Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Skillet

This Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Skillet with Cheesy Potato–Tomato Gratin is the ultimate comfort-food feast, marrying tender chicken fillets seared in garlic-scented vegetable oil with earthy champignons, sweet bell peppers, and a rich white-wine–cream sauce. It’s served alongside layers of thinly sliced potatoes and cherry tomatoes baked under a blanket of melting mozzarella, finished with fragrant herbs and a drizzle of dill–green onion cream. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this all-in-one meal delivers robust flavor, satisfying textures, and a gorgeous presentation.

Cooking Time

• Preparation: 20 minutes

• Chicken & Mushroom Sauté: 15 minutes

• Potato–Tomato Gratin Assembly: 15 minutes

• Gratin Baking: 40 minutes

• Final Simmer & Sauce: 10 minutes

• Total Active Time: 1 hour

• Total Time (including baking): 1 hour 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 400 g chicken fillet, cut into 2 cm pieces

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 200 g champignon mushrooms, sliced

• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 100 ml dry white wine

• 250 ml chicken broth

• 1 tsp paprika powder

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 200 ml heavy cream

• 600 g potatoes, peeled and sliced 3 mm thick

• 1 tsp salt (for potatoes)

• 200 g cherry tomatoes, halved

• 150 g mozzarella cheese, shredded

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to finish

• 1 tbsp butter

• 50 ml milk

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill

• 2 green onions, sliced

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Potatoes: Preheat to 180 °C (360 °F). Toss potato slices in 1 tsp salt and drizzle with olive oil; layer in a greased baking dish.

2. Layer Tomatoes & Cheese: Scatter cherry tomatoes over potatoes; sprinkle half the mozzarella, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes.

3. Sear Chicken: Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Season chicken with salt and pepper; sear 5 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.

4. Sauté Aromatics & Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add butter. Sauté onion 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and mushrooms; cook 5 minutes until moisture evaporates.

5. Add Peppers & Herbs: Add bell pepper and Italian herbs; sauté 2 minutes until slightly softened.

6. Deglaze & Simmer: Pour in white wine; scrape up fond. Add chicken broth, paprika, and cumin. Return chicken to pan. Simmer 5 minutes.

7. Finish Cream Sauce: Stir in cream and milk; simmer 5 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. Adjust salt and pepper.

8. Bake Gratin & Serve: Remove foil from gratin, top with remaining mozzarella, and bake 10 more minutes until golden. Spoon chicken and mushroom skillet alongside or atop gratin.

9. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh dill and green onions before serving.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 4):

• Calories: 620 kcal

• Protein: 35 g

• Carbohydrates: 45 g

  • Fiber: 5 g

• Fat: 32 g

  • Saturated: 16 g

• Sodium: 780 mg

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

Layered potato gratins have roots in French cuisine (Gratin Dauphinois), while creamy chicken–mushroom sautés echo European cream-based stews. Combining both into one dish reflects modern “pan-to-oven” techniques popularized in home cooking blogs for their simplicity and minimal cleanup. The marriage of wine-infused sauces with baked potatoes is beloved worldwide for merging rustic tradition with gourmet flair.

Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe

• Flavor Harmony: Smoky paprika, earthy mushrooms, and tangy tomatoes balance richness.

• One-Dish Convenience: Sauté and bake components simultaneously.

• Textural Contrast: Crisp potato edges, creamy cheese, tender chicken, and silky sauce.

• Family-Friendly: Familiar ingredients with elevated presentation excite all ages.

Health Benefits

• Lean Protein: Chicken provides essential amino acids for muscle maintenance.

• Vegetables: Potatoes and peppers offer potassium, vitamins C and A, and dietary fiber.

• Mushrooms: Low-calorie source of B vitamins, selenium, and antioxidants.

• Herbs & Spices: Garlic and dill contribute anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through richness.

• Accompany with steamed seasonal vegetables for added color.

• Offer warm bread to soak up extra sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Pan: Sear chicken in batches to ensure browning rather than steaming.

• Underseasoning Potatoes: Pre-salt potato slices to infuse flavor.

• Skipping Foil on Gratin: Prevents tops from burning before potatoes cook through.

Pairing Recommendations

• White Wine: A dry Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce.

• Beer: A light lager or Belgian witbier refreshes the palate.

• Non-Alc: Sparkling water with cucumber or herbal iced tea.

Cooking Tips

• Uniform Slicing: Use a mandoline for even potato and tomato slices to ensure uniform baking.

• Room-Temperature Dairy: Prevents curdling when adding cream and milk to hot sauce.

• Resting Sauce: Let skillet rest off heat briefly before plating to thicken further.

Similar Recipes to Try

• Chicken Fricassee with Mushrooms

• Gratin Dauphinois with Cheddar & Herbs

• Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff

• Mediterranean Chicken Bake with Olives & Tomatoes

Variations to Try

• Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or cayenne to the sauce.

• Vegetarian: Omit chicken; increase mushrooms and add chickpeas.

• Cheese Swap: Use Gruyère or fontina for a nuttier flavor.

• Herb Twist: Stir fresh thyme or rosemary into gratin layers.

Ingredient Spotlight

Champignon Mushrooms: Versatile, umami-rich fungi that absorb flavors well and provide meaty texture with minimal calories. Their selenium content supports immune function, while B vitamins aid energy metabolism.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Skillet with Cheesy Potato–Tomato Gratin is a testament to the power of layering simple, high-quality ingredients into a harmonious, restaurant-worthy dish. With its blend of textures, flavors, and one-dish ease, it’s set to become a staple in your recipe collection—perfect for cozy family dinners or impressive weeknight entertaining.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thigh?
   Yes—breast cooks faster; reduce sauté time by 2–3 minutes.

2. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
   Freeze assembled gratin (without cheese topping), defrost, then bake. Skillet best fresh.

3. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Substitute cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.

4. How do I prevent runny gratin?
   Ensure potatoes are sliced thinly and bake long enough (cover then uncover).

5. What if I don’t have white wine?
   Use extra chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice.

6. Can I halve the recipe?
   Yes—use smaller baking and sauté pans; adjust cook times slightly.

7. How do I reheat leftovers?
   Reheat in a 180 °C oven for 10–15 minutes to crisp edges.

8. Why add cumin and paprika?
   They provide smoky warmth and depth to the cream sauce.

9. Can I prep ahead?
   Sauté vegetables and marinate chicken a day ahead; assemble and bake when ready.

10. What sides complement this dish?
    Light salads, steamed green beans, or crusty bread are ideal.