Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms in Creamy Parmesan Sauce😍😋

🥘 Mediterranean Chicken with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: ~45 minutes

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🌿 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp paprika

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil (or 1 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp olive oil)

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced (cremini, baby bella, or mixed wild)

• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth

• 1 cup (240 ml) light cream or half-and-half (you can use heavy cream for extra richness)

• ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 3 cups fresh baby spinach

• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)

• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)

• Juice of ½ lemon

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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🔥 Instructions

1. Prepare and Sear the Chicken

1. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and nearly cooked through.

4. Remove from skillet and set aside (it will finish cooking in the sauce).

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2. Make the Creamy Mushroom Base

1. In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed.

2. Sauté onions for 2 minutes until soft.

3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add mushrooms and cook 5–6 minutes until browned and their moisture evaporates.

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3. Build the Sauce

1. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up any golden bits.

2. Stir in cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

3. Add Parmesan, thyme, and Italian seasoning. Stir until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly (about 3–5 minutes).

4. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or chili flakes.

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4. Add Spinach & Chicken

1. Add spinach to the pan and stir until just wilted.

2. Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer uncovered for 5–7 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and sauce is creamy.

3. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve over orzo, angel hair pasta, or couscous.

• Delicious with roasted potatoes, polenta, or crusty ciabatta.

• Add a simple Greek or Italian salad (tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta, olive oil, lemon) on the side for freshness.

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💡 Mediterranean Touches & Variations

• Add sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts for extra tang and depth.

• Replace spinach with Swiss chard or kale for a heartier version.

• Substitute white wine for half the broth for a more refined sauce.

• Sprinkle a few toasted pine nuts or capers before serving for true Mediterranean flair.