Savory Garlic Mushroom Chicken with Spinach

This Savory Garlic Mushroom Chicken with Spinach is a quick, flavorful one-pan dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive meal to share with guests. Tender chicken breasts are seared to perfection, then nestled in a rich, garlicky mushroom and spinach sauce with a touch of cream. This recipe is easy to make, packed with savory goodness, and pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2-4
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

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Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (cremini, button, or your favorite variety)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup light cream
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. If the chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets for even cooking.
2. Sear the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate, covering loosely with foil to keep warm.
3. Cook the Mushrooms:
   In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and turn golden brown. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Add Garlic and Aromatics:
   Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Make the Sauce:
   Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the light cream and simmer for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Add Spinach:
   Add the chopped spinach to the skillet, stirring until it wilts, about 1 minute. If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it in now and stir until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
7. Combine and Serve:
   Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon the mushroom and spinach mixture over the chicken, allowing it to warm through for 1-2 minutes. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
8. Serve:
   Serve the chicken hot, with the creamy mushroom and spinach sauce spooned over the top. Pair with your favorite side, such as rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

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Tips for Success

• Mushroom Variety: Cremini or button mushrooms work great, but you can elevate the dish with wild mushrooms like shiitake or oyster for a deeper flavor.
• Cream Substitutes: Swap light cream for heavy cream for a richer sauce, or use half-and-half for a lighter option. For a dairy-free version, try coconut milk or a plant-based cream.
• Make It Ahead: The dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients (slice mushrooms, mince garlic) in advance to save time.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

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Serving Suggestions

• Sides: Serve with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir complements the savory, garlicky flavors.
• Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, fresh finish.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings)

• Calories: ~280 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

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This Savory Garlic Mushroom Chicken with Spinach is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as comforting as it is elegant. Try it for your next dinner and let the rich, garlicky sauce steal the show! If you make this recipe, share your thoughts or variations in the comments below. Happy cooking!

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