Velvety Spinach Chicken Recipe

Luscious Creamy Spinach Chicken Recipe for Divine Dinners

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this tantalizing creamy spinach chicken recipe delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Tender chicken breasts swim in a luxurious sauce that balances rich flavors with vibrant green goodness.

Packed with protein and nutrients, this dish comes together faster than you might expect.

Each bite promises a perfect blend of creamy textures and savory notes that dance across your palate.

Garlic and herbs infuse the sauce with depth, while spinach adds a fresh, earthy dimension to the meal.

Simple ingredients combine to create a restaurant-worthy dinner that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Grab your skillet and get ready to make dinner magic happen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 5

Creamy Spinach Chicken: Ingredients List

For Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender meat that absorbs flavors beautifully and provides a satisfying main course. Choose fresh, plump breasts with no discoloration or odd smell.
For Coating and Thickening:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates a crispy golden exterior and helps thicken the sauce with its natural binding properties. Select unbleached flour for better texture.
For Sauce Base and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Delivers luxurious, velvety richness and depth of flavor. Pick freshly grated Parmesan for maximum taste and smooth melting.
  • Garlic: Adds robust, aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish. Select firm, compact cloves without sprouting.
For Freshness and Color:
  • Fresh Spinach: Introduces vibrant green color and nutritious earthy notes. Look for crisp, bright leaves without wilting or yellowing.
  • Fresh Thyme: Provides delicate herbal undertones and elegant garnish. Choose sprigs with deep green color and strong aroma.
For Cooking and Seasoning:
  • Olive Oil: Ensures smooth searing and adds subtle fruity undertones. Opt for extra virgin for best quality.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that amplify and balance the dish's overall flavor profile. Use freshly ground black pepper for maximum impact.

Kitchen Tools for Spinach Chicken Night

  • Skillet: Large, heavy-bottomed pan for searing chicken and making sauce.
  • Tongs: Perfect for flipping chicken safely and evenly.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately season chicken with salt and pepper.
  • Wooden spoon: Great for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients smoothly.
  • Cutting board: For preparing ingredients and resting chicken.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for chopping garlic and thyme.
  • Spatula: Useful for stirring and serving the final dish.

How to Make That Creamy Spinach Chicken Skillet

  • Chicken Prep

Get chicken pieces ready by seasoning with salt and pepper, then lightly coat with flour for a crispy exterior.

  • Golden Sear

Warm olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken until each side develops a beautiful golden-brown color, creating a delicious crust.

  • Creamy Magic

Lower heat and introduce rich cream and minced garlic to the pan, creating a luxurious base for the sauce.

  • Cheese Bliss

Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, stirring gently until it melts completely and transforms the sauce into a velvety dream.

  • Spinach Embrace

Toss fresh spinach leaves into the skillet, letting them soften and mingle with the creamy sauce until they become tender and vibrant.

  • Final Touch

Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, coating it with the luscious spinach cream sauce, and finish with a delicate sprinkle of fresh thyme for an aromatic garnish.

Flavor Tips for Creamy Chicken with Greens

  • Swap chicken breasts for thighs or tenderloins for a different texture and flavor profile, ensuring even cooking by pounding meat to uniform thickness.
  • Incorporate additional vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers to increase nutrient density and create more complex flavor layers.
  • Control sauce thickness by adding more cream for a richer texture or reducing liquid to create a more concentrated, intense sauce.
  • Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or cornstarch when dredging chicken to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising crispy exterior.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or rosemary instead of thyme to transform the dish's aromatic profile and complement different flavor preferences.

Elegant Serving Ideas for Spinach Chicken

  • Plate Over Pasta: Serve this creamy spinach chicken atop a bed of al dente linguine or fettuccine for a hearty and satisfying meal that captures all the delicious sauce.
  • Pair with Fresh Salad: Create a light side of mixed greens with a zesty vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy chicken and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Rustic Bread Companion: Slice some crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the incredible sauce, turning each bite into a flavor-packed experience.
  • Veggie Side Highlight: Roast some colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus to complement the chicken and add extra nutritional value to your plate.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips for Creamy Chicken

  • Refrigerate Carefully: Store your creamy spinach chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate the chicken from the sauce to maintain its crispy texture and prevent soggy edges.
  • Freeze for Later: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. The dish stays delicious for 2-3 months when frozen. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat with Precision: Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the meat tender and prevent drying. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce and maintain its creamy consistency.
  • Smart Prep Strategies: Make the entire recipe ahead of time and store components separately. Keep cooked chicken, sauce, and spinach in different containers. This allows quick assembly when you're ready to enjoy a fast, delicious meal.
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Velvety Spinach Chicken Recipe

Velvety Spinach Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Homemade creamy spinach chicken promises a luxurious dinner experience with rich, comforting flavors. Succulent chicken breasts nestled in a silky sauce deliver a hearty meal that satisfies completely.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 grams) chicken breasts, skinless boneless
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 1.5 cups (360 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 3 tbsps fresh thyme
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Seasoning Preparation: Lavishly coat chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a delicate flour dusting, ensuring complete coverage.
  2. Searing Technique: Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet until surface ripples, then expertly sear chicken to achieve a golden, crisp exterior, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
  3. Aromatic Foundation: Reduce heat and introduce minced garlic, releasing its fragrant essence without scorching, then deglaze the pan with heavy cream, capturing the caramelized chicken essence.
  4. Sauce Development: Whisk Parmesan cheese into the cream, creating a silky, luxurious sauce, then gently fold in baby spinach leaves, allowing them to soften and meld with the creamy mixture.
  5. Final Integration: Return seared chicken to the skillet, submerging each piece in the verdant spinach cream sauce, ensuring thorough heating and complete flavor absorption.
  6. Presentation: Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and serve immediately, showcasing the dish’s rustic elegance and vibrant, creamy texture directly from the skillet.

Notes

  • Flour Coating Technique: Lightly dust chicken with flour to create a delicate, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.
  • Pan Temperature Control: Maintain medium-high heat for perfect searing, creating a caramelized exterior while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside.
  • Sauce Building Trick: Use browned bits from chicken to elevate the cream sauce’s depth, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, restaurant-quality flavor profile.
  • Spinach Wilting Secret: Add spinach just before serving to preserve its vibrant color, nutrients, and prevent overcooking, ensuring a fresh and crisp texture in the final dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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