Smoky Magic: Paprika Chicken & Creamed Spinach Recipe

Sizzling and succulent, this smoked paprika chicken dances with robust flavors that instantly spark culinary excitement.

Tender chicken breasts get a bold kick from smoky spices that awaken every taste bud.

The vibrant blend of spices creates a mouthwatering main course that feels both elegant and comforting.

Each bite promises a delightful harmony of rich, warm notes enhanced by the creamy spinach side.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings infuse the meat with deep, complex undertones that make dinner feel special.

The quick preparation ensures you can serve a restaurant-worthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

You’ll love how effortlessly this dish comes together, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Grab your skillet and get ready to impress with this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns an ordinary weeknight into a gourmet experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 590 kcal

Servings: 5

Smoked Paprika Chicken with Creamed Spinach – Ingredient Guide

• Heavy Cream: Luxurious foundation that creates silky, rich texture with deep, luscious flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that adds robust, pungent depth to the creamy sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty ingredient that melts smoothly and provides incredible umami complexity.

• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that awakens the natural taste of the chicken.
• Black Pepper: Warm, sharp spice that adds subtle heat and vibrant background notes.
• Smoked Paprika: Smoky, sweet spice that delivers intense color and complex woodsy flavor profile.

• Chicken Thighs: Tender, juicy protein with rich flavor that absorbs seasonings beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat that helps achieve perfect golden-brown sear on chicken.
• Butter: Adds luxurious richness and creates glossy, flavorful coating for the chicken.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that provides visual appeal and light herbal notes.
• Lemon Zest: Citrusy accent that lifts and brightens the entire dish with its zesty essence.

Tools You’ll Need for This Savory Spinach Chicken Dish

• Large Skillet: Essential for making both the creamed spinach and searing the chicken, providing even heat distribution.
• Cast-Iron Skillet: Perfect for achieving a beautiful sear on chicken thighs and creating delicious pan-based flavors.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir ingredients and prevent sticking while cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning of chicken and precise ingredient quantities.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for mincing garlic and chopping fresh parsley.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for food preparation.
• Meat Thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature and ensuring safe cooking.

Directions for Cooking Smoked Paprika Chicken Dinner

• Flavor Base Preparation

Combine cream and garlic in a spacious skillet, allowing the mixture to bubble and dance with intense heat.

• Cheese Magic

Gently fold in Parmesan, watching it melt and create a luxurious sauce that coats the bottom of the pan.

• Green Transformation

Nestle fresh spinach into the creamy landscape, letting it soften and embrace the rich sauce. Sprinkle with a whisper of salt, pepper, and bright lemon zest for a zesty finish.

Smoky Chicken Experience

• Spice Awakening

Lovingly massage chicken thighs with a bold blend of seasonings, letting smoked paprika dance across the surface.

• Sizzling Perfection

Warm a cast-iron skillet until it radiates heat, then introduce a drizzle of olive oil and carefully place the seasoned chicken.

• Golden Brown Moment

Allow chicken to develop a stunning golden crust, cooking until it reaches tender, juicy completeness.

• Buttery Finale

Remove from heat and anoint the chicken with a generous pat of butter, creating a glistening, flavor-packed coating.

• Elegant Presentation

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve alongside the luscious creamed spinach, creating a meal that tells a delicious story.

Cooking Tips for Flavorful Paprika Chicken & Creamy Greens

• Swap unsalted butter with garlic butter for an extra flavor punch in the chicken skillet.
• Adjust smoked paprika quantity based on personal heat preference, ranging from mild to bold.
• Replace chicken thighs with chicken breasts or salmon for a different protein experience, keeping cooking times similar.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to create a lighter, plant-based creamed spinach alternative that maintains rich texture.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during chicken seasoning to introduce additional aromatic layers to the dish.

Serving Up Spinach Chicken with a Twist

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Create a light, crisp green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy spinach and smoky chicken.
• Wine Companion: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the dish's robust flavors and cut through the creamy texture.
• Crusty Bread on Side: Serve warm, crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the delicious creamed spinach sauce and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Garnish with Zest: Sprinkle extra lemon zest or chopped fresh herbs like thyme or basil over the chicken and spinach to add brightness and fresh aromatics.

Keep Paprika Chicken and Spinach Ready to Reheat

• Refrigerate Strategically: Store leftover chicken and creamed spinach separately in airtight containers to maintain optimal freshness and prevent soggy textures for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze with Care: Wrap individual portions of chicken in freezer-safe wrap, keeping creamed spinach in sealed containers for convenient future meals up to 2 months, ensuring best quality and taste.
• Reheat Gently: Warm chicken in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Reheat creamed spinach in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to restore creamy consistency.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken and creamed spinach components ahead of time, storing separately in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving to keep ingredients crisp and flavors vibrant, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or quick lunch options.

Smoky Paprika Chicken With Velvety Spinach

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent smoked paprika chicken with creamed spinach delivers bold Mediterranean flavors in a simple home-cooked meal. Spanish-inspired spices and creamy greens combine for a delightful dinner that satisfies with rich, complementary tastes you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lb chicken thighs (skinless, boneless)
• 10 oz spinach
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly shredded)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley (chopped)
• Salt and black pepper (freshly ground, to taste)

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Instructions

1. Creamy Spinach Preparation: Warm a large skillet, bringing heavy cream and minced garlic to a gentle simmer, creating a luxurious base for the sauce.
2. Cheese Integration: Gradually whisk Parmesan cheese into the cream, stirring consistently until a velvety, smooth consistency develops, allowing the cheese to melt completely.
3. Spinach Incorporation: Delicately fold fresh spinach leaves into the creamy mixture, gently wilting the greens while preserving their vibrant emerald color and delicate texture.
4. Seasoning Enhancement: Elevate the spinach sauce with a precise balance of kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a whisper of lemon zest to brighten the overall flavor profile.
5. Chicken Preparation: Meticulously pat chicken thighs dry, then generously coat with a robust blend of kosher salt, black pepper, and smoky paprika, ensuring comprehensive seasoning coverage.
6. Skillet Preheating: Position a cast-iron skillet over medium heat, allowing it to reach the optimal temperature for achieving a perfect golden sear.
7. Searing Technique: Introduce a drizzle of olive oil, then carefully position the seasoned chicken thighs, allowing them to develop a crisp, caramelized exterior.
8. Cooking Process: Execute a precise cooking method, searing the chicken for 5 minutes per side until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, verifying an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
9. Finishing Touch: Remove from heat, introducing a luxurious pat of unsalted butter to create a glossy, rich coating that enhances the chicken’s flavor and appearance.
10. Plating Presentation: Artfully arrange the golden chicken on serving plates, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and accompany with the creamy spinach for a sophisticated culinary experience.

Notes

• Spice Intensity Control: Adjust paprika quantity based on personal heat preference, balancing smoky flavor without overwhelming the chicken.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Gradually add Parmesan to prevent clumping and ensure a silky, smooth cream sauce texture.
• Chicken Moisture Preservation: Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches 165°F, ensuring food safety without overcooking and maintaining juicy meat.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg