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Spinach and Mushroom Smothered Chicken

Spinach and Mushroom Smothered Chicken
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Spinach and Mushroom Smothered Chicken is a comforting, flavorful dinner packed with nutrients and easy to prepare. Tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts are cooked in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce, loaded with fresh spinach that adds vibrant color and freshness. This dish blends creamy textures and robust flavors, delivering a wholesome, delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce

  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup chicken broth (preferably gluten-free)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables

  • 4 cups fresh spinach

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add butter and olive oil. Sear the chicken breasts for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  2. Sauté the aromatics and mushrooms: In the same skillet, add more butter and olive oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes until tender and moisture has evaporated, building a rich base for the sauce.
  3. Create the sauce: Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes. Stir in heavy cream and reduce heat slightly; simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and optional Parmesan cheese for a creamy, savory finish.
  4. Add the spinach and combine: Stir fresh spinach into the sauce and cook until wilted but still bright green, about 2 minutes. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the creamy spinach and mushroom sauce over them. Simmer on low heat for a few minutes so flavors meld and chicken absorbs the sauce.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and prevent dryness.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; sear chicken in batches for a good crust.
  • Deglaze the pan properly by scraping the browned bits to add intense flavor to the sauce.
  • Wilt spinach last to maintain bright color and texture.
  • Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer for thicker sauce or adding broth if too thick.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken, spinach, mushroom, creamy sauce, quick dinner, gluten free, healthy, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/spinach-and-mushroom-smothered-chicken/