Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet (Easy & Delicious)

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.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 Servings

Calories 400 kcal

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.

Keyword Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet