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Spinach and Mushroom Smothered Chicken

Spinach and Mushroom Smothered Chicken
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Spinach and Mushroom Smothered Chicken is a flavorful, comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, creamy mushroom and spinach sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, offering a healthy balance of lean protein and nutrient-rich vegetables with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter (plus more as needed)
  • 8 ounces cremini or white button mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional herbs: thyme or parsley, to taste
  • Additional salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic: In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes until they release their moisture and turn golden. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
  3. Wilt the Spinach: Add fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until completely wilted, about 2 to 3 minutes. This combines the earthy mushroom flavors with the fresh greens.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes silky smooth.
  5. Smother the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy spinach and mushroom sauce. Spoon extra sauce over the top and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to let the flavors meld perfectly.

Notes

  • Let chicken rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken; cook in batches if necessary.
  • Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and sauce texture.
  • Keep sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent cream from curdling.
  • Deglaze the pan with chicken broth or a splash of white wine to lift browned bits when making the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken, spinach, mushroom, creamy sauce, quick dinner, one-pan meal, healthy, gluten free, weeknight recipe

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/spinach-and-mushroom-smothered-chicken/