Gin-Braised Chicken with Mushrooms and Thyme

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a rich gin and mushroom sauce, served over creamy mashed potatoes. This french-inspired chicken ready in about 65 minutes pairs (8 oz each) chicken thighs, gin, sliced mushrooms for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 French cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Sear chicken in a large oven-safe skillet with 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat until golden, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, cook onions and garlic in remaining 1 tbsp butter until softened, about 3 minutes. Add mushrooms and thyme, cooking for 5-7 minutes until mushrooms release their liquid.
  3. Step 3: Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir for 1-2 minutes. Pour in gin and milk, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to the skillet, cover, and transfer to oven. Braise for 25-30 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce is thickened. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Gin-Braised Chicken with Mushrooms and Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (30 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Gin-Braised Chicken with Mushrooms and Thyme?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (8 oz each) chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Gin-Braised Chicken with Mushrooms and Thyme?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Gin-Braised Chicken with Mushrooms and Thyme for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Gin-Braised Chicken with Mushrooms and Thyme?

French chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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