Skillet Chicken in Creamy Mushroom Sauce with Bacon and Pesto

INGREDIENTS

chicken breasts (sliced horizontally or 4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin (about 1 1/2 pounds))

1/2 tsp

salt

1/4 tsp

pepper

2 tbsp

olive oil, divided

1 tbsp

butter

10 oz

cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced

shallot, chopped

2 tbsp

basil pesto

1/2 tsp

dried oregano

1/4 tsp

dried thyme

garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup

half and half (or heavy cream, optional*)

2 cups

low sodium chicken broth, divided

1 tbsp

balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp

Dijon mustard

1 tbsp

+1 teaspoon cornstarch

strips bacon, cooked and crumbled, divided

fresh parsley

freshly grated Parmesan cheese