Savor a flavorful, fuss-free meal with this one-pan creamy garlic herb smothered chicken. Juicy chicken thighs are seared to perfection, then nestled in a velvety sauce with tender baby potatoes, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines convenience with restaurant-quality flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved and parboiled (5 minutes in salted water)
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional, substitute with broth)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Chicken:
- Pat chicken dry and season evenly with paprika, garlic powder, thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
- Build the Sauce Base:
- Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the skillet. Add onions and sauté for 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and mushrooms, cooking 4-5 minutes until mushrooms caramelize.
- Deglaze & Thicken:
- Pour in white wine (or broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, cream, and Dijon mustard. Add thyme and parboiled potatoes.
- Simmer & Combine:
- Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Finish with Spinach:
- Stir in spinach until wilted (1-2 minutes). Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve:
- Garnish with parsley. Pair with crusty bread or a simple salad.
Pro Tips for Success
- Crispy Potatoes: For extra texture, pan-fry parboiled potatoes in the skillet for 2-3 minutes before adding the sauce.
- Chicken Breasts Option: Reduce cooking time to 8-10 minutes to avoid drying out.
- Dairy-Free Twist: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and butter with olive oil.
Nutrition & Storage
- Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Serves: 4
- Calories: 420 per serving
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.