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Creamy Braised Chicken with Mushrooms and Spinach Recipe

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4 from 11 reviews

This creamy braised chicken with mushrooms and spinach is a comforting Mediterranean-inspired main course. Tender boneless chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection, then gently braised in a savory sauce made from sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, garlic, onion, chicken stock, half and half, and Parmesan cheese. The rich, velvety sauce brings depth and flavor to the dish, perfect served over a warm rice pilaf for a satisfying meal ready in just 40 minutes.

  • Total Time: 40 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 lb. (two pieces) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), butterflied
  • 2 TBSP. flour (optional)
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp. freshly ground pepper

Cooking Fats

  • 3 TBSP. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 TBSP. salted butter

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 onion or 1 large shallot, about 1 cup finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 8 oz. mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
  • 2 oz. fresh spinach, about 2 handfuls, chopped (optional)

Liquids and Dairy

  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • ½ cup half and half, or any cream
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and butterfly each chicken breast by slicing it horizontally to create thinner pieces for faster cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Optionally, coat chicken evenly with flour to help form a light crust during cooking, then set aside.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place the chicken pieces in the skillet, cooking undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on the first side to develop a light brown color. Flip the chicken using tongs and cook the second side for another 3-4 minutes. The chicken will be browned but not fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and cover with foil to keep warm.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms: Lower heat to medium and add the chopped onion or shallots to the same skillet. Cook for 3 minutes, adding more olive oil if needed. The moisture from the onions will deglaze the pan, loosening flavorful bits. Add minced garlic, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 1 more minute. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté for 4 minutes or until softened, stirring frequently.
  4. Simmer the Chicken: Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. Return the chicken along with any accumulated juices to the skillet. Cook for 7-8 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally to ensure even cooking and to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 160℉, signaling it is fully cooked.
  5. Add Spinach and Cream: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook just until it begins to wilt. Then reduce the heat to low and incorporate the half and half, stirring gently. Continue cooking on low for 3-4 minutes, avoiding boiling, to let the sauce become creamy and well combined.
  6. Finish with Cheese and Seasoning: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Serve: Spoon the chicken and creamy mushroom-spinach sauce over a hot rice pilaf. Optionally sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy your flavorful, creamy braised chicken meal!

Notes

  • Butterflying the chicken breasts creates thinner pieces that cook quickly and evenly.
  • Coating the chicken with flour before searing is optional but adds a slight crust and helps thicken the sauce.
  • Use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat.
  • Adjust the creaminess by substituting half and half with heavy cream or a lighter cream alternative.
  • To keep the dish gluten-free, omit the flour coating or use a gluten-free flour alternative.
  • Serve over rice pilaf or your favorite grain to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Category: Main course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/creamy-braised-chicken-with-mushrooms-and-spinach-recipe/