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
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
Instructions
- Thoroughly dry chicken breasts using paper towels to ensure proper seasoning and searing.
- Generously season both sides of chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika for enhanced flavor profile.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (around 350°F) to create an ideal searing environment.
- 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.
- Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat to create a flavorful base for mushrooms.
- Introduce sliced mushrooms and sauté approximately 5 minutes, allowing moisture to evaporate and developing rich caramelized edges.
- Incorporate minced garlic and cook briefly until aromatic, releasing its intense flavor.
- Add spinach to the skillet, cooking until completely wilted and vibrant green, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, gently simmering and scraping accumulated browned bits from skillet surface.
- Integrate heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, creating a luxurious sauce consistency.
- Allow sauce to simmer 2-3 minutes, thickening slightly and developing deeper flavor notes.
- Season with optional red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to personalize taste profile.
- Carefully return cooked chicken to skillet, nestling pieces into creamy sauce.
- Spoon sauce generously over chicken, ensuring complete coating and flavor integration.
- 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