This creamy chicken with mushrooms on mashed potatoes and spinach is the ultimate comfort food. Packed with tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, flavorful mushroom cream sauce, served alongside buttery mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. The combination of creamy textures and savory flavors makes for an indulgent, satisfying meal that is perfect for dinner any day of the week.
Ingredients
Here’s a list of all the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious meal:
For the Chicken & Sauce:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 cups fresh spinach
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup milk
- Salt & pepper to taste
Directions and Preparation Method
1. Prepare Mashed Potatoes
Start by preparing the mashed potatoes, which will be the base of this hearty dish. Begin by peeling and cubing your potatoes, ensuring that they are cut into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the cubed potatoes. Cook them for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
Now, mash the potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain. Set the mashed potatoes aside and keep them warm. You can even cover the pot to retain the heat while you move on to the next steps.
2. Cook Chicken
Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. The seasoning will not only enhance the flavor of the chicken but also pair beautifully with the creamy sauce.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the seasoned chicken breasts into the pan. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is golden brown on both sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest.
3. Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add butter and allow it to melt. As the butter melts, it will pick up all the delicious brown bits left from cooking the chicken. This adds extra depth to the flavor of your sauce.
Once the butter has melted, add the sliced mushrooms to the pan. Sauté them for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften and turn golden. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. The combination of cream and broth will form the base of the creamy sauce. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the sauce, giving it a rich, velvety texture.
4. Return the Chicken to the Pan
Once the sauce has thickened, return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken, coating it thoroughly. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Sauté Spinach
While the chicken is simmering in the sauce, take a separate pan and heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach to the pan and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach wilts down. Season the spinach with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance its flavor. Once wilted, remove the spinach from the heat.
6. Assemble the Dish
Now it’s time to assemble your meal. Begin by placing a generous portion of mashed potatoes on each plate. Then, top the mashed potatoes with a serving of sautéed spinach. Finally, place a chicken breast on top of the spinach and spoon the creamy mushroom sauce over the entire dish.
For an extra touch, you can drizzle more sauce over the mashed potatoes. Serve immediately and enjoy!
FAQs
Q: Can I use other types of mushrooms for this dish?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for regular white mushrooms, you can use any variety you prefer. Shiitake, cremini, or portobello mushrooms would all be great substitutes. The different types of mushrooms will bring their own unique flavor and texture to the dish.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make both the mashed potatoes and the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm the potatoes in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra milk, and reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat until heated through.
Q: Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
A: Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk if you prefer a lighter version. Keep in mind that the sauce will be a bit less rich and creamy, but it will still be delicious.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
A: The best way to ensure your chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check that it is no longer pink inside.
Q: Can I make this dish without spinach?
A: Yes! While spinach adds a nice color and a pop of freshness to the dish, you can easily leave it out if you prefer. You could also substitute it with other greens such as kale or arugula.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken with mushrooms on mashed potatoes and spinach is the perfect comforting meal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish will impress with its rich, savory flavors and satisfying texture. The combination of the tender chicken, creamy mushroom sauce, buttery mashed potatoes, and wilted spinach makes for a well-rounded and hearty meal that everyone will enjoy.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that feels indulgent yet is easy to make. The creamy sauce adds depth and richness, while the mashed potatoes and spinach provide balance and freshness. If you’re looking for a comforting dinner that’s sure to please, this recipe is a must-try!
Give it a go tonight, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family! Whether enjoyed on a cozy weeknight or for a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a hit at your dinner table.