Savory Garlic Mushroom Chicken with Spinach

📝 Description

This hearty and wholesome dish features tender, pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a creamy garlic mushroom sauce with wilted spinach. It’s packed with savory flavor and comes together quickly for a perfect weeknight meal that’s also elegant enough for guests.

🧄 Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced horizontally to make 4 cutlets)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp paprika (optional)

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for searing)

• 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 3 cups fresh spinach

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning or thyme (optional)

• Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

🔥 Instructions

1. Season & Sear Chicken
   Pat chicken dry, then season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

2. Cook Mushrooms & Garlic
   In the same skillet, add mushrooms. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until browned. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Deglaze & Make Sauce
   Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up brown bits. Stir in cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes to thicken.

4. Add Spinach & Return Chicken
   Add spinach and stir until wilted. Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer 2–3 minutes.

5. Serve Hot
   Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.

📝 Notes

• Cutlets cook faster: Slicing the chicken breasts into thinner cutlets ensures even, quicker cooking.

• Deglazing: Scraping up the browned bits after adding broth adds tons of flavor.

• Cream alternative: Use half-and-half for a lighter version, or coconut cream for dairy-free.

💡 Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing chicken or mushrooms—work in batches if needed.

• Add a splash of white wine before adding the broth for depth.

• For extra richness, finish with a small knob of butter before serving.

🍽️ Servings: 4

• Easily doubled for meal prep or family-style dinners.

🔢 Nutritional Information (Per serving – approx.)

• Calories: 380

• Protein: 32g

• Fat: 24g

• Carbs: 6g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 1g

(Values vary depending on ingredients used)

🌿 Benefits

• High in Protein: Great for muscle maintenance and satiation.

• Iron-rich spinach: Supports energy and blood health.

• Garlic and mushrooms: Offer immune-boosting antioxidants.

• Low carb: Fits into low-carb and keto-friendly diets.

❓Q&A

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Boneless thighs add extra flavor and remain juicy.

Q: Can this be made dairy-free?
A: Substitute cream with coconut milk and skip Parmesan or use dairy-free cheese.

Q: What can I serve this with?
A: It’s great with pasta, mashed cauliflower, rice, quinoa, or crusty bread.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: You can freeze it, but the cream sauce may slightly separate. Stir well when reheating.