Creamy Garlic Mushroom & Spinach Chicken is a rich, indulgent dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious, creamy sauce made from garlic, mushrooms, and fresh spinach. The combination of savory mushrooms, vibrant spinach, and a silky garlic cream sauce elevates the chicken to a new level of deliciousness. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, date night, or any time you’re craving something comforting and flavorful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love Creamy Garlic Mushroom & Spinach Chicken for its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The chicken remains juicy and tender, while the creamy sauce, made with garlic, mushrooms, and spinach, adds a deep, savory richness. The mushrooms provide a delicious umami flavor, and the spinach adds a touch of freshness. Plus, the sauce is thick and smooth, coating the chicken beautifully, making every bite irresistible. It’s quick to make, comforting, and an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
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Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté the mushrooms: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and browned.
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Add garlic and wine: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
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Make the creamy sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
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Add spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
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Combine the chicken and sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the creamy mushroom and spinach sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through.
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Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve the creamy garlic mushroom and spinach chicken over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
- Add more veggies: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use different greens: If you don’t have spinach, you can substitute it with kale or arugula for a different flavor.
- Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream or almond milk as a substitute for heavy cream, and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free version.
- Add a protein boost: Top with grilled shrimp or serve alongside a steak for extra protein.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftover Creamy Garlic Mushroom & Spinach Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, but the sauce may lose some creaminess.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
2. Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the sauce.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat and combine the chicken with the sauce.
4. Can I use a different type of mushroom?
Yes, you can use any type of mushroom, such as shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms, depending on your preference.
5. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Can I make this recipe without wine?
Yes, if you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with chicken broth or even water with a little extra seasoning for flavor.
7. Can I make this recipe lighter?
To make it lighter, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese or use a lighter cheese.
8. Can I serve this over something other than pasta or rice?
Absolutely! This creamy chicken also goes wonderfully with mashed cauliflower, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a low-carb option.
9. How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, you can add a little cornstarch or flour to help thicken it.
10. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the creamy garlic mushroom and spinach chicken for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of cream if needed to bring back the creamy texture.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Mushroom & Spinach Chicken is a flavorful, comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week. With tender chicken, creamy garlic sauce, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach, this dish is rich and satisfying without being too heavy. It’s quick to prepare, easily customizable, and pairs well with a variety of sides. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving guests, this recipe is sure to impress with its bold flavors and delicious creaminess.
Print
Creamy Garlic Mushroom & Spinach Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy Garlic Mushroom & Spinach Chicken is a rich and comforting dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with a velvety garlic sauce, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory and creamy flavors, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, date nights, or whenever you crave something indulgent. Serve it with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a complete, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the mushrooms: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened and browned.
- Add garlic and wine: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in white wine (or chicken broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Make the creamy sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
- Add spinach: Stir in chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon some of the creamy mushroom-spinach sauce over the chicken. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add a splash of soy sauce or Dijon mustard to the sauce.
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream or almond milk for heavy cream and skip the Parmesan.
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