Mediterranean Savory Garlic Mushroom Chicken with Spinach

Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Servings: 4

This Mediterranean-inspired chicken dish is rich, creamy, and full of flavor without being heavy. Tender chicken is pan-seared and then simmered with garlicky mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a creamy sauce, making it a comforting yet light meal. It’s perfect served over rice, pasta, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce.

Ingredients

Protein & Vegetables:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

8 oz mushrooms (cremini, baby bella, or button), sliced

3 cups fresh spinach

Aromatics & Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup chicken broth

½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half

1 teaspoon flour (optional, for thickening)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)

Optional Additions:

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooked pasta, rice, or quinoa for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Season chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and optional herbs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Mushrooms

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté sliced mushrooms for 4–5 minutes until tender and lightly browned.

Add Garlic and Spinach

Add minced garlic to the mushrooms and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.

Make the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half. If you want a thicker sauce, sprinkle in the flour and whisk until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If using Parmesan, sprinkle it over the chicken at this stage and stir gently.

Serve

Serve immediately over cooked pasta, rice, or quinoa, with extra sauce spooned over the top.

Tips & Variations

Chicken Choices:
Both chicken breasts and thighs work well. Thighs stay juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked, while breasts are leaner.

Mushroom Options:
Cremini or baby bella mushrooms add a deeper flavor than button mushrooms. You can also mix varieties for more texture.

Spinach Substitutes:
Fresh spinach works best for its tenderness and mild flavor. You can also use baby kale, Swiss chard, or arugula for a slightly different taste and texture.

Cream Alternatives:
For a lighter version, use half-and-half or Greek yogurt (added off the heat to prevent curdling). Coconut milk can work for a dairy-free option with a subtle twist.

Thickening Tips:
If you prefer a thicker sauce, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of flour or cornstarch over the mushrooms before adding the liquid, or reduce the sauce by simmering a few extra minutes.

Flavor Enhancers:

Add a splash of white wine or sherry before adding the broth for extra depth.

Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill sprinkled at the end brighten the flavors.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve over rice, pasta, quinoa, or even mashed potatoes. For a lighter meal, enjoy it with steamed vegetables or a simple side salad.

Make-Ahead Tip:
You can prep the chicken and vegetables ahead, then cook everything together quickly when ready to eat. The sauce can also be made in advance and reheated gently.

Q&A

Q: Can I make this recipe in one pan?
Yes. You can cook the chicken first, then sauté the mushrooms, garlic, and spinach in the same skillet to keep the flavors concentrated and minimize cleanup.

Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess liquid, which can make the sauce runny.

Q: How can I make the sauce creamier without heavy cream?
Use half-and-half, Greek yogurt (added off the heat), or even a splash of milk combined with a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch to thicken.

Q: Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes can be added for extra flavor and nutrition. Add them when sautéing mushrooms for best results.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes. Cook the chicken and sauté the vegetables ahead, then combine with sauce when ready to serve. The sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for 2–3 days.

Nutrition

(Per Serving – Approx. 1 chicken breast with sauce, without sides)

Calories: 350–380 kcal

Protein: 35 g

Carbohydrates: 6 g

Fat: 22 g

Fiber: 2 g

Sodium: 480 mg

For a lighter version, use chicken breast, half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce added oil.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Savory Garlic Mushroom Chicken with Spinach is a rich, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that balances tender chicken with garlicky mushrooms and fresh spinach in a creamy sauce. Versatile and comforting, it pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or grains for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavors to your table without the fuss.