Spinach and Mushroom Smothered Chicken
Spinach and Mushroom Smothered Chicken is a quick, creamy, and flavorful dinner featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with earthy mushrooms and vibrant spinach in a luscious, savory sauce. Perfect for healthy weeknight meals, this comforting dish is nutrient-rich, easy to prepare, and sure to impress family and friends.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed
- 8 oz button or cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, freshly minced
Dairy & Liquids
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Fats & Oils
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings & Herbs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Wash the spinach thoroughly and thinly slice the mushrooms. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to ensure great flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on each side, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic: In the same skillet, add more butter if needed. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until browned and tender. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Spinach and Liquids: Reduce heat to medium. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Pour in chicken broth followed by the cream. Stir well and let simmer for a few minutes so the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.
- Finish the Sauce and Return Chicken: Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and combined. Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Cook together for another 5 minutes so the chicken absorbs the sauce flavors.
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure consistent cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing chicken; cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming.
- Use fresh mushrooms for the best flavor and texture.
- Simmer the cream gently to prevent curdling.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for richer flavor and better melting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: chicken, spinach, mushrooms, creamy sauce, weeknight dinner, healthy, gluten free, quick recipe