Description
This savory chicken dish features golden-seared chicken breasts smothered in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce with earthy mushrooms and tender spinach. The combination of flavors—rich cream, tangy mustard, and umami mushrooms—makes it a comforting yet elegant dinner option. Perfect for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.
Ingredients For Savory Chicken with Mushroom, Spinach, and Mustard Cream Sauce
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced (cremini, button, or mixed)
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3 cups fresh spinach leaves
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1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard (add more for stronger flavor)
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½ cup chicken broth
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¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional, for extra richness)
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1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Prep the chicken – Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
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Sear – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
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Sauté vegetables – In the same pan, add onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant. Add mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and brown slightly.
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Deglaze & make sauce – Pour in chicken broth, scraping up brown bits. Stir in cream, Dijon mustard, thyme, and Parmesan. Simmer until slightly thickened.
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Add spinach – Stir in spinach and cook until just wilted.
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Finish – Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over, and simmer gently for 5 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
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Serve – Garnish with parsley and serve hot with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Notes
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For extra depth, add a splash of white wine while deglazing.
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You can substitute Greek yogurt for some cream to lighten the sauce.
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Use baby spinach for best texture—matures leaves may need chopping.
Tips
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Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise for faster cooking.
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Don’t overcrowd mushrooms—cook in batches if needed so they brown, not steam.
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If sauce becomes too thick, loosen with extra broth.
Servings
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Makes 4 servings
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
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Calories: 420
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Protein: 36 g
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Fat: 26 g
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Carbohydrates: 8 g
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Fiber: 2 g
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Sugar: 3 g
Health Benefits
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High protein: Supports muscle health and satiety.
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Spinach: Rich in iron, vitamin K, and antioxidants.
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Mushrooms: Provide B vitamins and immune-supporting compounds.
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Mustard: Adds flavor without excess calories.
Q & A
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes—use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
Q: Can I meal prep this dish?
A: Absolutely. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid curdling the sauce.
Q: What can I serve it with?
A: Rice, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, pasta, or even cauliflower mash for low-carb.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: The sauce may separate slightly after freezing, but it’s still tasty. Stir well after reheating.