There’s something undeniably comforting about a rich, creamy garlic chicken dish, especially when paired with tender spinach. This recipe is the perfect combination of creamy indulgence and wholesome flavors, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
Picture this: tender, juicy chicken simmering in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, speckled with vibrant spinach that adds a fresh contrast to every bite. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dish but is surprisingly easy to whip up at home.
Whether you’re serving it over rice, pasta, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that velvety sauce, this creamy garlic chicken is bound to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
- Rich and Flavorful: The creamy garlic sauce is smooth, velvety, and packed with flavor.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax after dinner.
- Versatile: Serve it with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even a low-carb option like cauliflower rice.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser with flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. This simple seasoning blend helps create a flavorful base for the dish.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium, then add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—garlic cooks quickly!
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds extra depth of flavor to the sauce.
Next, add the heavy cream, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine, then let the sauce simmer for about 3–4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Add the Parmesan and Spinach
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce. Then, add the fresh spinach and cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted and fully incorporated.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 3–4 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up all those delicious flavors.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from heat and serve immediately. This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even roasted vegetables.
Helpful Tips
- Pound the Chicken for Even Cooking: If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even thickness before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor compared to pre-minced jarred garlic.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Since the chicken will finish cooking in the sauce, remove it from the pan when it’s just about done to keep it tender.
- Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken.
- Add Extra Veggies: Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers would make great additions.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you prefer a lighter version.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you’d like a thicker sauce, add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and stay extra juicy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may take a few more minutes to cook through.
What can I serve with creamy garlic chicken?
This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even a simple green salad. A crusty piece of bread to soak up the sauce is always a good idea!
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative for a creamy, dairy-free version.
Can I add more spices?
Of course! Feel free to add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or extra Italian seasoning for a more herbaceous flavor.
How do I know when my chicken is cooked through?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen up the sauce.
Freezer: While you can freeze this dish, the creamy sauce may slightly change in texture. If you do freeze it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Related Recipes
If you loved this creamy garlic chicken, try these other delicious recipes:
- Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
- Creamy Chicken with Boursin Sauce – A Comforting and Flavorful Dish
- Creamy Chicken with Boursin Sauce (Garlic and Fine Herbs)
- Delicious Chicken Caesar Wrap
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach is the ultimate comfort food—rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, it’s guaranteed to impress. Plus, with simple ingredients and minimal effort, this dish proves that home-cooked meals can be both effortless and delicious.
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Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach
Description
There’s something undeniably comforting about a rich, creamy garlic chicken dish, especially when paired with tender spinach. This recipe is the perfect combination of creamy indulgence and wholesome flavors, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
Picture this: tender, juicy chicken simmering in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, speckled with vibrant spinach that adds a fresh contrast to every bite. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dish but is surprisingly easy to whip up at home.
Whether you’re serving it over rice, pasta, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that velvety sauce, this creamy garlic chicken is bound to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. This simple seasoning blend helps create a flavorful base for the dish.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Reduce the heat to medium, then add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—garlic cooks quickly!
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds extra depth of flavor to the sauce.
Next, add the heavy cream, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine, then let the sauce simmer for about 3–4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce. Then, add the fresh spinach and cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted and fully incorporated.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 3–4 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up all those delicious flavors.
Remove from heat and serve immediately. This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even roasted vegetables.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you prefer a lighter version.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you’d like a thicker sauce, add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water.
