Description
This Irresistible Creamy Spinach Chicken recipe features tender seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy garlic parmesan sauce loaded with fresh baby spinach. Perfectly seasoned and easy to prepare, it’s a comforting one-pan meal ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- Red pepper flakes, optional (for heat)
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Heat Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to heat until shimmering.
- Sear Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
- Set Chicken Aside: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and tent with foil to keep warm while preparing the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to add depth of flavor.
- Add Cream and Spices: Stir in the heavy cream, garlic powder, and onion powder, then let the mixture simmer gently to thicken.
- Melt Cheese: Add the grated parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir continuously until it melts smoothly into the creamy mixture.
- Cook Spinach: Add the roughly chopped baby spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and incorporates into the sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy spinach sauce over the top.
- Simmer Together: Let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to marry.
- Serve: Serve the creamy spinach chicken hot alongside your favorite side dish such as rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Notes
- For an added kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce while cooking.
- Ensure chicken breasts are not overcrowded in the pan for even searing.
- Use fresh baby spinach for best texture and flavor; frozen spinach can release excess moisture.
- Check internal temperature of chicken to ensure it is cooked safely.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
