When it comes to a quick, delicious, and satisfying dinner, Chicken with Creamed Spinach is a perfect choice. This recipe pairs tender, golden-brown chicken breasts with a rich and creamy spinach sauce. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal for your family or cooking for special guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress with its simple ingredients and comforting flavors.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the ingredients, the cooking process, and helpful tips to make sure you can recreate this tasty meal in your own kitchen. Plus, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions to ensure you get the best possible result.
Ingredients with Quantity
To make Chicken with Creamed Spinach, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The chicken breasts are the base of this dish, providing lean protein and tenderness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – This is used to cook the chicken breasts and add a bit of flavor. You can also use other oils, such as avocado oil, if preferred.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – A staple seasoning that adds a subtle depth of flavor to the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – This adds a gentle smokiness to the chicken.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential seasonings to bring out the best in all the ingredients.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Used to sauté the garlic and create the creamy base for the spinach.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds a burst of aromatic flavor to the sauce.
- 4 cups fresh spinach – This will shrink down as it cooks and create the base of the creamed spinach.
- 1 cup heavy cream – The creamy, rich base of the sauce that gives it a luscious texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds saltiness and umami flavor to the cream sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A mixture of dried herbs, including basil, oregano, and thyme, that will complement the spinach and chicken.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional) – A pinch of nutmeg brings warmth to the cream sauce, enhancing its richness.
Directions and Preparation Method
This dish may seem like a lot of work, but it’s easy to prepare with just a few simple steps. Below, we’ve broken down the preparation into manageable chunks.
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides. The seasoning will enhance the chicken’s flavor, giving it a subtle smokiness from the paprika and a savory base from the garlic powder.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. The chicken should have an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. It’s important to keep the juices in the skillet as they will help create the flavor for the creamed spinach.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Garlic can burn quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on it to avoid bitterness. The garlic will infuse the butter with a rich, aromatic flavor that forms the base of the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted down. Fresh spinach shrinks significantly as it cooks, so it may seem like a lot of spinach at first, but it will reduce by quite a bit.
Step 5: Make the Cream Sauce
Once the spinach is wilted, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and nutmeg (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly. You’ll notice the creamy sauce beginning to form around the spinach.
Step 6: Combine the Chicken with the Creamed Spinach
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, placing them on top of the creamed spinach. Spoon the sauce over the chicken breasts to coat them with the creamy spinach mixture. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and the chicken is fully coated with the creamed spinach.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is cooked and heated through, serve the Chicken with Creamed Spinach immediately. You can pair it with rice, pasta, or a side salad for a complete meal. The creamy spinach pairs wonderfully with simple sides, and the chicken adds protein to the dish.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach if fresh spinach is unavailable. Just be sure to thaw and drain the frozen spinach thoroughly before adding it to the skillet. Frozen spinach contains more moisture than fresh spinach, so draining it well will prevent the cream sauce from becoming too watery.
Q2: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or almond milk. For the Parmesan cheese, you can use a plant-based Parmesan alternative or omit it altogether. Make sure to also use dairy-free butter.
Q3: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful but may require slightly more cooking time. Be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure they are fully cooked.
Q4: Can I make the creamed spinach ahead of time?
While the creamed spinach is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance. Simply cook the spinach and sauce as directed, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce, and then return the cooked chicken to the skillet to warm everything together.
Q5: What can I serve with Chicken with Creamed Spinach?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some great options:
- Rice (white, brown, or wild rice)
- Pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work well)
- Mashed potatoes for a comforting, hearty side
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette
Conclusion
Chicken with Creamed Spinach is an indulgent, yet easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The tender chicken combined with the rich, creamy spinach sauce offers a comforting meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. By following the step-by-step instructions, you can create a dish that’s both delicious and visually stunning.
Whether you serve it with pasta, rice, or a side salad, this dish is a great way to enjoy the flavors of both protein and vegetables in one meal. And with the flexibility to substitute ingredients or make the dish ahead of time, this recipe can easily be adapted to your needs. So, grab your ingredients, head to the kitchen, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this creamy, flavorful dish!