Decadent Creamy Garlic Mushroom & Spinach Chicken
This decadent creamy garlic mushroom and spinach chicken is a luxurious dish that combines tender pan-seared chicken breasts with a rich, garlicky cream sauce infused with mushrooms and spinach. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for special occasions.
⏳ Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Creamy Garlic Mushroom & Spinach Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 oz (about 2½ cups) cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 cup heavy cream (or half & half for a lighter version)
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken
1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 75°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 2: Saute the Mushrooms & Garlic
1. In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and browned.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
1. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
2. Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and incorporated.
4. Stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt for 1-2 minutes.
5. Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
1. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them.
2. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld.
3. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes & Tips
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A:Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
How do I make this dairy-free?
A:Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan. Use olive oil instead of butter.
What’s the best side dish?
A:Serve this over mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Can I make this ahead?
A:Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 480
Protein: 42g
Carbs: 8g
Fat: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
This creamy garlic mushroom and spinach chicken is a flavor-packed, comforting dish that never fails to impress. Perfect for busy nights or elegant dinners—enjoy every decadent bite!