Creamy Garlic Spinach Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or herbes de Provence) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Let’s take a closer look at these ingredients. First, chicken breasts are the star of this dish. They are lean and cook quickly. I like using boneless and skinless chicken because it stays juicy and tender. Next, fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. Its mild taste pairs well with garlic. Minced garlic brings a strong, aromatic flavor that makes the dish pop. For the creamy sauce, heavy cream gives a rich texture. Chicken broth adds depth, enhancing the chicken’s taste. Grated Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, making it extra creamy and cheesy. To season, olive oil helps cook the chicken and adds flavor. Dried Italian herbs bring a mix of flavors that tie everything together. Salt and pepper are must-have basics to enhance all the tastes. Finally, fresh parsley brightens the plate and adds a nice touch. With all these ingredients, you can create a creamy and flavorful meal that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to season the chicken breasts. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian herbs on both sides. This gives the chicken great flavor. For even cooking, let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking. Carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. They should be golden brown and cooked through. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant but not burned. Next, pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits. That adds flavor. Let it simmer, then stir in the heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle boil. Now, stir in the chopped spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it wilts. Then, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and becomes creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This melds the flavors beautifully. Serve the chicken with the creamy sauce on top and garnish with fresh parsley for a lovely touch. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach 165°F. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white, not pink. I recommend cooking the chicken at medium-high heat. This helps it brown nicely while staying juicy. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. For a twist, try using different cheeses. Cream cheese or goat cheese can add a nice flavor. You can also use mozzarella for a stretchier texture. Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme for more flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat, while lemon zest brightens the dish. Garnish the dish with fresh parsley for color. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan on top. This looks nice and adds more flavor. Serve the chicken with sides like rice or roasted veggies. A simple salad pairs well, too. It keeps the meal light and fresh. Pro Tips Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps retain the juices, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish. Use Fresh Spinach: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh spinach over frozen. It wilts beautifully and adds a vibrant color to the dish. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the amount of heavy cream and add more chicken broth. This keeps the dish creamy without being overly rich. Garnish for Flavor: Don't skip the fresh parsley garnish! It adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Shrimp or tofu works well here. For shrimp, cook them until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. If you're using tofu, cut it into cubes and sauté until golden brown. This usually takes around 5-7 minutes. Adjust the cooking times to ensure everything is cooked through but not overdone. Feel free to add other leafy greens. Kale or Swiss chard adds great flavor and nutrition. You can also toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for more texture. Just remember to adjust cooking times for these veggies. Sauté them until tender, about 5-6 minutes, before adding the spinach. For a lighter dish, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk. This change still keeps the meal creamy but with fewer calories. If you want to go dairy-free, use almond milk with a thickener like cornstarch. This keeps the sauce rich without the cream. To keep your Creamy Garlic Spinach Chicken fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Let the chicken cool for about 30 minutes before putting it in the fridge. Cover it tightly to avoid any air. This method keeps flavors intact and helps it last longer. When reheating, aim to keep the chicken juicy. Use a skillet over low heat for the best results. Heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. You can add a splash of chicken broth to keep the sauce creamy. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the chicken. To freeze Creamy Garlic Spinach Chicken, place it in a freezer-safe container. Be sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. For thawing, move it to the fridge overnight. This method helps preserve the texture and flavor. You can serve many tasty sides with this dish. Here are some ideas: - Garlic bread to soak up the sauce - Steamed rice for a filling meal - Mashed potatoes for comfort food - A fresh salad for a light side - Roasted vegetables for added flavor These sides will enhance your meal and make it more enjoyable. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Another way is to cut into the chicken. The meat should be white and juices should run clear, not pink. This ensures it's safe to eat. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and sauce, then store them separately. Keep them in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, reheat on low heat until warm. This keeps the chicken juicy and the sauce creamy. You can easily make this dish dairy-free. Instead of heavy cream, use coconut milk or cashew cream. You can skip the cheese or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This way, you can enjoy creamy garlic spinach chicken without dairy. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the chicken and sauce to room temperature first. You can keep it in the fridge for about three days. For longer storage, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container. Just remember to label it with the date. In this post, we explored a delicious recipe for Creamy Garlic Spinach Chicken. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfect cooking. I shared variations for different proteins and offered storage methods for leftovers. This dish is versatile and can easily fit different diets. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and making it your own. Trust your taste, and have fun in the kitchen!$

Creamy Garlic Spinach Chicken

A delicious and creamy chicken dish with garlic and spinach.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
to taste salt and pepper
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs on both sides.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, but not burned.
Add the chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Bring it to a simmer, then stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle boil.
Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic spinach sauce over them. Let them simmer together for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Plate the chicken and pour the creamy sauce generously over each piece. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Notes

Serve with a side of pasta or rice for a complete meal.

Keyword chicken, creamy, garlic, spinach