Looking for a dinner that’s both comforting and quick to prepare?
This creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet checks all the boxes!
Imagine tender chicken simmered with earthy mushrooms and vibrant spinach in a luscious creamy sauce – it’s a one-pan wonder that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything comes together in just one skillet.
Let’s dive into this simple yet elegant dish!
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to create this irresistible dish:
- Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
- Mushrooms: 2 cups of sliced cremini or button mushrooms.
- Spinach: 3 cups fresh baby spinach (or 1.5 cups frozen, thawed and drained).
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup for that rich, creamy texture.
- Chicken Broth: ½ cup to enhance the flavors.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, for aromatic depth.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons for sautéing.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon to prevent sticking.
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup grated, to thicken the sauce and add cheesy goodness.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, paprika, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Wilt the Spinach
- Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s thoroughly thawed and squeezed dry before adding.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, letting the sauce thicken slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
5. Combine Everything
- Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Spoon some sauce over the chicken to coat it. Let everything simmer together for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Cooking Chicken Evenly: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking for consistent results.
- Preventing Sauce Curdling: Use room-temperature heavy cream and avoid boiling the sauce.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free—just double-check your broth and cheese labels.
- Dairy-Free Variation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
- Serve this creamy chicken skillet with fluffy mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles to soak up the sauce.
- Pair it with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir.
- For a low-carb option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Variations and Add-Ons
- Add Extra Veggies: Try adding zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for more variety.
- Switch Proteins: Replace chicken with shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work perfectly and add extra juiciness to the dish.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze without the spinach as it can become watery. Freeze the chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I serve with this dish?
Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a low-carb option, pair it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet
This Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet is a quick, one-pan meal that’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.With tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach in a creamy Parmesan sauce, this dish is as comforting as it is easy to make. Ready in just 30 minutes, it pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms cremini or button
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach or 1.5 cups frozen, thawed and drained
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- A pinch of red pepper flakes optional
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Mushrooms
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes until they release their moisture and become golden brown.
Cook the Garlic and Spinach
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s thawed and well-drained before adding.
Make the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional), salt, and pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce.
- Spoon some sauce over the chicken to coat it.
- Let the dish simmer for 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme and serve hot.