If there’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, it’s this Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach. A combination of tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and fresh spinach enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce that will have you licking the skillet clean—it’s a weeknight meal you’ll love making again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish is ready in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weekdays.
- Flavor Explosion: The garlic and white wine create a sauce that’s full of depth and contrast.
- Nutritious Spinach: Adding greens not only boosts the color but also gives you a dose of vitamins and minerals.
- Versatile Pairing: Goes well with a variety of sides like pasta, rice, or even zoodles!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward creating this scrumptious Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach. Every component, from the golden-brown chicken to the vibrant spinach, plays a key role in delivering a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Chicken cutlets: Opt for thin slices for even cooking and to ensure they soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly grated garlic is the star in infusing that unmistakable aroma and flavor.
- Dry white wine: A nice Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio works well, lending acidity that enhances the creaminess.
- Fresh spinach: Chop it coarsely; it wilts beautifully and adds a pop of color.
- Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, silky sauce that ties everything together.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, bringing out the natural flavors of your dish.
Variations
Flexibility is where this recipe shines. Customize your Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach based on what you have on hand or your dietary needs. Here are a few variations you might consider:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms and bell peppers for a fully vegetarian option.
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lower-fat version that still maintains creaminess.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic to introduce some heat.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken cutlets with half the salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil until shimmering. Add the chicken, cooking until both sides are golden. This should take about 6 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken onto a plate, letting it rest while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, add your grated garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds to release its aroma. Pour in the white wine, allowing it to reduce slightly on medium-high heat. Reduce the heat again to medium and add your spinach, cream, and the remaining salt and pepper. Simmer everything together for about 2 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Once the sauce is nicely combined, return the chicken to the skillet. Turn each piece to coat it fully with your newly made creamy, garlicky goodness. Serve immediately to enjoy it at its best.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach
- Perfect Sear: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a golden, flavorful crust.
- Wine Alternative: If you’re out of white wine, chicken broth works as an excellent substitute without affecting taste quality.
- Garlic Mastery: Keep an eye on your garlic to prevent it from burning; it can turn bitter if overcooked.
- Cream Consistency: Use low heat when you add the cream to prevent it from curdling and achieve a velvety sauce.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach
Garnishes
Add a touch of freshness with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a zest of lemon just before serving. These small additions can make the creamy notes pop while adding color diversity to your plate.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a bowl of steaming white rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or even a simple pasta to beautifully soak up the sauce. For a lighter option, try serving it with quinoa or a mixed green salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, think about slicing the chicken and arranging it fan-like over a pool of sauce, nestled with vibrant greens or sliced cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and a dash of gourmet flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container after allowing them to cool properly. They will last in the refrigerator for up to three days. This method helps keep the dish fresh and the flavors intact.
Freezing
To freeze, place the cooled chicken and spinach mixture into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months. Remember to label and date your container for easy sorting later on.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until steaming hot. To maintain the creaminess of the sauce, avoid spikes in heat which could cause it to separate.
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
There you have it—Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach, a delightful and comforting meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. I encourage you to try this recipe the next time you’re looking to impress while keeping it simple in the kitchen. It’s a surefire way to make your dinner guests feel cherished and satisfied.
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Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy garlic skillet chicken with spinach is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious dish featuring tender chicken cutlets simmered in a rich, garlicky sauce with fresh spinach. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines bold flavors with healthy greens and a luxurious creaminess, ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound chicken cutlets
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper, divided
Cooking Oil & Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 large cloves garlic, grated or minced
Liquids & Greens
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken cutlets evenly with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook, turning once, until browned and cooked through, about 6 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the grated garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pan: Increase the heat to medium-high. Pour in the white wine and cook until it is slightly reduced, about 1 minute.
- Add Spinach and Cream: Return the heat to medium-low. Stir in the chopped spinach, heavy cream, and the remaining salt and pepper. Simmer gently for 2 minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened.
- Combine & Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, turning to coat with the sauce. Heat through briefly, about 1-2 minutes. Serve warm, optionally with pasta or rice to soak up the sauce.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end.
- You can substitute fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added freshness.
- The dish pairs well with whole grain pasta, cauliflower rice, or a mixed green salad.
- Use powdered garlic as a quick substitute, but fresh garlic provides a stronger flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken cutlet with sauce
- Calories: 299 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 337 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 116 mg
