If you are looking for a dish that speaks comfort, elegance, and a burst of flavor all in one pan, then this Creamy Spinach Mushroom Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious cream sauce bursting with sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and parmesan cheese make this recipe irresistible for both weekday dinners and special occasions. The harmony of flavors and textures will make you feel like you’re dining at a fancy restaurant, but with the ease and warmth of home cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, wholesome, and each plays a crucial role in building the depth of flavor, richness, and inviting color of the dish. From succulent chicken to earthy mushrooms and vibrant spinach, this list hits the perfect balance of taste and nutrition.
- 1 pound chicken breast: Opt for large breasts to ensure juicy, meaty servings after cooking.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create that velvety sauce base without overpowering the dish.
- 4 large garlic cloves (minced): Garlic infuses a wonderful aromatic foundation and depth to the sauce.
- 1/2 yellow onion (finely minced): Mild sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile when sautéed.
- 2 cups baby spinach: Offers a fresh pop of green, subtle earthiness, and important nutrients.
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms (sliced): Their firm texture and umami boost the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Just enough to add a subtle hint of warmth and complexity.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine: Sauvignon blanc works well here to both deglaze the pan and add a crisp acidity; chicken stock with a lemon squeeze is a fine substitute.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream: The star of the creamy sauce, delivering smoothness and richness.
- 1 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce and brings a salty, nutty flavor that elevates every bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste): To season the entire dish perfectly.
- Black pepper (to taste): Adds a fresh peppery kick balance.
How to Make Creamy Spinach Mushroom Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Pound the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts in half lengthwise, creating two equal pieces as if butterflying but cutting through completely. Using a zip bag or cling wrap, gently pound the pieces to an even thickness. This ensures even cooking and gives you tender, juicy chicken without any dreaded dry spots.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and lightly season with salt and cracked black pepper. Setting it aside allows the seasoning to penetrate slightly and enhances the flavor before cooking.
Step 3: Dry Sauté Mushrooms
Place the sliced cremini mushrooms directly into a large nonstick pan over medium heat without any oil or butter. This technique allows the mushrooms to release their moisture and intensifies their natural umami. After 5 to 10 minutes, once they are nicely browned and the water evaporates, remove and set them aside. This step ensures your mushrooms have incredible texture and flavor in the final dish.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breast pieces and sear for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This searing builds a caramelized flavor foundation and locks in juice, making the chicken juicy and flavorful.
Step 5: Sauté Aromatics
Wipe out the skillet to remove any burnt bits, then melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced onion, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Sauté gently for about five minutes until the onions soften and release their natural sweetness, setting the stage for the cream sauce.
Step 6: Deglaze with White Wine
Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, stirring to lift any tasty browned bits stuck to the surface. Simmer the mixture until the wine has reduced by half, concentrating the flavor and adding a hint of tangy acidity to balance the cream.
Step 7: Create the Cream Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, letting it blend with the wine and aromatics until a smooth, velvety sauce forms. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to your liking. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted, creating a decadent, cheesy base.
Step 8: Incorporate Spinach and Mushrooms
Add the sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach to the pan, allowing the spinach to wilt gently within the warm sauce. This keeps the dish vibrant and fresh while tying all the ingredients together in creamy harmony.
Step 9: Finish with Chicken
Return the seared chicken back to the pan, nestling it into the creamy spinach and mushroom sauce. Warm through for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. Your Creamy Spinach Mushroom Chicken Recipe is now ready to bring to the table.
How to Serve Creamy Spinach Mushroom Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle the dish with a little extra grated parmesan cheese or freshly chopped parsley to elevate the presentation and add a touch of fresh brightness. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also add a glossy finish and aroma that’s simply irresistible.
Side Dishes
This rich and creamy delight pairs perfectly with simple sides like buttery mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up the sauce. Lightly sautéed green beans or roasted asparagus also provide a lovely contrast in texture and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a unique twist, serve the chicken slices on a bed of garlic-infused cauliflower rice or even alongside creamy risotto. You can also plate this recipe in shallow bowls for a comforting, rustic look that emphasizes the saucy goodness in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making for an even more delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the Creamy Spinach Mushroom Chicken Recipe, portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Note that the texture of the spinach may change slightly but the flavors remain wonderful.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from separating. Adding a splash of cream or milk can help restore the sauce’s smooth texture if needed. Avoid microwaving at high power to maintain the dish’s lovely consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring more fat and flavor, keeping the meat extra juicy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may need a bit longer to reach the proper internal temperature.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer to avoid alcohol, chicken stock with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice is a great alternative. It adds acidity and depth without compromising the overall flavor balance in the sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The Creamy Spinach Mushroom Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free chicken stock if substituting for wine. It’s a fantastic option for gluten-sensitive eaters looking for a rich, satisfying meal.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can make a dairy-free version by using vegan butter or olive oil instead of butter, substituting heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and using a nutritional yeast-based cheese substitute in place of parmesan.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked perfectly?
The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Visually, the chicken should be opaque and firm but still juicy when cut.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Spinach Mushroom Chicken Recipe is truly a winner in any kitchen. It’s the perfect blend of rich creaminess, fresh greens, and savory mushrooms, enveloping tender chicken in a comforting sauce that tastes like a special treat every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy the same cozy satisfaction this recipe has brought to my table time and time again.
Print
Creamy Spinach Mushroom Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Spinach Mushroom Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy sauce with sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese. This recipe balances the earthiness of cremini mushrooms and the freshness of spinach with a smooth, cheesy cream sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breast (about two large chicken breasts)
Sautéed Vegetables
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms (sliced)
- 2 cups baby spinach (or regular spinach with tough stems removed and roughly chopped)
- 1/2 yellow onion (finely minced)
- 4 large garlic cloves (minced)
Liquids and Dairy
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as sauvignon blanc) or substitute with chicken stock and a squeeze of lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise completely to make two equal pieces. Place in a gallon-sized zip-top bag in an even layer, seal, then pound the chicken to an even thickness using a meat tenderizer or rolling pin. Alternatively, place chicken between cling wrap layers before pounding. Pat dry and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Dry Sauté Mushrooms: Heat a large non-stick pan on medium heat. Add the sliced cremini mushrooms without any oil or butter. Sauté until all the moisture has evaporated and mushrooms are browned, about 5-10 minutes. Remove mushrooms from pan and set aside.
- Sear Chicken: Return the pan to medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken pieces and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Wipe out the skillet, then return to medium heat and melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add minced onion, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Sauté about five minutes until onions have softened and aromas develop.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in the white wine (or chicken stock with lemon juice) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer gently until reduced by half, concentrating the flavors.
- Add Cream Sauce: Lower heat to medium-low. Add heavy cream and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in grated parmesan cheese and continue stirring until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce. Add the sautéed mushrooms and spinach, simmer 1-2 minutes until spinach is wilted and everything is warmed through.
- Combine and Serve: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Allow the chicken to warm through if needed. Serve the chicken topped with the creamy spinach and mushroom sauce immediately.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the white wine with chicken stock and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice as suggested.
- Ensure chicken is pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking and tender texture.
- Use fresh baby spinach for best flavor and quick wilt; regular spinach can be used but stems should be removed and leaves chopped.
- Melt the parmesan slowly into the cream sauce to avoid clumping.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred level of heat or omit if sensitive to spice.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
