Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Vegetables
- 2 cups sliced cremini or button mushrooms
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach (or 1.5 cups frozen, thawed and drained)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley or thyme
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Wilt the Spinach: Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s thoroughly thawed and squeezed dry before adding.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, letting the sauce thicken slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Combine Everything: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Spoon some sauce over the chicken to coat it. Let everything simmer together for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Use fresh spinach for better texture, but frozen works in a pinch—make sure to drain well.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier meat.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness before serving if desired.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American