Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the tantalizing aroma of garlic wafted through the air, evoking memories of cozy family dinners. Today, I’m excited to share my one-pan recipe for Creamy Spinach Chicken, designed to turn your hectic weeknights into moments of culinary joy. Not only is this dish quick to whip up—ready in under 30 minutes—but it’s also a total comfort food that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. The tender chicken cutlets, enveloped in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with fresh spinach, create a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Plus, with just one pan to clean, you can enjoy a delicious meal without the fuss! So, are you ready to impress everyone at your dinner table tonight? Why is Creamy Spinach Chicken a Must-Try? Simplicity at its finest: This one-pan recipe allows you to whip up a comforting meal in under 30 minutes with minimal clean-up. Rich, Luscious Flavor: Tender chicken cutlets smothered in a garlicky cream sauce combine beautifully with fresh spinach for a delightful taste explosion. Versatile & Adaptable: Feel free to substitute spinach with other greens or experiment with proteins like shrimp or tofu based on your preference! Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: This dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied. For a refreshing side dish, consider pairing it with a delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad. Its bright flavors perfectly complement the creamy chicken! Creamy Spinach Chicken Ingredients • Key components for a delightful dish! For the Chicken Chicken Cutlets – The main protein source; juicy chicken thighs work as a flavorful alternative. Salt – Enhances the chicken’s natural flavor; seasoning generously is key. Pepper – Adds a touch of warmth and spice; fresh ground black pepper is ideal. For the Sauce Flour – Used for dredging the chicken and thickening the sauce; gluten-free flour is a suitable substitute. Oil – For searing the chicken; butter can provide a richer taste if desired. Butter – Adds depth and richness; consider using olive oil for a lighter option. Garlic – Infuses the dish with mouthwatering aroma; fresh or minced garlic provides great convenience. Half and Half – Creates a creamy sauce; heavy cream can offer a more indulgent texture. Chicken Broth – Brings depth to the sauce; vegetable broth serves as a veggie-friendly alternative. For the Greens Spinach – Provides vibrant color and essential nutrients; kale makes a hearty swap if preferred. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Spinach Chicken Step 1: Cook the Chicken Begin by seasoning both sides of the chicken cutlets generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, dredge the cutlets in flour and add them to the pan. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side or until they turn a golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Step 2: Make the Sauce Reduce the heat to medium and melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add 2-3 smashed garlic cloves, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute. Next, sprinkle in a tablespoon of flour, stirring continuously to create a roux. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of half and half and 1 cup of chicken broth, allowing the mixture to simmer and thicken for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes smooth and creamy. Step 3: Add Spinach Once the sauce has thickened, add about 3 cups of fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring gently until the leaves are wilted and bright green, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This adds both vibrant color and nutritional value to your creamy spinach chicken. Be sure to keep the heat on low to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture while the spinach cooks. Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce Reintroduce the seared chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce and spinach. Using a spoon, generously coat the chicken with the sauce to ensure each piece is lovingly enveloped. Let everything cook together for an additional minute to meld the flavors beautifully. The final result will be a vibrant dish ready to serve! Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Once everything is perfectly combined, remove the skillet from heat. Serve your Creamy Spinach Chicken warm, paired with pasta, rice, or a light salad for a complete meal. The crispy chicken, rich sauce, and fresh spinach create an irresistible comfort food experience that will delight your family and friends alike! Make Ahead Options These Creamy Spinach Chicken preparations are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time during the week! You can season and dredge the chicken cutlets up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness. Additionally, the creamy sauce can be prepared ahead, allowing it to cool before refrigerating for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce over low heat while incorporating the previously cooked chicken and fresh spinach until heated through. This way, your comforting meal will be just as delicious and ready in no time, making family dinners a breeze! Storage Tips for Creamy Spinach Chicken Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to ensure freshness and flavor retention. Freezer: You can freeze creamy spinach chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to leave some space for expansion. Reheating: For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain creaminess. Thawing: When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to get that delicious creamy texture back for your creamy spinach chicken. Creamy Spinach Chicken Variations Customize your Creamy Spinach Chicken with these delightful twists and swaps to suit your taste and dietary needs! Greens Swap: Replace spinach with Swiss chard or arugula for a unique flavor and texture; both options bring a delightful freshness to the dish. Add Some Heat: Incorporate red pepper flakes into the sauce for a kick of spice that will tickle your taste buds and liven up your meal. Cheesy Goodness: Stir in some cream cheese or Parmesan during the sauce-making process for that extra creaminess and a layer of rich, cheesy flavor that the whole family will love. Bright Flavors: Toss in sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a burst of sweetness and an added Mediterranean flair; they harmonize wonderfully with the garlicky cream sauce. Protein Variation: Try using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a more diverse protein option; each brings unique flavors that complement the creamy sauce beautifully. Gluten-Free Twist: Substitute the regular flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch to cater to gluten-sensitive diners without compromising the dish’s heartiness. Citrus Zest: A squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of zest can elevate the flavors, giving the dish a bright, refreshing finish that balances the richness. Nutty Texture: Sprinkle some chopped nuts, like toasted pine nuts or walnuts, on top for a satisfying crunch that adds both texture and a nutty depth to your Creamy Spinach Chicken. For added inspiration, consider pairing this dish with a vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad or creamy Hawaiian Chicken Salad on the side! Expert Tips for Creamy Spinach Chicken Chicken Temperature: Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Keep it Creamy: Avoid letting the sauce thicken too much. It should remain velvety; if it gets too thick, add a splash of broth or milk. Garlic Matters: Sauté fresh garlic until just fragrant to avoid bitterness. If using pre-minced garlic, add it later in the cooking process to maintain flavor. Versatile Greens: While spinach is lovely, feel free to experiment with kale or Swiss chard—both will add unique flavors and textures to your creamy spinach chicken. Rich Flavor Boost: For added depth, consider stirring in a pinch of nutmeg or some freshly grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the savory profile of your dish. What to Serve with Creamy Spinach Chicken Transform your Creamy Spinach Chicken into a delightful feast with these perfect pairings that elevate your meal! Garlic Bread: This warm, buttery treat soaks up all that velvety sauce, making it a heavenly companion for your chicken. Creamy Risotto: The rich, creamy texture of risotto complements the chicken’s sauce, creating a luxurious mouthful with every bite. Roasted Vegetables: Crispy, caramelized veggies add a lovely crunch and earthy flavors that balance the dish’s richness beautifully. Quinoa Salad: Light and fluffy, a quinoa salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette brings freshness and a nutritious twist to the table. Steamed Asparagus: Vibrant green asparagus offers a delightful crunch and bright flavor, enhancing the meal’s visual and taste appeal. Chardonnay: A chilled glass of this white wine pairs perfectly, its fruity notes cutting through the creaminess of the dish. Apple Crisp: To finish off your meal, a warm apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a comforting sweetness to round it all out. Creamy Spinach Chicken Recipe FAQs What type of chicken should I use for this recipe? I recommend using chicken cutlets for a quick cook time and tender texture, but chicken thighs are a great alternative if you’re looking for juiciness! Each provides a different flavor profile that can enhance your dish. How long can I store leftovers of Creamy Spinach Chicken? Store leftover Creamy Spinach Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing it to help retain freshness and flavor! Can I freeze Creamy Spinach Chicken? How? Absolutely! You can freeze Creamy Spinach Chicken for up to 2 months. To do this, transfer the chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for the sauce to expand as it freezes. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to bring back that creamy goodness. What should I do if my sauce gets too thick? If your sauce thickens excessively, don’t worry—it’s an easy fix! Simply add a splash of chicken broth or half and half while stirring over low heat until you reach your desired consistency. Maintain a creamy texture by not letting it boil. Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? Yes! If you or someone you’re serving has allergies, consider using gluten-free flour and make sure to source a gluten-free broth. For dairy-free options, substitute the half and half with a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk or almond milk, and use oil instead of butter to keep it vegan-friendly. Can I use other vegetables instead of spinach? Very! You can certainly swap spinach with other greens such as Swiss chard or kale, which will add unique flavors and textures. Additionally, sun-dried tomatoes make a delightful addition for an extra flavor punch in your creamy spinach chicken. Creamy Spinach Chicken That's Quick and Irresistibly Comforting This Creamy Spinach Chicken combines tender chicken cutlets with a garlicky cream sauce and fresh spinach for a comforting quick meal. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: ChickenCuisine: AmericanCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken4 cutlets Chicken Juicy chicken thighs can be used as an alternative.1 teaspoon Salt Season generously.1 teaspoon Pepper Freshly ground is ideal.For the Sauce1 cup Flour Gluten-free flour is a suitable substitute.1 tablespoon Oil Can use butter for richer taste.2 tablespoons Butter Olive oil can be used for a lighter option.2-3 cloves Garlic Fresh or minced garlic can be used.1 cup Half and Half Heavy cream can also be used.1 cup Chicken Broth Vegetable broth works as a veggie-friendly alternative.For the Greens3 cups Spinach Kale is a great substitute. Equipment Large Skillet Method Step-by-Step InstructionsSeason both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Dredge the cutlets in flour and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet.Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add smashed garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in flour to create a roux, then slowly whisk in half and half and chicken broth. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until smooth and creamy.Add spinach to the sauce and stir gently until wilted (about 2-3 minutes). Keep heat low to maintain creaminess.Reintroduce chicken to the skillet, coating with the sauce. Cook together for an additional minute.Remove from heat and serve warm with pasta, rice, or a light salad. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg NotesEnsure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Avoid thickening sauce too much; maintain a velvety texture by adding broth if necessary. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
