Short Description
Spinach and Mushroom Smothered Chicken is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines tender grilled chicken with a savory sautéed mushroom, spinach, and pecan topping. The melted provolone cheese adds a creamy richness, making this recipe a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both delicious and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition. The earthy mushrooms and fresh spinach are the ideal complement to the lean chicken breasts, while the pecans add a delightful crunch. The melt-in-your-mouth provolone cheese takes it to the next level, turning this simple dish into a mouthwatering meal. Whether you’re craving something hearty or looking to add more veggies to your dinner, this dish delivers on all fronts!

Ingredients

1-1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1-3/4 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
3 green onions, sliced
3 cups fresh baby spinach
2 tablespoons chopped pecans
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
1/2 teaspoon rotisserie chicken seasoning
2 slices reduced-fat provolone cheese, halved

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your grill or broiler.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and green onions, sautéing until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
Stir in the spinach and chopped pecans, cooking until the spinach is wilted. Remove from heat and keep warm.
Sprinkle the chicken breasts with the rotisserie chicken seasoning.
Grill the chicken, covered, on an oiled grill rack over medium heat or broil it 4 inches from the heat on a greased broiler pan until a thermometer reads 165°F, about 4-5 minutes per side.
Top the grilled chicken with a slice of provolone cheese and grill or broil for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted.
To serve, top the chicken with the sautéed mushroom and spinach mixture.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

Add More Vegetables: You can add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to the mushroom and spinach mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
Cheese Swap: If you don’t have provolone, mozzarella or Swiss cheese can also be used as an alternative.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to the spinach and mushroom mixture for some extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, simply place the chicken in the microwave for a few minutes or heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the mushroom and spinach topping ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Grill or broil the chicken fresh when ready to serve.

3. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the pan.

4. Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the rotisserie chicken seasoning doesn’t contain any gluten-based ingredients.

5. Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling or broiling?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

6. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 165°F in the thickest part of the chicken breast.

7. Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor and texture.

8. Can I make this recipe without cheese?

Yes, you can make this dish without cheese for a lighter version or to accommodate dietary restrictions.

9. Can I use pre-sliced mushrooms?

Yes, pre-sliced mushrooms will work just as well. You can save time by using them in this recipe.

10. Can I add more seasonings to the chicken?

Absolutely! You can add garlic powder, paprika, or even a sprinkle of thyme or rosemary to the chicken for additional flavor.

Conclusion

Spinach and Mushroom Smothered Chicken is a delicious and well-balanced meal that combines savory chicken with a flavorful mushroom-spinach topping. The addition of pecans and melted provolone cheese elevates this dish, making it a great choice for a quick weeknight dinner or even for a special occasion. Packed with flavor and texture, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation!