If you’re seeking a comforting, flavorful, and nutritious meal, look no further than Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes, and Mushrooms. This dish combines tender chicken breasts, hearty red potatoes, fresh spinach, and savory mushrooms, all enveloped in a creamy sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This recipe not only promises a delicious dining experience but also ensures a balanced meal with proteins, vegetables, and carbs. Let’s explore the step-by-step process of preparing this delectable dish that is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
To make this delightful Smothered Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into thick strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, or as needed
- 6 small red potatoes, quartered
- 1 tablespoon butter, or more as needed
- 1 (8 ounce) package sliced fresh mushrooms
- 3 green onions, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, diced
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup sherry wine
- 1 (8 ounce) package fresh spinach
- 1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Oil a baking dish to ensure the chicken and vegetables do not stick during baking.
2. Season and Coat the Chicken
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken strips to the bag and toss to coat well. Shake off any excess breading before proceeding to the next step.
3. Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken strips and brown them on both sides for about 5 to 10 minutes. Once browned, transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish.
4. Pre-cook the Potatoes
In the same skillet, cook and stir the quartered red potatoes until they are almost tender, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer the partially cooked potatoes to the baking dish with the chicken.
5. Prepare the Mushroom Sauce
Add the butter to the skillet and melt it over medium-high heat. Add the sliced fresh mushrooms and sauté for about 2 minutes. Then, add the diced green onions and garlic, continuing to sauté until the garlic is browned, which should take about 3 minutes.
6. Make the Sauce
Add the condensed cream of chicken soup, low-sodium chicken broth, and sherry wine to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Add the fresh spinach and cook until it is wilted, which should take another 2 to 3 minutes.
7. Assemble the Dish
Pour the mushroom and spinach sauce over the chicken and potatoes in the baking dish. Ensure that the sauce is evenly distributed to cover all the ingredients. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the dish.
8. Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the aluminum foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes. This will allow the cheese to melt and become golden brown.
9. Serve
Once the baking is complete, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the dish sets properly.
Serving Suggestions
Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes, and Mushrooms is a hearty and complete meal on its own. However, you can complement it with a few sides to enhance your dining experience:
- Garlic Bread: A slice of warm garlic bread can be perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the dish.
- Steamed Vegetables: Additional steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans can add more nutrients and variety to your meal.
Tips for Success
- Chicken Strips: Cutting the chicken into thick strips helps ensure that they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Consistent Potato Size: Quartering the potatoes ensures they cook at the same rate, providing a consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Fresh Spinach: Using fresh spinach rather than frozen spinach helps maintain a better texture and flavor in the dish.
- Even Coating: Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the flour mixture for a consistent flavor and a nice crust.
Variations
This versatile recipe can be adjusted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few variations you might consider:
- Low-Carb: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets for a low-carb version.
- Vegan: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or a plant-based meat alternative and use a vegan cream soup and cheese.
- Different Cheese: Try using cheddar cheese or a mix of your favorite cheeses for a different flavor profile.
- Herbs and Spices: Add herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 15-20 minutes.
For longer storage, you can freeze the dish. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the reheating instructions.
Conclusion
Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes, and Mushrooms is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. Its rich flavors and balanced ingredients make it a wholesome and satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a dish for a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the delightful combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, and make this recipe a staple in your culinary repertoire. Happy cooking!
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Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes, and Mushrooms: A Comforting and Nutritious Delight
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes, and Mushrooms is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with fresh spinach, golden potatoes, and savory mushrooms. The dish is cooked in a rich and creamy sauce, making it perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into thick strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, or as needed
- 6 small red potatoes, quartered
- 1 tablespoon butter, or more as needed
- 1 (8 ounce) package sliced fresh mushrooms
- 3 green onions, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, diced
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup sherry wine
- 1 (8 ounce) package fresh spinach
- 1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Oil a baking dish.
- Combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a large resealable plastic bag. Add chicken and toss to coat well. Shake off excess breading.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken on both sides, 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Cook and stir potatoes in the same skillet until almost tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to the baking dish.
- Add butter to the same skillet over medium-high heat. Saute mushrooms for 2 minutes. Add green onions and garlic and saute until garlic is browned, about 3 minutes. Add soup, broth, and sherry. Bring to a boil and cook until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Add spinach and cook until wilted, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Pour sauce over chicken and potatoes in the baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Cover dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes more
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g