If you’re looking for an easy recipe that delivers bold flavors with minimal effort, this one-skillet balsamic mushroom braised chicken is exactly what you need.
The combination of juicy chicken tenders, earthy mushrooms, and a tangy balsamic glaze creates a rich, comforting dish that tastes like it took hours to make—but is actually ready in under 30 minutes.
This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests without spending all evening in the kitchen. The best part? Everything cooks in one pan, which means less mess and easy cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish brings together everything you could want in a meal—savory, slightly sweet, and beautifully caramelized flavors that complement the tender chicken. Here’s why this easy recipe deserves a spot in your rotation:
- One-pan convenience: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.
- Incredible depth of flavor: The balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and thyme create a perfectly balanced sauce.
- Quick cooking time: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy nights.
- Pairs well with everything: Serve it with toasted bread, pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes.
Tips for Perfectly Braised Chicken
Even though this recipe is incredibly simple, a few key tips will help you achieve the best results:
- Sear the chicken well: Getting a golden-brown crust on the chicken before braising locks in moisture and enhances the overall flavor.
- Don’t rush the mushrooms: Letting them brown properly brings out their natural umami richness.
- Deglaze with white wine: This step adds depth and complexity to the sauce. If you don’t have wine, use extra stock with a splash of lemon juice.
- Use fresh herbs: While dried thyme works in a pinch, fresh thyme enhances the dish’s aroma and taste.
Substitutions & Variations
Want to tweak this easy recipe to fit your preferences? Here are some simple ways to customize it:
- Make it dairy-free: Swap the butter for olive oil or a plant-based alternative.
- Go gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for thickening and serve with gluten-free bread.
- Add extra veggies: Sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or caramelized onions would be delicious additions.
- Try different proteins: Boneless skinless chicken thighs or pork tenderloin would work just as well.
What to Serve with Balsamic Mushroom Braised Chicken
This dish is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides makes it even better. Some great options include:
- Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy and buttery, they balance the tangy balsamic glaze beautifully.
- Pasta or rice: Ideal for turning this into a heartier meal.
- Steamed greens: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add freshness and color to your plate.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
This one-skillet balsamic mushroom braised chicken is the kind of meal that tastes gourmet but comes together effortlessly. It’s a recipe you’ll find yourself making over and over, whether for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.
With its easy preparation, minimal ingredients, and incredible flavors, this dish proves that home-cooked meals don’t have to be complicated to be amazing.
Easy One-Skillet Balsamic Mushroom Braised Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 ½ to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 large shallot finely chopped
- 8 parsley sprigs
- 5 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
- 1 lb mushrooms sliced
- 1 loaf crusty bread sliced
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken stock
- ½ cup dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 8 thyme sprigs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Set the oven to 400°F. Season the chicken tenders generously with salt and pepper. Finely chop the shallot.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Add the remaining 3 tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Once shimmering, add the mushrooms, spreading them in an even layer. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 3 minutes, then stir and repeat. After about 9 minutes, when the mushrooms are browned, add the shallots and cook for another minute. Sprinkle with ¾ tsp salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Toast the Bread: While the mushrooms are cooking, arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and lightly sprinkle with salt. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the flour and cook for about 30 seconds until no white streaks remain. Pour in the chicken stock, white wine, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar. Add ½ tsp salt and the thyme sprigs. Simmer for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Combine & Simmer: Lower the heat to medium-low and remove the thyme sprigs. Stir in the butter until melted, then return the chicken to the skillet, along with any juices from the plate. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked.
- Serve: Dish out the chicken and mushrooms in shallow bowls, spooning over the rich balsamic sauce. Serve with the toasted bread on the side to soak up the flavorful juices.
Notes
- If chicken breast tenders aren’t available, use regular chicken breasts sliced into 1-inch thick strips.
- For extra depth of flavor, let the mushrooms cook undisturbed for longer before stirring.
- Sauvignon Blanc is recommended for its crisp acidity, but any dry white wine will work.
- Skipping the bread? Serve this over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a heartier meal.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.