Indulge in the rich, savory goodness of Garlic Mushroom Chicken with Spinach, a dish bursting with flavor and wholesome ingredients. This one-pan meal features tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a creamy garlic mushroom sauce, complemented by fresh spinach for added nutrition. The combination of earthy mushrooms, aromatic garlic, and a luscious sauce makes this dish a must-try for any food lover. Quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a restaurant-quality experience right at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved lengthwise)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup cremini or button mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (for freshness)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken – Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
- Sear the Chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms – In the same skillet, melt butter and add sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until they become tender and slightly caramelized.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings – Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the Creamy Sauce – Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Incorporate Parmesan and Spinach – Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Add the fresh spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted.
- Return the Chicken – Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over it. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Finish with Lemon and Garnish – Squeeze in the lemon juice and stir gently. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of freshness.
- Serve and Enjoy – Plate the chicken with a generous serving of the creamy garlic mushroom sauce. Pair it with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious flavors.