Easy Recipe Creamy Spinach Chicken

Creamy Spinach Chicken is a weeknight dinner dream come true. It’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that your family will request again and again. Get ready to experience the perfect blend of juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and vibrant spinach, all in one satisfying dish.

Why This Creamy Spinach Chicken Recipe Works

This recipe stands out for its simplicity and incredible flavor. The chicken breasts are pan-seared to golden perfection, creating a beautiful crust that locks in the juices. Then, they simmer in a luscious cream sauce infused with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. The result is a dish that’s both elegant and approachable, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Unlike some recipes that require a laundry list of ingredients, this one uses common pantry staples, making it convenient to whip up any time. The recipe is also very customizable. You can easily adapt it to your taste by adding different herbs, spices, or vegetables.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. They cook quickly and evenly, providing a blank canvas for the creamy sauce.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach is preferred for its vibrant color and delicate flavor, but frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) can also be used in a pinch.
• Heavy Cream: This is the foundation of the creamy sauce. It provides richness and body, creating a luxurious texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the spinach and cream. Freshly grated Parmesan is best.
• Garlic: Essential for adding depth and aroma to the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and sautéing the garlic.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Helps to thin out the sauce and add extra flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the chicken and sauce to taste.
• Optional Ingredients: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, nutmeg for warmth, or lemon juice for brightness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.

2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce: Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

4. Add Cream and Parmesan: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

5. Incorporate the Spinach: Add the spinach to the skillet and stir until it wilts.

6. Return Chicken to the Sauce: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet with the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat.

7. Simmer and Serve: Simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is creamy and flavorful. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with a side of vegetables.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Spinach Chicken

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Sear the chicken in batches to ensure even browning. Overcrowding the skillet will lower the temperature and cause the chicken to steam instead of sear.
• Use fresh spinach: While frozen spinach can be used, fresh spinach has a better flavor and texture.
• Grate your own Parmesan cheese: Pre-shredded Parmesan cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce.
• Adjust the sauce thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Add a touch of acidity: A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the flavors of the dish and balance the richness of the cream sauce.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
• Let the sauce simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer for a few minutes allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:

• Chicken Thighs: Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a richer, more flavorful dish. Brown them similarly to the breast as per the recipe.
• Different Vegetables: Add other vegetables to the sauce, such as mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts.
• Cream Cheese: Add a tablespoon or two of cream cheese to the sauce for extra creaminess and tang.
• Herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, oregano, or basil.
• Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika for warmth and depth of flavor.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. Use dairy-free Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast.
• Pasta: Serve over your favorite pasta shape, such as fettuccine, linguine, or penne.
• Rice: Serve over white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice.
• Wine: Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra flavor (add after garlic, before broth).

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Spinach Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are a few ideas:

• Over Pasta: Toss the chicken and sauce with cooked pasta for a complete meal.
• With Rice: Serve over rice for a simple and satisfying dinner.
• With Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
• With Mashed Potatoes: Serve over mashed potatoes for a comforting and classic meal.
• In a Sandwich: Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
• As a Topping: Use it as a topping for pizza or baked potatoes.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftover Creamy Spinach Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave. If reheating in the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to the sauce if it has thickened too much.

Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate and become grainy when thawed.

FAQ

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the sauce.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They will take a bit longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, sear the chicken and add it to the sauce.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. Use dairy-free Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast.

How can I thicken the sauce?

If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the sauce and simmer until thickened.

How can I make this spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

What goes well with creamy spinach chicken?

Pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables are all great options.

Can I add mushrooms to this recipe?

Yes, sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic before adding the chicken broth.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

While you can use milk, the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. For a richer sauce, use half-and-half or evaporated milk.

What is the best way to cook chicken breasts so they are not dry?

Pat the chicken dry before searing, don’t overcook it, and let it rest for a few minutes after cooking.