Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and surprisingly quick dinner? Look no further! This creamy chicken with spinach and mushrooms recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor, requires minimal cleanup, and is easily customizable to your taste. This recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on taste and satisfaction. Get ready to enjoy a homemade cooking masterpiece that's sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Make the Creamy Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
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Add Chicken and Spinach: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
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Serve: Serve the creamy chicken with spinach and mushrooms immediately over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy this healthy and delicious quick dinner idea!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use a combination of cremini and shiitake mushrooms.
- Add some spice: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Make it healthier: Use light cream or half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Boost the veggies: Add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- Meal prepping: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This creamy chicken with spinach and mushrooms recipe is a perfect example of delicious dishes that are both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. It's a great addition to your repertoire of best recipes and a fantastic option for healthy meals. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy!