2 large chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), sliced horizontally
1 cup cremini mushrooms, sliced
2 cups fresh spinach leaves, packed
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup chicken broth, low-sodium preferred
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1 small onion, diced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon flour
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, or chives), for garnish
Instructions
Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and nearly cooked through. Remove to a plate and tent with foil.
In the same pan, add remaining olive oil and cook diced onion for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add sliced mushrooms in an even layer, let cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop golden edges. Stir and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until they’ve released their moisture and started to brown.
Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1 minute, then slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer and let thicken slightly.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add heavy cream, butter, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely incorporated and sauce becomes silky smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Add fresh spinach in batches, stirring until each addition wilts before adding more.
Return chicken to the pan, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Spoon sauce over chicken and simmer for 3-4 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice, stir gently, and remove from heat. Let rest for 2 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly.
Transfer to serving plates over preferred base (rice, pasta, mashed potatoes) and garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
For best results, bring chicken to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking.
Don’t overcrowd mushrooms in the pan to ensure they properly brown rather than steam.
If sauce becomes too thick, thin with a splash of chicken broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.