I tried this creamy spinach chicken recipe last night, and I have to say, I’m absolutely in love! The chicken is beautifully golden on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and the creamy spinach sauce is downright addicting.
If you love cozy, flavorful meals that feel like comfort food at its best, this dish is perfect. Plus, it’s a simple recipe that comes together in one pan for easy cleanup.
If you’re interested in branching out, you can also try this easy chicken teriyaki recipe, another flavorful option to add to your dinner rotation. With just a few fresh ingredients, you’ll create a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Happy cooking!
Credit: thekitchn.com
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Use fresh chicken breasts for the best texture and flavor. If the pieces are large, consider pounding them slightly for even cooking. - 3 tablespoons olive oil
This ensures the chicken gets golden and crispy, while also providing a rich, nutty base for the sauce. - 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Fresh spinach works best here, as frozen spinach retains too much water and can dilute the creamy sauce. - 1 cup heavy cream
Heavy cream is key for the rich, velvety texture. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it won’t be as thick. - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Always grate your cheese fresh for the boldest, sharpest flavor. - 3 cloves garlic, minced
Garlic adds a savory depth to the sauce. Adjust the amount to taste if you love garlic. - Salt and pepper, to taste
Note: This recipe serves 4.
Variations
If you’d like to mix things up a bit, here are some ideas:
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese.
- Additional Vegetables: Mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes make excellent add-ins.
- Herb Enhancements: Add fresh basil or parsley for a touch of greenery and extra flavor.
- Protein Switch: Try boneless chicken thighs for a juicier, more tender alternative.
Cooking Time
Here’s the time breakdown for this creamy spinach chicken recipe:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Equipment You Need
To make this recipe, you’ll need the following tools:
- Large skillet – For cooking the chicken and sauce in one pan.
- Tongs – To easily flip the chicken without tearing the surface.
- Cutting board – For chopping the spinach and preparing chicken.
- Grater – To freshly grate the Parmesan cheese.
How to Make Creamy Spinach Chicken?
Making this creamy spinach chicken is surprisingly easy, and the results are restaurant-quality! The key is to manage your steps efficiently and give each component the attention it deserves.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels; this helps them get that golden crust. Season both sides liberally with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken and cook until browned on each side, about 6–7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Using the same skillet, sauté the garlic until fragrant. This takes only about 30 seconds, so watch it carefully. Reduce the heat to low, then add the heavy cream and stir well. Once the cream starts to simmer, mix in the chopped spinach. Stir until it wilts and softens, which should take about 2–3 minutes.
Step 3: Mix in the Cheese
Add the grated Parmesan to the skillet and stir until it melts, creating a creamy, rich sauce. Season the sauce with more salt and pepper to taste. The cheese will thicken the sauce further as it combines with the cream.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to coat it. Cover the pan and let it simmer for another 5–7 minutes. This step ensures the chicken absorbs the flavors of the sauce while reheating fully.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the dish is ready, remove it from the skillet and serve hot. Don’t forget to drizzle extra sauce on top for a decadent finish!
Credit: wholesomeyum.com
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
After making this recipe a few times, I’ve picked up some handy tips to make it even better:
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best heat distribution and a golden crust on the chicken.
- If you want an extra pop of garlic flavor, stir in a pinch of garlic powder at the end.
- Avoid letting the sauce boil, as it can cause the cream to separate. Keep it at a gentle simmer.
- Leftover sauce pairs wonderfully with pasta or mashed potatoes, so don’t waste any!
How to Serve Creamy Spinach Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! You can serve it over rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower rice if you’re keeping it low-carb. I’ve also served it alongside pasta, similar to this chicken spaghetti recipe, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. To elevate your presentation, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley on top.
Nutritional Information
This creamy spinach chicken is rich and satisfying, with the following approximate values per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fat: 32g
Make Ahead and Storage
- Storing Leftovers: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This creamy spinach chicken recipe ticks all the boxes for a flawless, crowd-pleasing dinner.
- One-Pan Simplicity: Fewer dishes to wash make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
- Great for Customization: You can tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes, from adding extra veggies to adjusting the spices.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: The creamy sauce wins over adults and picky eaters alike.
- Pairs with Many Sides: From pasta to potatoes, this chicken works well with a variety of accompaniments.
- Healthy Yet Indulgent: With fresh spinach and creamy sauce, it’s a wholesome dish with a touch of luxury.
Enjoy this flavorful dish and feel free to experiment with sides or mix-ins to make it your own. It’s hearty, delicious, and so easy to make a staple in your meal plan. If you’re looking for more chicken recipes to explore, here’s an excellent collection of ideas to inspire your cooking adventures.