Chicken Mushroom And Spinach Skillet Recipe
Diving into this creamy chicken and spinach skillet is like treating yourself to a warm culinary hug; trust me, it’s the comfort food you didn’t know you needed until now.
One-pan dishes that pack a lot of flavor are some of my favorite things to make for dinner. This Chicken Mushroom and Spinach Skillet might just be the ultimate one-pan dish.
The chicken, mushroom, and spinach are all nutritious (and delicious!), but the real winning combination lies in the chicken broth, cream, and Parmesan. You won’t need any extra sides; this dish is satisfying all on its own.
Chicken Mushroom And Spinach Skillet Recipe Ingredients
- Chicken breast: A lean source of protein, low in fat, and high in essential nutrients.
- Mushrooms: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and provide a savory umami flavor.
- Fresh spinach: High in iron, vitamins A and C, and adds a nutritious, leafy green element.
- Garlic: Offers a flavorful punch and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Olive oil: A heart-healthy fat rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants.
- Parmesan cheese: Provides a nutty, salty taste and is a good source of calcium.
Chicken Mushroom And Spinach Skillet Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make this Chicken Mushroom And Spinach Skillet Recipe
1. In a large skillet, use medium-high heat to warm up 1 tablespoon of olive oil. While the oil heats up, take the chicken pieces and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until it is browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Add the olive oil remaining tablespoon to the skillet. Add the mushrooms, sliced, and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they start to brown and soften.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for approximately 1 minute, or until you can smell it.
5. Fresh spinach leaves are added to the skillet; they are cooked, with occasional stirring, until they are wilted.
6. Add the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to mix. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
7. Put the cooked chicken back into the skillet and mix all the ingredients together. Let them cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld nicely and the sauce to thicken a bit.
8. Add in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and combined into the sauce.
9. If needed, adjust the seasoning to your taste with additional salt and pepper.
10. Top with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Chicken Mushroom And Spinach Skillet Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Large skillet
2. Stove
3. Measuring spoons
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Mixing spoon or spatula
7. Measuring cups
8. Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
9. Serving plate or dish
FAQ
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?Indeed, chicken thighs are an excellent choice and may infuse even more flavor into the dish. Just be sure they are cooked all the way through.
- What can I substitute for heavy cream?Coconut cream can be used, or half-and-half for a lighter option, though it may change the flavor.
- Can I add other vegetables?Without a doubt! This dish would go splendidly with zucchini or bell peppers.
- Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?For a dairy-free version, you can replace heavy cream with almond or soy milk and nutritional yeast with Parmesan cheese.
- How do I store leftovers?Keep in a container with no air inside for storage in the refrigerator for 3 days at the most. Warm on the stove or reheat with a microwave to enjoy at any point in those 3 days.
- Can this recipe be made ahead of time?Certainly! You can prep the elements beforehand and put them together when it’s time to present them. Be sure to include unblemished, fresh spinach as part of the texture when you reheat this dish right before serving.
Chicken Mushroom And Spinach Skillet Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Substitute avocado oil or sunflower oil with similar cooking properties.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs make a juicier chicken breast alternative.
Portobello or cremini mushrooms can be substituted for a different flavor profile.
Cream from coconuts: Substitute with coconut cream or half-and-half for a lighter alternative.
Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese: If you can’t find Parmesan cheese, use either of these two for a taste comparable to Parmesan.
Pro Tips
1. Chicken Prep: Marinate the chicken pieces for at least 15 minutes in the seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder) to enhance their flavor before cooking.
2. Mushroom Sauté: For deeper mushroom flavor, allow them to cook undisturbed for the first few minutes. This helps them sear and caramelize nicely, which enhances both their texture and taste.
3. Spinach Timing: Add the spinach last when the skillet is off the heat for a fresher taste and brighter color, as it wilts very quickly in residual heat.
4. Cheese Integration: To avoid clumping, gradually add the Parmesan cheese to the sauce, ensuring it melts smoothly and distributes evenly throughout the dish.
5. Flavor Boost: To elevate the dish, consider adding a splash of white wine to the skillet after cooking the mushrooms and before adding garlic. This adds depth to the sauce. Make sure to let it reduce slightly before proceeding with the recipe.
Chicken Mushroom And Spinach Skillet Recipe
My favorite Chicken Mushroom And Spinach Skillet Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large skillet
2. Stove
3. Measuring spoons
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Mixing spoon or spatula
7. Measuring cups
8. Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
9. Serving plate or dish
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, use medium-high heat to warm up 1 tablespoon of olive oil. While the oil heats up, take the chicken pieces and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until it is browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Add the olive oil remaining tablespoon to the skillet. Add the mushrooms, sliced, and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they start to brown and soften.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for approximately 1 minute, or until you can smell it.
5. Fresh spinach leaves are added to the skillet; they are cooked, with occasional stirring, until they are wilted.
6. Add the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to mix. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
7. Put the cooked chicken back into the skillet and mix all the ingredients together. Let them cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld nicely and the sauce to thicken a bit.
8. Add in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and combined into the sauce.
9. If needed, adjust the seasoning to your taste with additional salt and pepper.
10. Top with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot.