Low Carb Chicken Spinach Mushroom – prepare to be amazed by this incredibly flavorful and satisfying dish that won’t derail your healthy eating goals! Imagine tender chicken breasts, sautéed to golden perfection, nestled in a creamy, dreamy sauce brimming with earthy mushrooms and vibrant spinach. It’s a culinary symphony that dances on your taste buds, and the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make.

While the exact origins of combining chicken, spinach, and mushrooms in a creamy sauce are somewhat shrouded in culinary history, the individual ingredients boast rich traditions. Chicken, a staple protein across cultures, has been enjoyed for millennia. Spinach, believed to have originated in ancient Persia, gained popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages. And mushrooms, revered for their unique umami flavor, have been used in cooking and medicine for centuries across various civilizations. This Low Carb Chicken Spinach Mushroom recipe brings together these time-honored ingredients in a modern, health-conscious way.

People adore this dish for so many reasons. The creamy sauce is undeniably comforting, while the combination of chicken, spinach, and mushrooms provides a delightful textural contrast. It’s also incredibly versatile – serve it over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or simply enjoy it on its own. But perhaps the biggest draw is that it allows you to indulge in a rich and flavorful meal without the guilt. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a Low Carb Chicken Spinach Mushroom dinner!

Ingredients:

Chicken: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
Spinach: 10 ounces fresh spinach, thoroughly washed
Mushrooms: 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
Heavy Cream: 1 cup
Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup
Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
Onion: 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, grated
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
Butter: 1 tablespoon
Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
Salt: To taste
Black Pepper: To taste
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a little heat)

Preparing the Chicken:

First, let’s get our chicken ready. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear.
Now, season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning (about 1/2 teaspoon). Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it really makes a difference!
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is nice and hot before adding the chicken.
Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure!
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Tent it with foil to keep it warm while we prepare the sauce. This also allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender chicken.
If you want to make the chicken even easier to eat, you can slice it into smaller pieces or strips after it’s cooked. This is totally optional, but it can be nice for serving.

Making the Creamy Spinach Mushroom Sauce:

In the same skillet (don’t wash it yet – all those browned bits from the chicken add flavor!), melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Now, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook them until they are softened and have released their moisture, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. It will seem like a lot at first, but it will wilt down quickly. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine.
Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This may take a few minutes, so be patient.
Stir in the remaining Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon), salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. This will add a nice cheesy flavor and help to thicken the sauce slightly.

Combining Chicken and Sauce:

If you haven’t already, slice the cooked chicken breasts into smaller pieces or strips.
Add the sliced chicken to the skillet with the creamy spinach mushroom sauce.
Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few minutes, allowing it to warm through and absorb the flavors.

Serving Suggestions:

This Low Carb Chicken Spinach Mushroom dish is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even more complete:

Cauliflower Rice: Serve it over cauliflower rice for a truly low-carb and satisfying meal.
Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): Toss it with zucchini noodles for a healthy and flavorful option.
Steamed Vegetables: Serve it alongside steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
Salad: Pair it with a simple green salad for a light and refreshing meal.
As a Filling: Use it as a filling for bell peppers or zucchini boats.

Tips and Variations:

Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in the sauce. Mozzarella, Gruyere, or Fontina would all be delicious additions.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you don’t like spice, you can omit them altogether.
Vegetable Additions: Add other vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts.
Wine: For a richer flavor, add a splash of dry white wine to the skillet after cooking the onions and garlic. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce before adding the mushrooms.
Thickening the Sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a small amount of xanthan gum (about 1/4 teaspoon) to the sauce while it’s simmering. Be careful not to add too much, as it can make the sauce gummy.
Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tend to stay more moist during cooking.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and add the cooked chicken.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of the recipe)
Calories: Approximately 400-450
Fat: 30-35g
Protein: 35-40g
Carbohydrates: 5-7g
Fiber: 2-3g
Net Carbs: 3-4g

Why This Recipe Works:

This Low Carb Chicken Spinach Mushroom recipe is a winner for several reasons:

Flavorful: The combination of chicken, spinach, mushrooms, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
Easy to Make: It’s a relatively simple recipe that can be made in about 30 minutes.
Low Carb: It’s a great option for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
Versatile: It can be served in a variety of ways, making it a versatile meal option.
Healthy: It’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients.

Troubleshooting:

Sauce is too thin: If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it for a longer period of time to allow it to reduce and thicken. You can also add a small amount of xanthan gum (about 1/4 teaspoon) to the sauce while it’s simmering.
Sauce is too thick: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth or heavy cream to thin it out.
Chicken is dry: To prevent the chicken from drying out, make sure to sear it over medium-high heat and don’t overcook it. You can also tent it with foil after cooking to keep it moist.
Spinach is bitter: To reduce the bitterness of spinach, you can blanch it in boiling water for a minute or two before adding it to the skillet.
Mush

Conclusion:

This Low Carb Chicken Spinach Mushroom recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! From the tender, juicy chicken to the earthy mushrooms and vibrant spinach, all bathed in a creamy, decadent sauce, it’s a dish that satisfies without the guilt. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

But why is this recipe a must-try? Beyond the incredible taste, it’s incredibly versatile and fits seamlessly into a healthy lifestyle. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight, yet elegant enough to serve to guests. Plus, it’s naturally low in carbohydrates, making it perfect for those following a keto, low-carb, or simply health-conscious diet. You get all the satisfaction of a rich, creamy dish without the carb overload. What’s not to love?

Looking for serving suggestions? I’ve got you covered! This dish is fantastic served over cauliflower rice for a truly low-carb experience. The cauliflower rice soaks up all that delicious sauce, making every bite a delight. Alternatively, you could serve it alongside a simple green salad for a light and refreshing meal. If you’re not strictly low-carb, consider serving it with a small portion of quinoa or brown rice.

And the variations? The possibilities are endless! Feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms – shiitake, cremini, or even a mix would work beautifully. You could also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of brightness. For a cheesy twist, try adding a handful of grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese during the last few minutes of cooking. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding some sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair.

I truly believe this Low Carb Chicken Spinach Mushroom recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a dish that’s both delicious and good for you, and it’s so easy to customize to your own preferences. I’ve poured my heart into creating this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get cooking! I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the amazing flavors for yourself.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Once you’ve made it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love. Let’s build a community of passionate cooks who are all about delicious, healthy food. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!

Low Carb Chicken Spinach Mushroom: Delicious & Easy Recipe

Creamy and delicious low-carb chicken with spinach and mushrooms in a rich Parmesan sauce. A quick and easy weeknight meal!

Prep Time15 minutes

Cook Time25 minutes

Total Time40 minutes

Category: Dinner

Yield: 4 servings

Save This Recipe

Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)

10 ounces fresh spinach, thoroughly washed

8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 medium yellow onion, diced

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt (to taste)

Black pepper (to taste)

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Instructions

Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).

Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate, tented with foil to keep warm. Slice into smaller pieces or strips if desired.

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

Add diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.

Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Add sliced mushrooms and cook until softened and have released their moisture, about 5-7 minutes.

Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine.

Add softened cream cheese and stir until completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Stir in remaining Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese.

Add sliced chicken to the skillet with the sauce.

Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.

Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few minutes, allowing it to warm through and absorb the flavors.

Serve over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, steamed vegetables, or with a salad.

Notes

Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyere, or Fontina.

Spice Level: Adjust or omit red pepper flakes to your preference.

Vegetable Additions: Add bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts.

Wine: Add a splash of dry white wine after cooking onions and garlic for a richer flavor.

Thickening the Sauce: Use a small amount of xanthan gum (about 1/4 teaspoon) to thicken the sauce.

Chicken Thighs: Substitute chicken thighs for a more flavorful option.

Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Sauce too thin: Simmer longer or add xanthan gum.

Sauce too thick: Add more chicken broth or heavy cream.

Chicken is dry: Sear over medium-high heat and don’t overcook. Tent with foil after cooking.

Spinach is bitter: Blanch spinach before adding to the skillet.

Low Carb Chicken Spinach Mushroom: Delicious & Easy Recipe