Get ready to fall head over heels with this delightful dish! Our Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach is a one-pan wonder that combines tender chicken cutlets, a luscious garlic cream sauce, and fresh spinach for a meal that’s both quick and irresistibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Magic: Enjoy fewer dishes to wash, making cleanup a breeze!
- Rich and Creamy: The garlic-infused cream sauce is simply indulgent without being overpowering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Each component plays a crucial role, adding to the layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal of the final dish.
- Chicken Cutlets: Ensure tenderness by choosing high-quality, thinly sliced chicken cutlets.
- Garlic: Freshly grated garlic is key for a robust and aromatic sauce.
- Dry White Wine: It adds a sophisticated touch and helps deglaze bits in the pan.
- Fresh Spinach: Adds a pop of color and healthy greens to the dish.
- Heavy Cream: Provides the creamy base for that luxurious sauce.
Variations
Flexibility is key with this dish. Don’t hesitate to adapt the Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach to cater to your dietary needs or taste preferences. It’s incredibly adaptable!
- Vegetable Twist: Swap spinach for kale or arugula to switch up the flavor and texture.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or a plant-based cream for a lactose-free alternative.
- Herb Addition: Toss in fresh basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach
Step 1: Prep and Cook Chicken
Season your chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat and brown the chicken on both sides. Look for a slight golden crust to ensure it’s cooked through.
Step 2: Create the Sauce
Remove chicken and add garlic to the same skillet. Stir until fragrant, then deglaze with white wine. Add the spinach and cream, letting the mixture simmer until it thickens, enveloping the spinach in creamy goodness.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach
- Perfect Brown: Sear the chicken until golden for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Deglaze Delight: Use the wine to scrape up the flavorful bits left by the chicken for a deeper sauce.
- Sauce Consistency: Let the sauce simmer just until it coats the back of a spoon for optimal creaminess.
- Spinach Freshness: Add spinach just until wilted to retain its nutrients and vibrant color.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach
Garnishes
Topping this dish with shaved parmesan or fresh herbs adds a classy touch and a little extra flavor kick. A squeeze of lemon brightens up the dish and balances the richness.
Side Dishes
This creamy concoction is perfectly complemented by a side of buttery mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of sauce. A fresh side salad balances the richness effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Class it up by serving the chicken on a platter with the sauce poured artistically. Add decorative parsley sprigs for that dinner-party-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your delightful dinner, let the leftovers cool, then store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3 days—deliciousness that’s ready to reheat!
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the chicken and sauce separately. Make sure they’re in airtight freezer bags to avoid ice crystals, and they’ll be good for about a month.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce is too thick. The microwave works in a pinch too—just stir frequently!
FAQs
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Do I have to make this recipe with spinach?
We love this recipe with spinach, but you can get creative with whatever vegetables you like best: broccoli, kale, or bell peppers are just a few of the many excellent options.
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Can I use powdered garlic instead of fresh?
You can substitute 1/4 teaspoon of powdered garlic for every clove, but we suggest fresh garlic for an intensity that makes the sauce delicious.
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What should I serve with Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach?
The creamy dish can be served over pasta, brown rice, cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or whole grains to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s excellent with angel hair pasta too. Make a green salad to round out the meal.
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How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Once everything has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should remain good for approximately 3 days. The best way to reheat it is using the same method it was originally cooked: heat until everything in the skillet or saucepan is warmed through. If you only have a microwave available, like at the office, reheat it in 1-minute intervals.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach promises to be a showstopper at your dinner table. Not only is it easy to prepare, but its flavors are also sure to impress everyone around your table. I can’t wait for you to try it and see for yourself how delightful it is!
PrintCreamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy garlic skillet chicken with spinach is a quick and flavorful meal that combines tender chicken cutlets with a rich, garlicky sauce and fresh spinach. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it comes together in about 20 minutes, offering a satisfying dish packed with protein and nutrients, served best over pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 pound chicken cutlets
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper, divided
Cooking and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 large cloves garlic, grated or minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken cutlets with ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, turning once, until browned and cooked through, approximately 6 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the grated garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze with Wine: Increase the heat to medium-high, then pour in the white wine. Cook and stir until the wine has reduced slightly, about 1 minute.
- Add Spinach and Cream: Reduce heat back to medium and stir in the chopped spinach, heavy cream, and remaining salt and pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and the sauce slightly thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, turn to coat with the sauce, and simmer for another minute. Serve hot, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
Notes
- For a dairy-free alternative, replace heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk thickened with a bit of cornstarch.
- You can substitute fresh spinach with kale or Swiss chard for different greens.
- Serve this dish over pasta, rice, cauliflower rice, or zucchini noodles for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cutlet with about ¼ cup sauce
- Calories: 299
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 337mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 116mg
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