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Savory Garlic Mushroom Chicken with Spinach 🍄🍗
Introduction
This Savory Garlic Mushroom Chicken with Spinach is the epitome of comfort food elegance. It’s a one-pan wonder that transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. Tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a luxurious, creamy garlic and mushroom sauce, finished with a pop of fresh spinach. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet is straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner. The rich, umami-packed sauce is so delicious, you’ll want to drizzle it over everything on your plate!
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History & Inspiration
The combination of chicken, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce has roots in European cuisine, particularly French and Italian. The French have Sauté de Poulet aux Champignons, and the Italians have Pollo alla Crema di Funghi. This recipe is a modern, streamlined version of those classics. The addition of spinach is a more contemporary twist, adding color and nutrition, making it a complete, well-rounded meal that fits today’s desire for dishes that are both delicious and nourishing.
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Benefits of the Dish
· High in Protein: Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety.
· Nutrient-Dense: Mushrooms provide B vitamins and selenium, while spinach is loaded with iron, vitamins A, C, and K.
· Healthy Fats: Olive oil and butter (in moderation) provide healthy fats that aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins from the spinach.
· One-Pan Meal: Cooking everything in a single skillet means easier cleanup and the development of deep, layered flavors from the fond (the browned bits left in the pan after searing the chicken).
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Formation (The Plan)
This recipe follows a logical sequence to ensure every component is cooked perfectly:
1. Prepare the Protein: Season and sear the chicken to create a flavorful crust. Remove it from the pan to rest.
2. Build the Sauce Base: Sauté mushrooms and garlic in the same pan, absorbing all the delicious chicken drippings.
3. Deglaze and Simmer: Add chicken broth to lift the fond, creating the foundation of the sauce. The chicken is returned to the pan to finish cooking through.
4. Finish with Cream and Greens: Stir in cream for richness and spinach for a fresh, vibrant finish.
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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 or white button work well)
· 4 garlic cloves, minced
· 1 cup chicken broth
· 1/4 cup light cream (or half-and-half)
· 2 cups fresh spinach, packed
· Optional for serving: Fresh parsley, chopped / Grated Parmesan cheese / Lemon wedges
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Methods & Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels.This is the secret to a good sear! Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. If the breasts are very thick, you can pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, without moving them, until a golden-brown crust forms. The chicken will not be fully cooked at this point. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium.Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the sliced mushrooms. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms have softened and browned. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Deglaze and Create the Sauce
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet.Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this is where incredible flavor lives! Let the broth simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 5: Simmer the Chicken
Return the chicken breasts(along with any accumulated juices) to the skillet, nestling them into the mushrooms and sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
Step 6: Finish the Dish
Remove the chicken to a serving plate.Stir the light cream into the mushroom sauce in the skillet. Add the fresh spinach and stir continuously until the spinach has wilted, which should take only 1-2 minutes. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
Step 7: Serve
Pour the creamy garlic mushroom and spinach sauce over the chicken breasts.Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
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Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
· Calories: ~450 kcal
· Protein: ~35g
· Fat: ~28g (Saturated: 11g)
· Carbohydrates: ~8g
· Fiber: ~2g
· Sugar: ~3g
Note: Nutrition facts are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
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For the Lovers of Flavor
· Wine Lovers: Pair this dish with a crisp Chardonnay (oaked or unoaked) or a light Pinot Noir. The wine’s acidity will cut beautifully through the creamy sauce.
· Garlic Lovers: Feel free to add an extra clove or two of garlic, or even a pinch of garlic powder to the sauce for an extra punch.
· Herb Lovers: Add a teaspoon of fresh thyme or rosemary along with the garlic for an aromatic depth.
· Mushroom Lovers: Use a mix of wild mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, and porcini for a more complex, earthy flavor.
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Conclusion
This Savory Garlic Mushroom Chicken with Spinach is more than just a meal; it’s a satisfying culinary experience. It proves that with a few quality ingredients and a single pan, you can create something truly special. The tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and creamy, garlicky sauce with wilted spinach come together in perfect harmony. It’s a recipe that will earn a permanent spot in your rotation, impressing family and friends alike. So, grab your skillet and get cooking
