Description
Creamy Spinach Garlic Chicken is a rich and comforting skillet dinner featuring juicy chicken breasts simmered in a luscious garlic cream sauce combined with tender fresh spinach. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight meals while also elegant enough to serve to guests.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
Optional Serving Suggestions
- Pasta
- Rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Crusty bread
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season chicken breasts or thighs on both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance the flavors before cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear each side for 4–5 minutes until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant without burning.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to blend the flavors.
- Add Cheese and Spinach: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Add fresh spinach and cook just until wilted, incorporating its vibrant flavor and nutrients.
- Finish Cooking Chicken: Return the seared chicken to the skillet and simmer everything together for 8–10 minutes, ensuring the chicken cooks through and the sauce thickens beautifully.
- Season and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve the creamy spinach garlic chicken warm with your choice of pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the creamiest and smoothest sauce.
- Chicken thighs add extra juiciness whereas chicken breasts keep the dish leaner.
- For flavor variations, add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
