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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 comforting and creamy dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts smothered in a savory mushroom, spinach, and Parmesan cheese sauce. This one-pan recipe delivers a vegetable-packed, flavorful meal that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a family-friendly gathering, combining simplicity and gourmet taste effortlessly.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian herbs

Sauté and Sauce

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter (plus extra if needed)
  • 8 oz cremini or white button mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning

  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian herbs

Instructions

  1. Prepare and season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. This ensures the chicken is flavorful and ready to develop a nice golden crust.
  2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and almost cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside to rest.
  3. Sauté the mushrooms and garlic: In the same skillet, add more butter if needed. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until tender and browned. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant to build the savory base of the sauce.
  4. Add the spinach and liquids: Stir fresh spinach into the mushrooms and garlic, allowing it to wilt. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the skillet’s bottom to release browned bits. Let the sauce simmer gently to thicken and blend flavors.
  5. Finish with cheese and simmer the chicken: Stir freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until smooth and melted. Return chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and infused with sauce flavors.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken for more even cooking and better searing.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when searing chicken to avoid steaming.
  • Prefer fresh mushrooms over canned for best texture and flavor.
  • Let the sauce reduce slightly for a thicker, creamier consistency.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-grated for better melting and taste.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit Parmesan.
  • Frozen spinach can be used, but thaw and drain well to avoid excess moisture.
  • The dish is gluten-free as it contains no flour or gluten ingredients.
  • Internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken, creamy chicken, spinach chicken, mushroom chicken, one pan dinner, family friendly, gluten free

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