If you’re searching for that cozy, all-in-one skillet dinner that tastes like it took hours but actually comes together in a flash, you’re in for a treat with Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach. This dish is pure comfort food: juicy chicken breasts bathed in a silky, garlicky cream sauce, finished with a handful of fresh spinach for color and freshness. The Parmesan and Italian seasoning bring everything together in a way that’s both simple and deeply satisfying, making it perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t you just love a recipe where every ingredient has a starring role? The ingredients for Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach are easy to find, but each one adds its own special something—whether it’s richness, zing, or irresistible creaminess.
- Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless pieces for quick, even cooking and maximum tenderness.
- Olive oil: Gives a lovely golden sear to the chicken while adding a hint of Mediterranean flavor.
- Butter: Blends with the oil to create a richer base for cooking and flavoring the sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic is the secret to that deep, savory aroma.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth to the sauce and helps deglaze all those tasty browned bits from the pan.
- Heavy cream: The key to that luscious, velvety sauce we can’t get enough of.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for a nutty, salty kick and smooth melting.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that instantly gives the sauce a warm, homey flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle heat that perks up the creamy sauce—add as much or as little as you like.
- Fresh baby spinach: Wilts beautifully into the sauce, adding color, nutrients, and a pop of freshness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the sauce to perfection.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry, then generously season both sides with salt and black pepper. This step ensures that every bite is flavorful, and helps create that gorgeous golden crust when you sear the chicken later.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, add your seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until they’re beautifully golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside—you’ll return it to the pan in a bit.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn! This quick step infuses the oil with a deliciously rich, garlicky flavor that is the heart of Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (that’s where so much flavor lives!). Let it come to a gentle simmer, then stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and, if you like a little kick, the crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens ever so slightly.
Step 5: Add the Spinach
Add the fresh baby spinach straight into the sauce. Stir until the leaves are just wilted and vibrant green. This not only brings a burst of color, but also loads the dish with nutrients and a light, earthy taste.
Step 6: Return the Chicken and Finish
Return your seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce and spinach. Spoon some sauce over the top and let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes, just to heat the chicken through and let all those flavors mingle. Serve Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach warm and be ready for lots of compliments!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a few cracks of black pepper right before serving can work wonders. If you love a burst of freshness, a little chopped parsley or basil brightens up the plate and adds even more flavor to Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach.
Side Dishes
This dish is a dream with so many sides. Serve over fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery pasta, or a warm bed of rice to soak up every drop of that irresistible sauce. If you want to keep things low-carb, roasted cauliflower or a simple green salad pairs beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken before serving and fanning it out over the sauce for a restaurant-style look. Or, serve individual portions in mini cast iron skillets for a cozy, personalized touch. If you have leftover sauce, spoon it over roasted veggies or even a baked potato for a delicious twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach stores wonderfully. Simply transfer cooled chicken and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they mingle, making leftovers almost as good as the first time around.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, keep in mind that creamy sauces may sometimes separate after thawing. If you decide to freeze, let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick. You can also microwave individual portions, covering loosely and stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a flavorful, juicy alternative and work just as well in Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs may need a few extra minutes.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can make this dish dairy-free by swapping the heavy cream for coconut milk and omitting the Parmesan cheese. The sauce will have a slightly different flavor, but still be rich and satisfying.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer—chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of a breast; the juices should run clear and the meat should be white throughout.
Can I add other vegetables to the skillet?
Definitely! Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even artichoke hearts would be delicious additions to Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach. Just sauté them after the garlic, before adding the broth and cream.
What’s the best way to make this dish gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that your chicken broth and seasonings don’t contain any hidden gluten. It’s a great option for anyone avoiding wheat or gluten products!
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to fall in love with Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach—the flavors, the colors, the ease! Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this is one of those recipes that always delivers comfort and delight. Give it a try and let it become one of your go-to weeknight favorites!
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Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach is a rich and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for a comforting dinner. Tender chicken breasts are sautéed to golden perfection and then simmered in a luscious garlic cream sauce infused with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Fresh baby spinach adds a nutritious and vibrant touch to the dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this gluten-free recipe pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cooking Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and hot. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant without burning, releasing its aromatic flavor.
- Prepare the sauce base: Pour in chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a spoon to loosen any flavorful browned bits left from cooking the chicken.
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Wilt the spinach: Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring gently until the spinach wilts and incorporates into the sauce.
- Combine and heat through: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some of the creamy sauce over the top, and let everything simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and flavors meld.
- Serve: Serve the creamy garlic chicken immediately, spooning extra sauce and spinach over each portion. Enjoy it with your choice of sides like pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if preferred; thighs are juicier but may require slightly longer cooking time.
- For a dairy-free alternative, use coconut milk in place of heavy cream and omit the Parmesan cheese.
- Serve this dish alongside pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to make a complete and hearty meal.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit entirely if you prefer no heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
