Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet: A Cozy Dinner Recipe

Whipping up a creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet promises an effortless culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance.

Fragrant herbs and tender ingredients meld together in one spectacular pan.

My kitchen always feels magical when this dish comes together.

Succulent chicken pieces nestle among earthy mushrooms and vibrant green spinach.

Comfort meets elegance in this simple yet impressive meal that looks like you spent hours preparing.

Weeknight dinners never tasted so good with such minimal effort.

Let’s unlock the secrets of this irresistible skillet that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Reasons to Love Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet

• Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet offers maximum deliciousness with minimal effort.
• Single-skillet technique means less cleanup and faster meal preparation, perfect for busy home cooks who want restaurant-quality results without complicated steps.
• Packed with protein from chicken, vitamins from spinach, and calcium from Parmesan, this dish delivers a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and supports healthy eating.
• Creamy sauce combined with golden-seared chicken, earthy mushrooms, and hint of red pepper flakes creates a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone requesting seconds.
• Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences by swapping ingredients or adjusting seasonings, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients in Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the base of the dish.

• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Classic seasonings that enhance the chicken's flavor.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps with cooking.

• Mushrooms, Spinach, Garlic: Adds depth, nutrition, and earthy flavors.

• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creates a creamy, luxurious sauce base.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat to the dish.

• Fresh Parsley, Thyme: Provides a fresh, aromatic finish to the skillet.

Instructions for Mushroom Spinach Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Take chicken breasts and gently dry them using paper towels.

Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and sweet paprika, ensuring an even coating.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot pan.

Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior and are fully cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 3: Saute Mushrooms

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

Add sliced mushrooms and cook for approximately 5 minutes.

Watch as they release their moisture and transform into golden-brown deliciousness.

Step 4: Boost the Flavor

Add minced garlic to the mushrooms and cook for 1 minute until the kitchen fills with an aromatic fragrance.

Toss in fresh spinach leaves and cook until they wilt completely, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, gently simmering and scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 6: Simmer and Season

Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 7: Reunite the Chicken

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the creamy sauce.

Spoon extra sauce over the chicken to ensure it’s completely coated.

Step 8: Final Blend

Let the dish simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing all the flavors to mingle and become friends.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme on top.

Serve piping hot directly from the skillet for a stunning presentation that will make everyone’s mouth water.

Helpful Cooking Hints for Chicken Mushroom Skillet

• Pat chicken breasts thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy, golden-brown sear without steaming.
• Cook mushrooms until they release moisture and turn golden brown, concentrating their rich, earthy taste and preventing a watery sauce.
• Drain frozen spinach completely or wilt fresh spinach carefully to prevent excess liquid from diluting the creamy sauce's consistency.
• Add red pepper flakes for a subtle heat kick or experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to elevate the dish's aromatic profile.
• Store leftover chicken in the sauce to maintain moisture, and gently reheat over low heat to prevent the cream from separating or becoming grainy.

How to Keep and Reheat the Chicken Skillet

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing spinach as it can become mushy when thawed.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Stop when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore sauce consistency. Stir gently to prevent chicken from breaking apart and heat until thoroughly warmed.

Serving Matches for Creamy Chicken Mushroom Skillet

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy, earthy flavors of the chicken and mushroom dish. The wine's bright acidity cuts through the richness and enhances the overall taste experience.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare a side of toasted baguette slices rubbed with garlic and olive oil. These crispy, aromatic slices are perfect for soaking up the luxurious sauce and adding a delightful textural contrast to the tender chicken.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a light, peppery salad with arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved Parmesan. The salad's zesty, fresh notes will balance the creamy skillet and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich main dish.
• Complement with Roasted Asparagus: Toss asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until slightly crisp. The vegetable's subtle earthiness and slight char will harmonize beautifully with the mushroom and spinach elements of the skillet.

Flavorful Versions for Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace mushrooms and spinach with riced cauliflower and kale for a lower-carb version that maintains the creamy, rich flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a lactose-free and vegan-friendly option.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Add sun-dried tomatoes, swap Parmesan for feta cheese, and include oregano and basil to transform the dish with Mediterranean herbs and flavors.
• Protein Power Boost: Replace chicken with turkey breast or lean white fish like cod for a different protein source while keeping the same creamy sauce technique.

FAQs

• Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork chops, turkey breast, or even fish fillets. Just adjust cooking times based on the protein’s thickness and ensure it’s fully cooked.

• Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?

Absolutely! This dish is naturally low in carbohydrates. The combination of chicken, mushrooms, spinach, and cream makes it perfect for keto and low-carb eating plans.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?

Always pat the chicken dry before seasoning, use medium heat while cooking, and avoid overcooking. The key is searing each side for 5-6 minutes and letting it rest in the creamy sauce, which helps retain moisture.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. This substitution will maintain a creamy texture while keeping the dish dairy-free.

Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet (Easy & Delicious) Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet delivers comfort and elegance in one hearty pan. Savory herbs, tender chicken, and rich sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 lbs (0.68 kg) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

Cooking Fats and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 cups sliced mushrooms (cremini or button)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach (or 1.5 cups frozen, thawed and drained)

Cheese and Garnish:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Thoroughly dry chicken breasts using paper towels to ensure proper seasoning and searing.
2. Generously season both sides of chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika for enhanced flavor profile.
3. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (around 350°F) to create an ideal searing environment.
4. Cook chicken 5-6 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior and reaching internal temperature of 165°F, then transfer to a separate plate.
5. Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat to create a flavorful base for mushrooms.
6. Introduce sliced mushrooms and sauté approximately 5 minutes, allowing moisture to evaporate and developing rich caramelized edges.
7. Incorporate minced garlic and cook briefly until aromatic, releasing its intense flavor.
8. Add spinach to the skillet, cooking until completely wilted and vibrant green, approximately 2-3 minutes.
9. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, gently simmering and scraping accumulated browned bits from skillet surface.
10. Integrate heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, creating a luxurious sauce consistency.
11. Allow sauce to simmer 2-3 minutes, thickening slightly and developing deeper flavor notes.
12. Season with optional red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to personalize taste profile.
13. Carefully return cooked chicken to skillet, nestling pieces into creamy sauce.
14. Spoon sauce generously over chicken, ensuring complete coating and flavor integration.
15. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear that locks in moisture and creates a delicious exterior.
• Use high-quality, fresh mushrooms like cremini or shiitake for deeper, more robust flavor that enhances the overall dish’s complexity.
• Drain excess liquid from spinach to prevent the sauce from becoming watery and maintain a rich, creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 39 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg