When preparing Chicken Mushroom Spinach, you’ll want to focus on balancing flavors and achieving an elegant presentation.
As you explore the nuances of this recipe, you’ll find that each step enhances the overall dining experience.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large skillet
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 cutting board
- 1 chef’s knife
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 set of measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 200 grams mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 100 grams fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing the Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet, follow this timeline, including time for reading:
Total Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Timeline:
- Reading (5 minutes):
- Read through the full recipe to understand the steps and gather equipment and ingredients.
- Prep Work (10 minutes):
- Gather all equipment: large skillet, wooden spoon, cutting board, chef’s knife, measuring cup, and measuring spoons.
- Measure out all ingredients: olive oil, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley.
- Prepare ingredients:
- Slice 200 grams of mushrooms.
- Mince 3 cloves of garlic.
- Chop 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley.
- Season 4 pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Cooking (20 minutes):
- Minute 0-2: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Minute 2-12: Sear the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
- Minute 12-16: In the same skillet, sauté sliced mushrooms for 3-4 minutes until browned.
- Minute 16-17: Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Minute 17-18: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of chicken broth, stirring to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Minute 18-20: Add 100 grams of fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Final Steps & Resting (5 minutes):
- Minute 20-25: Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Minute 25-26: Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens slightly.
- Minute 26-30: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
This timeline guarantees an organized cooking process, allowing you to efficiently prepare and cook the dish while achieving the best results.
Recipe Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Sear chicken in the skillet for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add mushrooms and sauté for 3-4 minutes until browned.
Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and add fresh spinach.
Cook until spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes.
Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens slightly.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce and adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.
- Pasta: Ideal for transforming the dish into a hearty meal; fettuccine or penne work well.
- Steamed Rice: A great option if you’re looking to keep the meal gluten-free while complementing the savory flavors.
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture pairs beautifully with the sauce, offering a comforting side.
- Roasted Vegetables: Adds a nutritious, colorful element to the meal, balancing the richness of the dish.
Storage
To store Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet, place leftovers in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Freezing
To freeze Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet, cool it completely.
Transfer to an airtight container, and freeze for up to three months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat.
Stir occasionally.
Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain sauce consistency.
Final Thoughts
The Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet is an Italian-inspired dish that combines rich flavors and a creamy texture.
With a quick prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for a weeknight meal.
The combination of chicken, mushrooms, and spinach creates a nutritious and satisfying main course.
Using a large skillet, you’ll be able to sear the chicken to golden perfection while maintaining its juiciness.
The addition of heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese elevates the dish with a luscious sauce.
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
This versatile dish can be paired with pasta or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce, making it a hit at the dinner table.
For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Enjoy this delightful meal with family and friends, and savor every bite of this delicious creation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh Spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw and drain it well to prevent excess water in the dish. This guarantees the flavor balance remains intact. Remember, presentation is key, so incorporate it evenly for visual appeal.
What Type of Mushrooms Are Best for This Recipe?
You’ll want cremini or button mushrooms for their earthy flavor and tender texture. Slice them evenly for aesthetic appeal. Their mild taste complements the dish without overpowering, ensuring a balanced and visually pleasing presentation.
Is There a Dairy-Free Substitute for Heavy Cream?
For a dairy-free substitute, use coconut cream or unsweetened cashew cream. They maintain a creamy texture and complement flavors well. Guarantee the sauce’s balance by adjusting salt and acidity, achieving a harmonious presentation and taste.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. They’ll add richer flavor and moisture. Make certain you adjust cooking time for thighs to reach 165°F internally. This swap enhances taste and presentation with their juicy texture.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Substitute chicken with firm tofu or seitan for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Sauté mushrooms and garlic as directed. Balance flavors with extra herbs, and finish with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for depth.
Chicken Mushroom Spinach
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 set of measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 200 grams mushrooms sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 100 grams fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Sear chicken in the skillet for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add mushrooms and sauté for 3-4 minutes until browned.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and add fresh spinach.
- Cook until spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens slightly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
