Easy Mushroom Chicken with Spinach Recipe
If you’re searching for a dish that’s quick, nutritious, and bursting with flavor, look no further than this easy Mushroom Chicken with Spinach recipe. It combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach into a delicious one-pan meal that feels both comforting and fresh. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a satisfying dinner without any fuss, this recipe is as wholesome as it is tasty.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into hectic schedules without sacrificing flavor.
- Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with protein from chicken and vitamins from spinach, it’s a nutritious choice that energizes.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup thanks to cooking everything in a single skillet, saving you time and effort.
- Flavorful and Comforting: The combination of mushrooms and garlic creates a savory base that makes every bite satisfying.
- Versatile Dish: Easy to customize with your favorite spices, herbs, or additional veggies to suit any taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Mushroom Chicken with Spinach recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that come together beautifully on your plate.
- Boneless chicken breasts: Provides tender, juicy protein that forms the dish’s heart.
- Fresh mushrooms: Adds an earthy, umami depth and meaty texture perfect for this recipe.
- Baby spinach: Brings vibrant color and a subtle peppery taste with a boost of nutrients.
- Garlic cloves: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and layers of flavor.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté ingredients gently while adding richness.
- Chicken broth: Creates a delicious sauce that keeps the chicken moist and ties all flavors together.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every component perfectly.
- Optional herbs: Fresh thyme or parsley for a bright, herbal finish.
Variations for Mushroom Chicken with Spinach
This recipe is a fantastic base that’s easy to tweak according to what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Here are some delicious options to try.
- Swap chicken for turkey: Use turkey breast for a lean alternative with a similar taste and texture.
- Add cream or cheese: Stir in a splash of cream or sprinkle parmesan for a richer, indulgent twist.
- Include other greens: Kale or Swiss chard can replace or complement spinach for different nutrient profiles and flavor.
- Go plant-based: Substitute tofu or chickpeas to make a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Spice it up: Toss in red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a little heat and smoky depth.
How to Make Mushroom Chicken with Spinach
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by slicing your mushrooms and mincing the garlic. Cut the chicken breasts into even pieces so they cook uniformly. Wash and drain the baby spinach thoroughly to avoid excess water.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper, and cook until they’re golden brown on the outside but still slightly pink inside—about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms and Garlic
Push the chicken to one side of the pan and add mushrooms and garlic to the other side. Sauté until mushrooms release their juices and become tender, approximately 4 minutes.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Mix the chicken, mushrooms, and garlic together. Pour in chicken broth and let everything simmer gently until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce slightly thickens, about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Finish
Stir in the baby spinach and cook until just wilted—this usually takes 2 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, and add optional fresh herbs for an aromatic lift.
Pro Tips for Making Mushroom Chicken with Spinach
- Use room temperature chicken: Allows for even cooking and better browning when sautéed.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed, so ingredients brown nicely instead of steaming.
- Drain mushrooms if needed: If your mushrooms release too much water, drain some to keep the sauce from becoming watery.
- Wilt spinach off heat: Stir spinach in at the end and cook on low heat briefly to retain its bright green color and nutrients.
- Customize seasoning: Experiment with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano for new flavor profiles.
How to Serve Mushroom Chicken with Spinach
Garnishes
Fresh parsley, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, or a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish beautifully and adds a fresh contrast to the savory mushroom and chicken flavors.
Side Dishes
This Mushroom Chicken with Spinach pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even crusty garlic bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a lighter meal, serve alongside quinoa or a simple green salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating the dish over a bed of buttered egg noodles or spiralized zucchini for a hearty look. You can also stuff the cooked chicken and spinach mixture into puff pastry for a stunning entrée at a dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Mushroom Chicken with Spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents the spinach from becoming soggy.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating thoroughly.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of broth or water helps maintain moisture and refreshes the sauce nicely.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but use it sparingly and make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid well to avoid watering down the dish.
What type of mushrooms work best?
Button or cremini mushrooms are ideal—they’re flavorful, widely available, and hold up well during cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, it keeps well in the fridge and freezes nicely, making it perfect for quick lunches or busy dinners throughout the week.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit any cheese garnish or cream options—this recipe is naturally dairy-free as long as you avoid adding those extras.
How can I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes while sautéing or a dash of hot sauce to the finished dish for a spicy kick.
Final Thoughts
This easy Mushroom Chicken with Spinach recipe is a total winner for anyone wanting a healthy, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Its wholesome ingredients and simple steps make it approachable for cooks of all skill levels, and the delicious results will have you reaching for seconds. Give it a try tonight—your taste buds and busy schedule will thank you!
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Mushroom Chicken with Spinach
This easy Mushroom Chicken with Spinach recipe is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a healthy, comforting dish with minimal cleanup and versatile options to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into even pieces
- 8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini recommended)
- 3 cups baby spinach, washed and drained
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Herbs & Garnishes
- Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
- Lemon juice, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the mushrooms and mince the garlic. Cut the chicken breasts into even pieces for uniform cooking. Wash and thoroughly drain the baby spinach to remove excess water.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown on the outside but still slightly pink inside, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cook the Mushrooms and Garlic: Push the chicken to one side of the pan. Add mushrooms and garlic to the other side and sauté until the mushrooms release their juices and become tender, approximately 4 minutes.
- Combine and Simmer: Mix the chicken, mushrooms, and garlic together. Pour in the chicken broth and let the mixture simmer gently until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Add Spinach and Finish: Stir in the baby spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Add optional fresh herbs for an aromatic lift.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and better browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to prevent steaming.
- If mushrooms release too much water, drain some to avoid a watery sauce.
- Wilt spinach off heat or on low heat briefly to retain its bright color and nutrients.
- Customize seasoning with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano for new flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: mushroom chicken, spinach recipe, one-pan meal, quick dinner, healthy chicken recipe, gluten free, easy weeknight dinner