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If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Spinach Mushroom Chicken Recipe. It’s a beautiful blend of tender chicken breasts enveloped in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce, studded with earthy mushrooms and vibrant spinach. Every bite offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors—the slight bite of garlic and onion, the gentle heat from crushed red pepper flakes, and the rich depth from Parmesan and white wine combine to create a dish that’s both comforting and elegantly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Spinach Mushroom Chicken Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, adding layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish truly unforgettable. From fresh spinach to earthy mushrooms and rich Parmesan, every component is essential for achieving that creamy, satisfying finish.
- 1 pound chicken breast: Butterflied and pounded for even cooking and tenderness.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables beautifully.
- 4 large garlic cloves (minced): Provides a fragrant, savory base flavor to the sauce.
- 1/2 yellow onion (finely minced): Brings sweetness and depth after slow sautéing.
- 2 cups baby spinach: Offers freshness and color, wilting to tender perfection in the sauce.
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms (sliced): Adds an earthy note and meaty texture to balance the creaminess.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Gives a subtle, spicy kick to elevate the flavors.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine: Deglazes the pan and adds a bright acidity; can be swapped with chicken stock plus lemon juice.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream: The heart of the creamy sauce, ensuring lusciousness.
- 1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese: Melds into the sauce for a nutty, salty finish.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste): Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- Black pepper (to taste): Adds warmth and a bit of aromatic spice.
How to Make Creamy Spinach Mushroom Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half lengthwise for thinner, more even pieces that cook quickly and stay juicy. Pounding them to an even thickness ensures they cook uniformly without drying out. Don’t forget to pat them dry and season generously with salt and pepper—this simple step locks in flavor and helps get a beautiful golden crust during searing.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms
Dry-sautéing the mushrooms without any fat might sound unusual, but it’s the secret to concentrating their deep, earthy flavor. As they release their moisture and it fully evaporates, the mushrooms get that perfect texture—tender but not soggy. Removing them from the pan now means we can reintroduce them later without overcooking.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Using melted butter in a hot pan, sear your seasoned chicken pieces until each side turns a gorgeous golden-brown. Cooking until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit guarantees they’re perfectly done. Once cooked, set them aside because the star of our creamy sauce is coming up next.
Step 4: Build the Flavor Base
Wipe your skillet clean and melt the remaining butter. Add minced onion, garlic, chili flakes, salt, and pepper, then sauté until the onion turns soft and translucent. This aromatic base is where the sauce begins to develop its rich, savory character, marrying sweetness with just the right hint of heat.
Step 5: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in dry white wine and let it gently simmer, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan. This step is crucial because those flavorful bits carry depth and add a subtle acidity that cuts through the richness of the cream.
Step 6: Create the Cream Sauce
Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, letting it blend beautifully with the wine and aromatics. Parmesan cheese melts right into this velvety sauce, adding a salty, nutty richness. Finally, fold in your sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach, cooking just until the spinach wilts, bringing vibrant color and a fresh bite.
Step 7: Bring It All Together
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, coating each piece in the luscious creamy sauce. Let it warm through for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to harmonize before serving up this irresistible dish.
How to Serve Creamy Spinach Mushroom Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or extra grated Parmesan on top adds a pop of brightness and a touch of elegance. A little lemon zest can also bring a lovely, unexpected freshness that complements the richness.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Spinach Mushroom Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes, buttery pasta, or even a crusty artisan bread to soak up that decadent sauce. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad can provide balance and contrast in texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the chicken sliced over a bed of creamy polenta or wild rice. You can also spoon the sauce on top and garnish with toasted pine nuts for some crunch. Thinking outside the box adds an extra layer of fun to sharing this dish with loved ones.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator where they will keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop wonderfully overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes nicely, especially if you store the chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container. Use within 2 months for best quality. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain that creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and prevent separation. If the sauce thickens too much, a splash of cream or milk will bring it back to luscious perfection.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cremini mushrooms offer a nice earthy flavor, button mushrooms or even shiitake can work well. Just be mindful that more flavorful mushrooms might slightly change the dish’s profile.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the white wine?
Yes! Chicken stock combined with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice is a great alternative that replicates the acidity and brightness wine provides without the alcohol.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version of this Creamy Spinach Mushroom Chicken Recipe, swap the butter for olive oil, replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream, and use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. The flavor will be different but still delicious!
What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays moist?
Pounding the chicken to even thickness helps it cook evenly without drying out. Also, searing it quickly over medium heat and then finishing in the sauce keeps it tender and juicy.
Can I double this recipe for meal prep?
Definitely! This recipe scales up well, making it ideal for meal prep. Just be sure to use a pan large enough to sear the chicken without overcrowding and cook the sauce in batches if needed.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Creamy Spinach Mushroom Chicken Recipe that makes it a joy to cook and even more of a joy to eat. The balance of flavors and textures feels both luxurious and comforting, perfect for any night of the week or a cozy weekend dinner. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s bound to become one of your go-to dishes when you want something impressive yet effortlessly delicious.
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Creamy Spinach Mushroom Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Spinach Mushroom Chicken is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts seared to perfection and enveloped in a luscious sauce made from cream, Parmesan cheese, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and a hint of white wine. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that combines hearty protein with vibrant greens for a satisfying, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breast (about two large chicken breasts)
- 1/4 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 large garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 yellow onion (finely minced)
- 2 cups baby spinach (or regular spinach with tough stems removed and roughly chopped)
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms (sliced)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Liquids and Dairy
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as sauvignon blanc, or substitute with chicken stock and a squeeze of lemon juice)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise all the way through, creating two equal-sized pieces. Place the chicken pieces in a gallon-sized zip-top bag in an even layer and seal it. Pound them gently with a meat tenderizer or rolling pin until they are of even thickness. Alternatively, place the chicken between two layers of cling wrap and pound.
- Season the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the bag, pat dry with paper towels, and season both sides with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms directly to the dry pan and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mushrooms release their moisture and it evaporates completely. Remove mushrooms from the pan and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: Return the pan to medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Wipe out the pan to remove any residue. Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the finely minced onion, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow the wine to reduce by half, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, incorporating it smoothly into the mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it completely melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach into the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Combine & Serve: Return the seared chicken pieces to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Warm through if necessary, then serve immediately for a delicious, creamy chicken dinner.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic option, substitute white wine with chicken stock and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Ensure the chicken is pounded evenly for consistent cooking.
- Use fresh Parmesan for best melting and flavor results in the sauce.
- If preferred, substitute baby spinach with regular spinach, removing tough stems.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
