Description
This Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dinner inspired by the classic dip. Juicy chicken breasts are cooked to golden perfection and simmered in a rich, creamy sauce made with Parmesan cheese, fresh spinach, and tender artichoke hearts. It’s an easy, one-pan stovetop meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chopped artichoke hearts (drained)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and squeezed dry)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring and scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan to enhance the sauce’s flavor.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Then add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Mix in the artichoke hearts, fresh spinach, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes.
- Finish the Dish: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and let everything simmer together for 3–5 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Serve Warm: Plate the chicken with the creamy spinach and artichoke sauce spooned generously over the top. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
- If the sauce gets too thick, thin it out with a splash of additional chicken broth or heavy cream.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
