Looking for a hearty, delicious meal that combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach in a luxuriously creamy sauce? This Chicken with Spinach in Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce is the perfect weeknight dinner that’s both impressive and incredibly easy to prepare. Packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
US Measurements
- 1.5 lbs (400-500 g) chicken breast fillets
- 8.8 oz (250 g) spinach (frozen or fresh)
- 7.7 oz (220 g) mushrooms
- 1/2 cup Cremefine for cooking
- 3.5 oz (100 g) cream cheese
- 8.5 fl oz (250 ml) vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chili powder or flakes
- Cooking oil
- Chopped chives
- All-purpose flour
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- Optional: Bacon
Metric Measurements
- 400-500 g chicken breast fillets
- 250 g spinach (frozen or fresh)
- 220 g mushrooms
- 120 ml Cremefine for cooking
- 100 g cream cheese
- 250 ml vegetable broth
- Salz und Pfeffer nach Geschmack
- Chiliflocken oder -pulver
- Öl zum Braten
- Geschnittene Schnittlauch
- Mehl
- 1 mittelgroße Zwiebel
- 2 Knoblauchzehen
- Optional: Speck
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt, pepper, and chili powder.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat oil in a large pan. Quickly sauté the chicken, being careful not to overcook. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, sauté finely chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent.
- Add Mushrooms: Add quartered mushrooms and continue sautéing.
- Incorporate Spinach: Add thawed spinach and cook for a few minutes.
- Create the Sauce: Deglaze the pan with vegetable broth. Bring to a boil briefly.
- Add Creamy Elements: Stir in Cremefine and cream cheese. Bring to a boil again.
- Finish the Dish: Return chicken to the pan to reheat. If desired, thicken the sauce with a little flour. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving:
- Calories: 420-450
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C)
- Don’t overcook the chicken to maintain tenderness
- Use fresh mushrooms for the best flavor
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese
- Toast some herbs to enhance the dish’s aroma
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu or plant-based chicken alternative
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and cashew cream cheese
- Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of noodles
- Protein Boost: Add crispy bacon bits on top
- Spice Lovers: Increase chili flakes or add hot sauce
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use frozen spinach? A: Yes, thaw and drain frozen spinach completely before adding to the recipe.
Q2: What can I serve this dish with? A: Egg noodles, spätzle, rice, or mashed potatoes work perfectly.
Q3: How long can I store leftovers? A: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Prepare the components separately and combine just before serving for best results.
Q5: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce for a gluten-free version.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave
- Separate sauce and chicken when storing to maintain texture
- Freeze without cream-based sauce for up to 2 months
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
Enjoy this comforting, creamy chicken dish that brings together the best flavors of mushrooms, spinach, and tender chicken in one delightful meal!