Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast, sliced into 1-inch strips
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms, thick-sliced
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach, packed
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small shallot, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat and Season: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay your chicken strips on a cutting board and dust them evenly with the smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Note: Seasoning before they hit the pan ensures the spices toast in the oil.
  2. The Initial Sear: Heat the avocado oil in your 12 inch skillet over medium high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. They don't need to be cooked through yet.
  3. Rest the Protein: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it on a plate. Note: This prevents the chicken from becoming rubbery while you prep the veggies.
  4. Mushroom Sauté: In the same skillet (don't wash it!), toss in your sliced mushrooms. Sauté until the liquid is gone and they are dark brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Aromatics: Add the shallots and minced garlic to the mushrooms. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  6. The Spinach Wilt: Add the baby spinach in large handfuls. It will look like a mountain! Stir it frequently until the leaves are dark green and collapsed.
  7. Build the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream. Whisk until the white lumps disappear and the sauce is a smooth ivory color.
  8. Combine: Slide the chicken and any juices from the plate back into the skillet. Toss until every piece is draped in the cream sauce.
  9. The Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the top.
  10. The Final Bake: Place the whole skillet in the oven. Bake for 12–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and has golden spots. | Method | Time | Texture | Best For | |--------|------|---------|----------| | Oven Bake | 40 mins | Crispy cheese, juicy meat | Weekend family dinner | | Stovetop Only | 25 mins | Soft cheese, saucy | Quick weeknight meal | | Slow Cooker | 4 hours | Fall apart tender | Meal prep / hands off | If you’re looking for a side that handles sauce well, this [Broccoli Casserole recipe](https://captivaterecipes.com/recipes/copycat-parmesan-crusted-chicken/) is a fantastic companion. The textures complement each other perfectly, especially if you're trying to keep the whole meal within the low carb and Mushroom Low Carb Oven Dish with Garlic theme. Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Quail Ready in 35 Minutes — Discover the ultimate Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Quail recipe. This easy quai...Chicken Saganaki Recipe with Tomato Sauce for 4 — Master the authentic Chicken Saganaki with our easy Greek Chicken Saganaki Re...Greek Bowls Recipe: Juicy Chicken in 40 Minutes — Master this vibrant Greek Bowls recipe featuring zesty lemon chicken and home... $img_2$