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If dinner time has you juggling ingredients, pans, and picky toddlers, this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Skillet is your saving grace. Juicy chicken simmered in a luxurious garlic-infused cream sauce with fresh spinach—it’s velvety, nourishing, and comes together in just one pan and under 30 minutes. This recipe is perfect for families looking for a quick, tasty, and low-cleanup meal that even the pickiest eaters will devour.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
One-pan convenience: Only one skillet, minimal cleanup.
Fast and flavorful: Ready in under 30 minutes, yet rich in taste.
Balanced meal: Protein from chicken and greens from spinach in every bite.
Kid- and family-approved: Smooth, creamy, and mild with room to customize.
Versatile & forgiving: Swap dairy, skip mushrooms, or add extras—see below!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
1 to 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil or butter (or a mix)
1 small onion, finely chopped
3–4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 cup heavy cream, half-and-half, or coconut milk for dairy-free
½ cup grated Parmesan or dairy-free cheese alternative
4 cups fresh spinach or baby spinach leaves
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for gentle heat)
Optional Flavor Enhancers
Sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers
Mushrooms, sliced
Italian seasoning or dried herbs (thyme, oregano)
Lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
Equipment & Prep Tips
Skillet or large pan (10–12 inches recommended)
Knife and cutting board, for chicken and aromatics
Measuring spoons/cups for accuracy
Prep ahead by washing spinach, chopping garlic, and slicing chicken—this speeds things right up!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sear the Chicken
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Reduce heat to medium. Add a touch more oil if needed, then the onions. Cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic (and red pepper flakes, if using) and cook just 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Cheese & Spinach Finish
Stir in Parmesan until melted—this enhances the creaminess. Add fresh spinach, pushing it into the sauce until wilted (1–2 minutes).
5. Combine & Serve
Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Let it rewarm in the sauce for a minute. Serve hot, garnished with sun-dried tomatoes, lemon zest, or fresh herbs like parsley.
Flavor Variations
With mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms after onions for earthy depth.
Sun-dried tomato cream: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for tang.
Dairy-free option: Use coconut milk or unsweetened plant-based cream plus nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Lightened-up: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, skip cheese, or stir a dollop of Greek yogurt at the end.
Meal Prep & Storage
Make-ahead tip: Cook the chicken and sauce separately, then store components in the fridge up to 2 days. Reheat and add fresh spinach.
Freezing: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Reheating: Warm gently on low heat; add a splash of broth if sauce thickens too much.
Nutrition Highlights (Approximate per serving, serves 4)
Calories: 450–500 kcal
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Carbs: 5–7g
Fiber: 2–3g
A rich source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins, especially from spinach—this dish offers nourishment and satiety on a busy night.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs stay juicier and work wonderfully—adjust cook time slightly if thick, but no need to change much else.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Half-and-half or even milk with a teaspoon of flour will work, though the sauce will be lighter—still delicious.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Just remember that spinach might darken in freezer storage—fresh garnish brightens it back up.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes—thaw and squeeze dry before adding to avoid too much water in the sauce.
How do I make it kid-friendly?
Skip the red pepper flakes and stick to basic seasoning—the mild garlic, creamy texture, and chicken are usually a hit with kids.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with garlic bread, crusty bread, or over cooked pasta, rice, or cauliflower rice.
Add a side of roasted broccoli, green beans, or a simple salad to round out the meal.
Garnish with lemon wedges or extra herbs for freshness and brightness.
For the Home Cook
This skillet is a lifesaver—flexible on ingredients, forgiving in technique, and utterly comforting. It belongs in every busy-cooker’s playbook as a building block—you can riff on flavors, dairy options, or greens and adapt it to whatever you have on hand. Once you’ve mastered this, variations like creamy Tuscan chicken or spinach-artichoke versions are a blink of an eye away.
Final Thoughts
The Creamy Chicken and Spinach Skillet is proof that dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be beloved. With simple ingredients, one pan, and under 30 minutes, you’re delivering comfort, nutrition, and ease—all wrapped in a creamy, dreamy sauce. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or when you need a little picker-friendly dinner miracle.
