Description
Creamy Garlic Mushroom & Spinach Chicken
A creamy and flavorful one-pan meal that’s quick, easy, and perfect for weeknights. The garlic and Parmesan sauce ties all the ingredients together beautifully!
Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
2 cups spinach
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat oil in a skillet and cook chicken until golden. Remove.
Melt butter in the same skillet. Sauté garlic and mushrooms.
Stir in broth, cream, Parmesan, and seasoning. Simmer until thickened.
Add spinach and cook until wilted.
Return chicken, coat in sauce, and serve!
#OnePanChicken
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time. Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Transfer to a plate and tent with foil. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the mushrooms are soft and browned. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the fresh spinach in handfuls, stirring until just wilted. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Heat for another 1-2 minutes to warm through.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and creamy chicken dish pairs wonderfully with sides that can soak up the delicious sauce. Serve it over a bed of pasta like fettuccine or linguine, or with mashed potatoes, polenta, or rice. For a lighter option, try it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing helps cut through the richness. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley.
How-to Summary
Sear seasoned chicken breasts and set aside. In the same pan, sauté garlic and mushrooms in butter. Create the sauce by adding broth, cream, Parmesan, and seasoning, then simmer until thickened. Wilt the spinach in the sauce, return the chicken to the pan, and coat everything in the creamy garlic sauce before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute. They may require a slightly longer cooking time due to their higher fat content.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Substitute the butter with olive oil, use a full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream, and opt for a nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan alternative.
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
You can pre-slice the mushrooms, mince the garlic, and measure out the dry ingredients. For best results, cook the dish fresh.
My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?
Let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce. For a quicker fix, create a slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Crowding the Pan: Avoid adding too much chicken at once, as it will steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Overcooking the Chicken: This leads to dry, tough meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches just 165°F.
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly. Add it to the butter just before the mushrooms and stir constantly.
- Using Pre-Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. Freshly grate your Parmesan for a creamier sauce.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Mushroom & Spinach Chicken is the ultimate one-pan solution for a delicious, comforting, and impressively easy dinner. With its rich, flavorful sauce and tender chicken, it’s a versatile recipe that feels gourmet without requiring advanced skills. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home any night of the week. It’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
