Creamed Spinach Chicken Recipe

This Creamed Spinach Chicken recipe is a fantastic choice for a weeknight meal or even a cozy weekend dinner. Combining juicy, tender chicken with a creamy, garlic-infused spinach sauce, it’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor. This one-pan dish is surprisingly easy to make yet elegant enough to impress dinner guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings.
2. Family-Friendly: The creamy sauce and tender chicken are loved by adults and kids alike.
3. Nutritious: The spinach adds nutrients like iron and fiber, making it a balanced meal.
4. One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and the skillet is hot.
3. Sear the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamed Spinach Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic and Onion: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
2. Add Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Sauté until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, make sure it is thoroughly drained before adding.
3. Add Cream and Parmesan: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to incorporate it into the sauce. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.
4. Season the Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, ground nutmeg, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Return Chicken to the Skillet: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
2. Simmer Together: Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for another 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld. Spoon some sauce over the chicken to coat it evenly.

Tips for Perfect Creamed Spinach Chicken

1. Cook Chicken Thoroughly: Sear the chicken until it’s golden and reaches 165°F. You don’t want to overcook it, so use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
2. Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach brings a vibrant flavor, though frozen spinach works if well-drained.
3. Thicken the Sauce: Simmering the sauce for a few minutes helps thicken it to a creamy consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or broth.
4. Don’t Rush the Sauce: Let the sauce cook down to concentrate the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

1. With Rice: Serve over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the sauce.
2. With Pasta: Toss cooked pasta with a bit of the sauce for a complete, creamy meal.
3. With Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes.
4. With Crusty Bread: Mop up the sauce with a piece of warm, crusty bread.

Variations and Additions

1. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: A few chopped sun-dried tomatoes bring a sweet, tangy flavor.
2. Include Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy flavor.
3. Add Mozzarella: For an extra cheesy experience, top with shredded mozzarella before serving.
4. Use Kale or Swiss Chard: Swap spinach for another leafy green like kale or Swiss chard for a slightly different flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work well and add more flavor due to their higher fat content. Adjust cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer.

2. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. The taste will differ but still be creamy.

3. What can I use to thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
You can let it simmer longer, or mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to the sauce.

4. Is it okay to use frozen spinach?
Yes, just thaw it fully and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent a watery sauce.

5. Can I make this in advance?
Yes, you can make it in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently in the skillet before serving.

Final Thoughts

Creamed Spinach Chicken is a dish that brings comfort, elegance, and flavor in every bite. The creamy spinach sauce perfectly complements the tender, juicy chicken, making it a satisfying and indulgent meal. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner or a dish to impress, this recipe has you covered. Enjoy the rich, creamy goodness of each bite, and don’t forget to pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal!

Yield: 4

Creamed Spinach Chicken Recipe

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This Creamed Spinach Chicken recipe is a fantastic choice for a weeknight meal or even a cozy weekend dinner. Combining juicy, tender chicken with a creamy, garlic-infused spinach sauce, it’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor. This one-pan dish is surprisingly easy to make yet elegant enough to impress dinner guests.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
   
2. Sear the Chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
3. Make the Creamed Spinach Sauce:
   In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   
4. Add Spinach and Cream:
   Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and add the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the sauce thickens and the cheese is fully melted.
   
5. Combine Chicken with Sauce:
   Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy spinach sauce over each piece. Simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to warm through.
   
6. Serve:
   Serve hot with the sauce over the chicken. This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

Substitutions: You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

For Extra Flavor: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the sauce before serving.