Description
Succulent Creamy Smothered Chicken dances with earthy mushrooms, tender spinach, and hearty potatoes in a luxurious sauce. Rich flavors and comforting textures invite you to savor this soul-warming Southern-style dish with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Vegetables:
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup baby potatoes, halved and boiled
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the protein by seasoning chicken with a blend of aromatic spices, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, approximately 375°F, and sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust develops.
- Transfer the browned chicken to a separate plate, maintaining its warmth and preserving the flavorful skillet remnants.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and introduce finely chopped garlic, sliced mushrooms, baby potatoes, and fresh spinach leaves.
- Sauté the vegetables for approximately 5 minutes, allowing mushrooms to soften and spinach to wilt, creating a fragrant and colorful base.
- Enhance the mixture by pouring chicken broth, heavy cream, and a touch of Dijon mustard, stirring to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Carefully return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the creamy vegetable mixture.
- Cover the skillet and let the chicken continue cooking for 10-15 minutes, ensuring it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant, aromatic garnish before serving.
Notes
- Opt for chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra moisture and richer flavor that prevents dry meat.
- Use fresh baby spinach for brighter color and more nutrients compared to frozen varieties.
- Select cremini or baby bella mushrooms to enhance deeper, earthier undertones in the sauce.
- Quickly pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure perfect golden-brown exterior and better spice adherence.
- Reduce heat to medium-low when adding cream to prevent sauce from separating or curdling.
- For gluten-free option, replace Dijon mustard with gluten-free mustard and verify broth ingredients.
- Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for lighter, healthier alternative without compromising creaminess.
- Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and maintain consistent cooking temperatures.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg