becomes even more flavorful making this perfect for busy schedules.

Perfect Pairings

The creamy mushroom sauce works beautifully with a variety of side dishes. For a traditional comfort meal, serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes which soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, try steamed green beans, asparagus, or a fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette. The contrast between the rich creamy sauce and fresh vegetables creates a balanced plate that satisfies without feeling too heavy.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly forgiving and adaptable to what you have on hand. Chicken thighs can replace breasts for a more flavorful and forgiving cut that won't dry out. Cream of chicken or celery soup works in place of mushroom soup if that's what you have in your pantry. Plant-based milk such as unsweetened almond or oat milk can substitute for dairy milk though the sauce may be slightly less rich. White wine brings a lovely acidity in place of chicken broth for a more sophisticated flavor profile.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this dish. They tend to be more forgiving and stay juicy. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.

→ What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup or make a quick substitute by combining 1 cup of milk with 1/4 cup flour, 2 tablespoons butter, and 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms.

→ What can I use instead of white wine?

Chicken broth is already listed as an alternative in the recipe. You could also use vegetable broth, a splash of apple cider vinegar mixed with broth, or even a bit of lemon juice mixed with broth for deglazing.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

To make this dairy-free, replace the milk with unsweetened almond or coconut milk, use olive oil instead of butter, and look for a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup (or make your own with plant-based ingredients).

→ What sides go well with this dish?

While egg noodles are suggested, this dish also pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. For vegetables, consider steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a simple green salad.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. The flavors often improve after sitting for a day. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.