Let me tell you about my absolute favorite quick dinner: the creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet! There’s something magical about whipping this dish up in just one pan, and it always feels like a cozy hug on a plate. I remember the first time I made it after a long day at work. The aroma of sautéing garlic and mushrooms filled my kitchen, instantly lifting my spirits. This dish is not just easy—it’s a delightful blend of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet on repeat for those busy weeknights. It’s comfort food at its finest, and it’s sure to impress your family or friends with minimal effort!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delicious creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (I love using cremini for their rich flavor!)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (don’t skimp on this—it adds a lovely color and freshness)
- 1 cup heavy cream (this is where the creaminess magic happens!)
- 1 cup chicken broth (homemade or store-bought works great)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (the more, the merrier, right?)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing that chicken to golden perfection)
- Salt and pepper to taste (seasoning is key—don’t forget to taste as you go!)
Once you have everything ready, you’re all set to create a fabulous meal that’s both comforting and quick!
How to Prepare a Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet
Now that you have all your ingredients lined up, let’s dive into making this dreamy creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet! It’s a straightforward process that will have your taste buds dancing in no time.
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it hot enough that it shimmers—this is when you know it’s ready to go. Don’t rush this step; the oil needs to be nice and hot to get that chicken perfectly browned.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Once the oil is sizzling, toss in 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Make sure to season it generously with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. An easy tip? Cut one piece in half to check it’s no longer pink inside!
Step 3: Add Garlic and Mushrooms
Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and juicy. You’ll love the aroma that fills your kitchen!
Step 4: Incorporate Chicken Broth
Now it’s time to pour in 1 cup of chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer—look for little bubbles forming around the edges of the pan. This adds depth to our sauce!
Step 5: Stir in the Heavy Cream
After simmering, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream until it’s fully combined. You’ll notice the sauce turning a beautiful creamy color. It should be smooth and luscious—perfect for coating that chicken and veggies!
Step 6: Add Spinach
Finally, toss in 2 cups of fresh spinach. Stir it in and cook for just a couple of minutes until it wilts. The vibrant green color is a feast for the eyes!
Step 7: Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet warm, and don’t forget to pair it with some fluffy rice or pasta to soak up that delicious sauce. Trust me, your family and friends will be begging for seconds!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for one serving of this creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
This dish is not only delicious but also packs a good protein punch while keeping the carbs low. Perfect for a satisfying meal that won’t weigh you down!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries I’ve encountered:
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the skillet. Frozen spinach can be a great time-saver, but fresh does bring a lovely texture.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
No problem! You can substitute it with vegetable broth or even water with a splash of soy sauce for added flavor. It’ll still be tasty!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce earlier in the day, but I recommend adding the spinach right before serving to keep it vibrant and fresh!
Is there a way to lighten this dish?
Definitely! You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version. It’ll still be creamy but with fewer calories.
What should I serve with this skillet?
This creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet is fantastic over rice or pasta, but it’s also delicious with a side of crusty bread to soak up that rich sauce. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet is truly a gem in my weeknight cooking repertoire! Here’s why you’re going to adore it just as much as I do:
- Quick and Easy: It’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect solution for busy evenings.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your meal and less time at the sink!
- Flavorful: The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach in a creamy sauce is simply irresistible.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein and veggies, this dish is both satisfying and healthy.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to match your tastes or what you have on hand.
Trust me, this creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet is one dish you’ll want to make again and again!
Tips for Success
To make sure your creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my best tips:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: If your skillet is too crowded, the chicken won’t brown nicely. Cook in batches if necessary!
- Season as you go: Taste your dish at different stages. A pinch of salt here and there can elevate the flavors significantly.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and quality chicken make a world of difference in flavor and texture. Trust me, it’s worth it!
- Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, feel free to reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half.
- Leftovers are magic: This dish tastes even better the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious meal that impresses every time!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of this creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet is super easy! Just let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—perfect for meal prep or quick lunches! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. Keep an eye on it to avoid scorching the creamy sauce. If you find the sauce has thickened a bit too much in the fridge, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating to bring back that creamy goodness.
Microwaving is also an option if you’re in a hurry; just pop it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between. No matter how you reheat it, you’ll still get that cozy, delicious flavor!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this creamy chicken pasta recipe or this garlic butter chicken and rigatoni recipe!
Print
Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet: 30-Min Comfort Dish
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet is a quick and easy one-pan meal. It combines tender chicken, mushrooms, and fresh spinach in a rich and creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned.
- Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking until mushrooms are tender.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add heavy cream and stir until well combined.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve over rice or pasta for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet
