This Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet is a quick and tasty dish that brings together tender chicken, flavorful mushrooms, and bright spinach all in one pan. It’s perfect for busy nights!
Cooking this in a skillet makes cleanup a breeze—just one pot to wash! I love serving it with rice or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. Yum! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless are easy to cook and tender. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use turkey breasts. For a vegetarian twist, try tofu or chickpeas instead!
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms offer a deeper flavor, but you can use white button mushrooms if that’s what you have. If you’re feeling adventurous, try baby portobello or shiitake for extra depth!
Fresh Spinach: Baby spinach is milder and cooks quickly, but you could substitute with kale or Swiss chard. Just know that some greens may take a bit longer to become tender.
Heavy Cream: This is crucial for that rich, creamy sauce. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or coconut milk. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly!
Parmesan Cheese: A classic choice for cream sauces, but Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast work well for a change. If you’re dairy-free, look for vegan cheese alternatives.
How Do I Get Juicy Chicken Breasts and Perfectly Sautéed Mushrooms?
Getting chicken just right and mushrooms perfectly sautéed is key here. First, always pat the chicken dry to get a good sear, which keeps the moisture inside. Season well with salt and pepper for flavor!
- Heat your olive oil until it’s shimmering before adding chicken. This ensures a golden crust.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer for 165°F (74°C).
- For mushrooms, add them to the skillet without crowding. This helps them brown instead of steam.
- Sauté until soft and browned, stirring occasionally. This unlocks their full flavor!
Delicious Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups sliced mushrooms (such as cremini or white button)
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation and around 25 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’re looking at approximately 35 minutes to make this delicious meal. Quick and satisfying, perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them sear nicely. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper for great flavor!
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts. Sear them until they’re golden brown on both sides, which takes about 5-6 minutes per side. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Cook the Mushrooms:
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to be softened and browned, enhancing their flavor.
4. Add Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the mushrooms and cook for an additional 1 minute or until fragrant. This will fill your kitchen with a lovely aroma!
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring everything together. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Add Cheese and Flavor:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and dried thyme (or fresh thyme if you have it). Keep stirring occasionally as the sauce thickens slightly over the next 3-5 minutes.
7. Incorporate Spinach:
Now, add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet. Cook until they wilt, which should take about 2 minutes. This adds a lovely pop of color and nutrients!
8. Return the Chicken:
Carefully place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, gently nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon some sauce over the chicken and let everything simmer for another 2 minutes to reheat and meld those delicious flavors together.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle on some freshly chopped parsley for a nice touch! Serve the chicken with that creamy mushroom and spinach sauce generously spooned over the top. It’s perfect with rice, pasta, or some crusty bread to soak up all that wonderful sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s thawed completely before cooking. The best method is to thaw it overnight in the fridge or in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half works well, or you can use coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. Just be aware that it might change the flavor profile slightly!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to revive the sauce if it gets too thick.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or even broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them along with the mushrooms to ensure everything cooks evenly.
