Description
This Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken with Spinach and Potatoes is a comforting, one-pan style dish featuring juicy seared chicken breasts (or thighs) smothered in a velvety garlic mushroom cream sauce, paired with tender spinach and golden roasted potatoes. Perfect for family dinners, it balances richness with freshness and provides a hearty yet wholesome meal.
Ingredients For Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken with Spinach and Potatoes
For the Chicken & Potatoes:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
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2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
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1 lb (450g) baby potatoes, halved
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp dried Italian herbs
For the Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce:
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2 tbsp butter
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
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1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
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1 cup heavy cream (or half & half for lighter)
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½ cup chicken broth
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions
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Prepare the potatoes:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss halved baby potatoes in olive oil, paprika, Italian herbs, salt & pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes until golden and tender.
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Cook the chicken:
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While potatoes bake, season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
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Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside (chicken will finish cooking in the sauce).
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Make the creamy garlic mushroom sauce:
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In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
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Add mushrooms, cooking until they soften and release their juices (5 minutes).
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Pour in chicken broth and let simmer for 2 minutes.
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Add cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon, and optional chili flakes. Stir until sauce thickens slightly.
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Combine:
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Return chicken to the skillet and simmer in sauce for 5–7 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
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Add spinach and stir until just wilted.
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Serve:
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Plate roasted potatoes alongside chicken with creamy garlic mushroom spinach sauce spooned on top.
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Servings
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Serves: 4 people
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 35 minutes
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Total time: ~50 minutes
Notes
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Chicken thighs give a juicier result than breasts.
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You can swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard.
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For extra richness, add a splash of white wine before the cream.
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For low-carb: Replace potatoes with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.
Tips
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Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing chicken to ensure a golden crust.
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Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded.
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Let the sauce simmer gently—boiling can make cream split.
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Double the sauce if you love extra creaminess (great over pasta or rice too).
Nutritional Info (per serving, approximate)
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Calories: 520
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Protein: 38g
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Carbohydrates: 24g
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Fat: 29g
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Fiber: 4g
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Sodium: 680mg
Benefits
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High Protein: Supports muscle health and satiety.
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Leafy Greens (Spinach): Rich in iron, folate, and vitamins A, C, K.
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Potatoes: Provide energy, potassium, and fiber.
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Mushrooms: Boost immunity and add antioxidants.
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Balanced Meal: Includes protein, carbs, and healthy fats for a complete dinner.
Q & A
Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, cook the chicken and sauce, refrigerate, and gently reheat on the stove. Add fresh spinach just before serving.
Q2: Can I freeze it?
Cream sauces don’t freeze well (they may separate). Best stored in the fridge up to 3 days.
Q3: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—use coconut milk instead of cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Q4: What can I serve with this besides potatoes?
It pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, cauliflower mash, or crusty bread.
Q5: How do I keep chicken from drying out?
Don’t overcook; simmer gently in the sauce until just done, and rest briefly before slicing.