This Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet is a quick and tasty dinner option! Juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach come together in a colorful, one-pan dish.
You’ll love how fast it is to cook! Just sauté everything in one skillet, and you have a healthy meal ready in no time. Plus, it tastes amazing—who doesn’t love a one-pan wonder? 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts work best for this recipe as they cook quickly and are easy to slice. If you prefer, chicken thighs are a great alternative. They are juicier and add more flavor.
Olive Oil: This oil adds a nice flavor and helps cook the chicken. If you’re looking for alternatives, canola oil or avocado oil would also work well. I sometimes mix them for added taste!
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms are my go-to for their rich flavor! You can swap them for white mushrooms or even shiitake mushrooms for something a bit different. Just avoid canned mushrooms if you can; fresh is better here.
Heavy Cream: This is essential for creamy sauce but can be swapped with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream if you want a lighter version. Just keep in mind it may not be as rich!
Parmesan Cheese: This cheese adds extra depth to the sauce. If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use grated Pecorino Romano or skip it entirely for a lighter sauce.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken to the right temperature is important for both safety and flavor. Follow these tips for perfectly cooked chicken every time:
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help it brown nicely.
- Cook the chicken over medium-high heat to get a good sear. This takes about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). It takes the guesswork out!
Remember to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This keeps it juicy when you cut into it!
How to Make Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 oz (225g) cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 20-25 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll need about 35-40 minutes to create this flavorful Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet. It’s a quick and tasty dinner option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. This helps them brown nicely! Next, season both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, and paprika, ensuring they are well coated.
2. Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Let it melt, then toss in the sliced mushrooms. Sauté the mushrooms for about 5 minutes until they turn brown and become tender.
4. Add Garlic
Next, add the minced garlic to the mushrooms. Cook everything together for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
5. Make the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and give it a good stir. This will help scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. That’s flavor right there!
6. Simmer the Cream
Now, reduce the heat to medium and add the heavy cream. Stir until everything is well combined, and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
7. Add Spinach
Throw in the fresh spinach and cook it for about 2-3 minutes, or until it wilts down nicely.
8. Finish with Cheese (Optional)
If you’re using it, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Give it a moment to melt and blend into the sauce.
9. Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the creamy sauce over the top, and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. This allows the chicken to warm up and soak in the flavors.
10. Garnish and Serve
Finally, garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat if you like. Serve the Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet warm, spooning the delicious sauce over the chicken.
Enjoy your creamy, savory Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way is to leave it in the fridge overnight or use the quick-thaw method by sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water. Pat it dry before seasoning for best results.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Just keep in mind that the sauce might be a bit thinner, so consider adding a tablespoon of flour for extra thickness if desired.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives. For the broth, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and make sure the cheese is vegetarian-friendly if using Parmesan.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You might need to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce when reheating.