Savory Garlic Mushroom Chicken with Spinach is a creamy, flavor-packed dish that’s hearty and wholesome. The chicken is pan-seared to golden perfection and nestled in a luscious garlic mushroom sauce with fresh spinach. It’s a comforting dinner that’s easy to make and perfect for any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I enjoy this recipe because it’s rich, satisfying, and quick to prepare. The earthy mushrooms pair beautifully with the creamy garlic sauce, and the spinach adds a fresh, nutritious touch. I also love how flexible it is—I serve it over pasta for a full meal, or keep it low-carb with a side of veggies.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup light cream (or heavy cream if preferred)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Cooked pasta (tagliatelle, fettuccine, or your choice), optional
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
I start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Then I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about 5–6 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked. I remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I reduce the heat to medium, melt the butter, and add the sliced mushrooms. I sauté them for 5–6 minutes until they’re browned, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or two until fragrant.
Next, I pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits stuck to the pan for extra flavor. I bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat and stir in the cream, letting the sauce thicken for 3–4 minutes.
I add the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts, which takes about 2 minutes. Finally, I return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over it, and let everything simmer together for a minute.
To serve, I plate the chicken over pasta if I’m in the mood, and top it all with freshly chopped parsley.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
Variations
Sometimes I use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier result. For extra depth, I add a splash of white wine to the sauce before the cream. I occasionally swap spinach for kale or arugula. And when I want more heat, I sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
storage/reheating
To store leftovers, I place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer using a skillet over medium heat to keep the texture and flavor intact. A splash of broth or cream helps rehydrate the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Yes, I often mix cremini, button, or shiitake mushrooms depending on what I have. Each adds a unique flavor.
Is it okay to use frozen spinach?
I can use frozen spinach in a pinch, but I make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid watering down the sauce.
What if I don’t have cream?
I substitute with half-and-half, or even whole milk with a bit of butter, though the sauce may be slightly thinner.
Can I make this dairy-free?
I use olive oil instead of butter and coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for a dairy-free version.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
I check with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C) internally. The juices should run clear when cut.
Conclusion
Savory Garlic Mushroom Chicken with Spinach is one of those go-to recipes I rely on for a satisfying and delicious dinner. It’s easy to prepare, adaptable to different tastes, and perfect for busy evenings. I love how every bite is rich, creamy, and packed with comforting flavors.
Print
Savory Garlic Mushroom Chicken with Spinach
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Savory Garlic Mushroom Chicken with Spinach is a creamy, comforting skillet dish featuring golden seared chicken breasts in a rich garlic mushroom sauce with wilted spinach. Perfect served over pasta or as a low-carb meal.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup light cream (or heavy cream)
2 cups fresh baby spinach
Cooked pasta (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium, melt butter in the same skillet, and sauté mushrooms for 5–6 minutes until browned.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and stir in cream. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, and simmer for 1 minute more.
- Serve hot, over pasta if desired, and garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Add a splash of white wine before the cream for depth.
- Substitute spinach with kale or arugula.
- Add red pepper flakes for heat.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg