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Healthy Low Calorie Mushroom Chicken Skillet - Simple, Comforting, and Weeknight-Friendly

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken cutlets)
  • Mushrooms: 12 ounces cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
  • Onion: 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Olive oil: 1–2 tablespoons
  • Low-sodium chicken broth: 3/4 cup
  • Lemon: Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Fresh thyme: 1–2 teaspoons leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
  • Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
  • Greek yogurt (2% or nonfat): 2 tablespoons, optional for light creaminess
  • Whole-grain mustard: 1 teaspoon (optional, for tang)
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes: Pinch, optional

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat chicken dry and slice thick breasts horizontally into cutlets if needed for even cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the pan: Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Sear the chicken: Add chicken in a single layer. Sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  4. Sauté aromatics: Lower heat to medium. Add another drizzle of oil if the pan looks dry. Add onion and a pinch of salt; cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
  5. Brown the mushrooms: Add mushrooms and a small pinch of salt. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and most liquid evaporates.
  6. Build the sauce: Add thyme, chicken broth, lemon zest, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Bring to a lively simmer and scrape up browned bits from the pan.
  7. Optional creaminess: Reduce heat to low. In a small bowl, whisk Greek yogurt with a tablespoon of warm sauce, then stir it into the skillet. Add mustard if using. Simmer 1–2 minutes to thicken slightly. Do not boil.
  8. Return the chicken: Add chicken and any juices back to the skillet. Spoon mushrooms and sauce over the top. Simmer 1–2 minutes to warm through. Adjust salt, pepper, and lemon to taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like heat.
  9. Finish and serve: Sprinkle with parsley. Serve as is, or over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a small scoop of brown rice or quinoa.