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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Creamy Spinach Preparation: Warm a large skillet, bringing heavy cream and minced garlic to a gentle simmer, creating a luxurious base for the sauce.
- Cheese Integration: Gradually whisk Parmesan cheese into the cream, stirring consistently until a velvety, smooth consistency develops, allowing the cheese to melt completely.
- Spinach Incorporation: Delicately fold fresh spinach leaves into the creamy mixture, gently wilting the greens while preserving their vibrant emerald color and delicate texture.
- 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.
- 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.
- Skillet Preheating: Position a cast-iron skillet over medium heat, allowing it to reach the optimal temperature for achieving a perfect golden sear.
- Searing Technique: Introduce a drizzle of olive oil, then carefully position the seasoned chicken thighs, allowing them to develop a crisp, caramelized exterior.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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