This Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet is a quick and tasty meal ready in one pan! Tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and fresh spinach come together for a delicious dinner.
I love how colorful and healthy this dish is—it makes me feel like a chef in no time! Plus, less cleanup means more time to enjoy my meal. Who’s with me? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great because they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you’re looking for alternatives, turkey cutlets or thighs could also work well and add a richer flavor.
Mushrooms: I prefer cremini mushrooms for their flavor, but button mushrooms are a good option too. If you’re feeling adventurous, try shiitake or portobello to bring in different textures and tastes.
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives this dish a vibrant color and nutrients. If you can’t find fresh, you can use frozen spinach—drain and squeeze out excess water before adding it.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, half-and-half works well. You could also use a plant-based cream if you’re lactose intolerant or want a vegan version.
Parmesan Cheese: While it’s optional, I love adding Parmesan for richness. If you’re avoiding cheese, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor, or you could leave it out entirely for a lighter dish.
Why is Proper Cooking of Chicken Important?
Cooking chicken properly ensures it’s juicy and safe to eat. Pat your chicken breasts dry before seasoning—this helps create a nice sear. Use medium-high heat so they cook evenly without burning. Aim for that golden brown color, which adds so much flavor!
- Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
- The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking. This helps keep it moist when you slice it later.
How to Make Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried thyme
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes seasoning and cooking the chicken, and the remaining time will be for sautéing the vegetables and making the creamy sauce. Quick, easy, and oh-so-tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps them brown nicely. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and the dried Italian seasoning. Make sure it’s well-coated—it adds a lot of flavor!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Once done, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook it for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Sauté everything together for about 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms are browned and tender.
4. Add the Spinach:
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir it around and cook until it wilts down—this should take just a minute or two. You’ll love how vibrant and green it looks!
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Now it’s time for some creaminess! Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to bubble softly.
6. Finish the Sauce:
If you’re using Parmesan cheese, stir it in now until it melts and makes the sauce creamy. Taste it and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. You want it delicious!
7. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, gently nestling them into the creamy mushroom-spinach sauce. Let everything simmer together for about 2-3 minutes to help the flavors blend beautifully.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Finally, take the skillet off the heat and garnish your dish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot, and enjoy it with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up that creamy sauce. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results. It’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water method (submerging in a sealed bag) for quicker thawing.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Absolutely! If you want a lighter option, half-and-half works well. You can also use a plant-based cream alternative for a dairy-free version, or simply use milk thickened with a little flour if you prefer a lighter sauce.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
What Sides Pair Well with This Dish?
This skillet dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A side salad or some roasted vegetables would also complement the flavors nicely!
