Skillet Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Gravy Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Skillet Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Gravy Recipe because it feels like comfort food elevated to something special yet surprisingly easy. When I first tried making this, I was blown away by how perfectly tender the chicken turns out, all smothered in a rich, homemade mushroom gravy that s full of flavor and warmth. It s one of those dishes that looks impressive but doesn t require hours in the kitchen – perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or serving guests when you want to wow without stress.

You’ll find that the mix of simple ingredients like fresh thyme, garlic, and earthy baby bella mushrooms comes together to create a gravy so satisfying it almost steals the spotlight from the chicken (almost!). The beauty of this Skillet Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Gravy Recipe is that it uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs that stay juicy and tender, and cooking everything in one pan means cleanup is a breeze. Trust me, once you try this, it ll quickly become a staple in your rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Skillet Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Gravy Recipe are straightforward but work together beautifully to build layers of flavor. I always recommend using fresh herbs and quality chicken broth – it really makes the gravy sing. Plus, opting for boneless, skinless thighs means faster cooking and tender bites.

• Chicken thighs: Boneless and skinless make for easy cooking and juicy results without extra fat.
• Avocado oil: Great for high-heat cooking with a neutral flavor, ensuring perfect browning.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
• Baby bella mushrooms: Thick slices bring an earthy, meaty texture to the gravy.
• Garlic: Minced for that aromatic pop that ties everything together.
• Fresh thyme leaves: Adds a subtle herby brightness that lifts the gravy.
• Chicken broth: Use a good-quality one or homemade if possible for deeper flavor.
• Tamari: Brings umami and a bit of saltiness without overpowering.
• Arrowroot starch: A clean, gluten-free thickener that makes the gravy silky smooth.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to balance all the flavors.

Variations

I love experimenting with this recipe depending on the season or what’s in my pantry, and I ll share a few of my favorite tweaks so you can make it your own. Don t hesitate to swap ingredients or add something extra to suit your family’s tastes!

• Adding cream or coconut milk: For a richer, creamier gravy, I sometimes stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk at the end – totally indulgent and comforting.
• Swap tamari for soy sauce: If you don t have tamari, regular soy sauce works just fine, though I like tamari for its gluten-free, slightly smoother taste.
• Use bone-in thighs: For extra flavor, bone-in chicken thighs work beautifully – just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Add fresh herbs: Rosemary or sage can be yummy alongside thyme if you want a slightly different herbaceous note.
• Mushroom variety: Mix in shiitakes or cremini mushrooms if you can t find baby bellas – diversity in mushrooms add wonderful texture.

How to Make Skillet Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken Thighs

Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat for a couple of minutes, then add 1-2 tablespoons of avocado oil. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down if you had skin on (or just as is for boneless, skinless) and cook them for about 5 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step is key because the browning adds flavor and texture. Don’t rush – patience here pays off! Once browned, transfer the chicken out to a plate but keep that skillet handy, because you re about to build your gravy right there.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Onions

In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of avocado oil. Toss in your sliced mushrooms and diced onions, spreading them out evenly across the pan. Here s where I really let them work their magic – don t stir too much. Let them sit and caramelize for about 7 minutes, stirring only occasionally until onions soften and mushrooms turn golden brown. This slow cooking draws out their natural sweetness and builds a deeper flavor foundation for your gravy.

Step 3: Add Garlic, Thyme, and Seasoning

Stir in the minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, and about a teaspoon of salt. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant – but watch carefully so it doesn t burn. This aroma is what starts to draw everyone into the kitchen!

Step 4: Deglaze and Thicken the Gravy

Mix your chicken broth and tamari in a small bowl, then pour about three-quarters of it into the skillet, scraping up all those golden bits stuck to the bottom – these bits have concentrated flavor that make your gravy extra tasty. In the remaining broth and tamari mix, whisk in your arrowroot starch until smooth and lump-free. Pour this thickening mixture into the skillet, stirring to combine everything. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes; you’ll notice the gravy starting to thicken beautifully.

Step 5: Return Chicken and Simmer

Once the gravy has thickened, nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it all cook gently for another 10 minutes. This allows the chicken to finish cooking through and soak up that luscious mushroom gravy. I always check for doneness by making sure the juices run clear and the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).

How to Serve Skillet Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the finished dish – it adds that nice pop of green and a fresh taste that balances the richness of the gravy. Sometimes I also add a light dusting of cracked black pepper on top for a little extra bite. These simple garnishes make the plate look so inviting.

Side Dishes

One of my favorite pairings is creamy mashed potatoes – I sometimes make dairy-free mashed white sweet potatoes for a twist like I did last week, which is a hit with my family. You can also serve this over quinoa, egg noodles, or even roasted vegetables to soak up every bit of that savory mushroom gravy.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I ve served this dish family-style on a big wooden platter surrounded by vibrant green beans and roasted carrots. It makes a beautiful, rustic presentation that feels cozy and festive. I also like placing the chicken on a bed of creamy polenta – it s a crowd-pleaser that feels elegant without fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I let leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The mushroom gravy stays wonderfully flavorful, and the chicken remains juicy for up to 3 days. Just be sure to gently reheat to preserve texture.

Freezing

I ve frozen portions of this Skillet Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Gravy Recipe with great success – just make sure you use freezer-safe containers. When you thaw it out, the gravy sometimes needs a quick stir, but it comes back nicely without losing much of its flavor or texture.

Reheating

I prefer reheating leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This helps maintain the silky texture of the gravy and keeps the chicken tender. Using a microwave is fine too, just heat in short bursts so the chicken doesn t dry out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There s something so satisfying about sitting down to a bowl of this Skillet Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Gravy Recipe – it s cozy, hearty, and hits all those comfort food cravings without complicated steps. For me, it s a reminder that great meals can be simple, and sharing it with family or friends makes it even better. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do – it s definitely one I ll be turning to again and again!

Skillet Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Gravy Recipe

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• Author: Jessica
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

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Description

This Skillet Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Gravy recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs seared to golden perfection and simmered in a rich, savory mushroom and thyme gravy. Cooked entirely in one skillet, this comforting dish blends earthy baby bella mushrooms, fresh thyme, and a flavorful broth thickened with arrowroot starch, making for an easy weeknight meal that’s perfect served over mashed potatoes, quinoa, or pasta.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Oil

• 6 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 4 tablespoons avocado oil

Vegetables and Herbs

• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 pound baby bella mushrooms, sliced thick
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, roughly chopped

Liquid and Seasoning

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons tamari
• 2 tablespoons arrowroot starch (or thickener of choice)
• Salt and pepper, to season

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Instructions

1. Heat the skillet and oil: Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat for a few minutes, then add 1-2 tablespoons of avocado oil to the pan.
2. Cook the chicken thighs: Place the chicken thighs in the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté mushrooms and onions: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of avocado oil to the skillet. Add the sliced mushrooms and diced onions, spreading them evenly in the pan. Let them cook, stirring infrequently, for about 7 minutes until the onions soften and mushrooms turn mostly golden brown.
4. Add garlic, thyme, and season: Stir in the minced garlic, chopped fresh thyme, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to develop the flavors.
5. Deglaze the pan: In a separate bowl or glass, combine the chicken broth and tamari. Pour three-quarters of this mixture over the mushrooms and onions, stirring well to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet.
6. Prepare the thickener: Add the arrowroot starch to the remaining chicken broth and tamari mixture and whisk thoroughly until smooth and free of lumps.
7. Thicken the gravy: Pour the arrowroot starch mixture into the skillet with the mushrooms and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to allow the mushroom gravy to thicken.
8. Return chicken and simmer: Add the cooked chicken thighs back into the skillet, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook for another 10 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors and finish cooking through.
9. Serve and enjoy: Serve the skillet chicken thighs topped with the mushroom gravy over mashed potatoes, quinoa, or pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy your comforting meal.

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Notes

• You can substitute arrowroot starch with cornstarch or flour as a thickener if preferred.
• For a dairy-free option, serve over mashed white sweet potatoes or other vegetable purées.
• Adjust the amount of thyme to your taste; fresh herbs add brightness to the dish.
• If tamari is unavailable, soy sauce can be used but will increase sodium content.
• Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when sautéing mushrooms to ensure they brown well.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1.5 chicken thighs with gravy)
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg