Creamy Spinach Chicken

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 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
  • One-Pan Preparation: Simplifies cooking and cleanup.
  • Nutritious and Delicious: Combines protein-rich chicken with vitamin-packed spinach in a creamy sauce.
  • Versatile: Pairs well with various sides like pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess.
  2. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add heavy cream and minced garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  4. Add Spinach: Add fresh spinach to the sauce, stirring until it wilts and is well incorporated.
  5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy spinach sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors.
  6. Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: This recipe serves 4 people.
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Protein Options: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk or almond milk combined with a thickening agent like cornstarch instead of heavy cream.
  • Additional Vegetables: Incorporate mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Herb Enhancements: Experiment with herbs like basil, oregano, or rosemary to customize the taste profile.

Storage and Reheating

  • Storage: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
  • Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

How can I ensure the chicken is cooked properly?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, thaw and drain the spinach thoroughly before adding it to the sauce to prevent excess water.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cornstarch can be used, though the sauce may be less rich.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for dredging the chicken.

Can I add cheese other than Parmesan?

Yes, cheeses like mozzarella or Asiago can be used for a different flavor profile.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Use fresh dairy products and avoid boiling the sauce; instead, let it simmer gently.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad complement this creamy chicken well.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components ahead and combine them just before serving.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

Let it simmer longer to reduce, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water, stirring until it thickens.

Is it possible to make this dish spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

Creamy Spinach Chicken is a versatile and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Its quick preparation and rich flavors make it an excellent choice for any dinner occasion. Enjoy the delightful combination of tender chicken and creamy spinach sauce with your preferred side dishes.

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Creamy Spinach Chicken

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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

Creamy Spinach Chicken is a delightful comfort dish featuring golden-brown, tender chicken breasts in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce infused with fresh spinach. This easy, one-pan recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
  • Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  • Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add heavy cream and minced garlic. Simmer gently, scraping up browned bits. Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
  • Add Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach until wilted.
  • Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for a couple of minutes to blend flavors.
  • Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Protein Variation: Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk with a cornstarch thickener.
  • Additional Vegetables: Add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichokes.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Searing and Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

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