If you’re on the hunt for a quick and ultra-satisfying meal, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite: Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach. It’s everything you love about comfort food, combining tender chicken, a rich garlic-infused cream sauce, and vibrant spinach — all coming together in just 20 minutes. It’s like a hug in a skillet, and I promise that everyone will reach out for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy to Prepare: This dish goes from stovetop to table in just 20 minutes!
- Rich in Flavor: The creamy garlic sauce is the definition of decadence, impressing everyone even at first bite.
- Versatility: Loads of ways to adapt with different veggies or proteins to keep things fresh and exciting.
- Nutrient-packed: With fresh spinach and protein-rich chicken, it’s balanced and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Put on your apron, because all you need are a handful of ingredients to create this flavorful masterpiece. Each ingredient plays a starring role, offering their unique taste and texture to the dish’s success story.
- Chicken Cutlets: The heart of the dish, they cook up quickly and soak in all those garlicky flavors.
- Spinach: Adds vibrant color and a boost of nutrients. Feel free to pack in more if you’re a spinach lover!
- Garlic: Use fresh for maximum flavor — your taste buds will thank you.
- Dry White Wine: Enhances the depth of the sauce while giving it a subtle, sophisticated hint of acidity.
- Heavy Cream: The luscious, creamy base that makes this dish sing.
Variations
This recipe is the perfect canvas for all sorts of amazing variations. Whether you want to tweak it for dietary reasons or simply to suit what you have in your fridge, the sky’s the limit!
- Veggie Swap: Substitute spinach with kale or even chopped broccoli for a hearty twist.
- Non-Alcoholic: Replace the wine with chicken broth for a similar depth minus the alcohol.
- Cheesy Goodness: Stir in some Parmesan just before serving for an elevated, cheesy layer of flavor.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach
Step 1: Season & Sear
Start by seasoning your chicken cutlets generously with salt and pepper. Then, in a trusty skillet, heat up the olive oil and get those cutlets browning. You’ll want them golden and cooked through — about 6 minutes should do it. Once they’re done, set them aside and resist sneaking a bite!
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Into the same skillet, toss in the grated garlic. Allow it to sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it’s nice and fragrant. Crank up the heat a notch and pour in the white wine, letting it reduce slightly. Then bring the heat back to medium, tossing in the spinach and cream. Let this mixture simmer gently, letting all those flavors meld beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach
- Chicken Thickness: Pound the chicken to an even thickness for quick and uniform cooking.
- Garlic Watch: Garlic burns rapidly, so keep an eye on its color and aroma to avoid a bitter dish.
- Wine Choice: Pick a wine you would enjoy drinking, as its flavor intensifies in the sauce.
- Cream Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer, allowing some evaporation.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach
Garnishes
This dish can be garnished with freshly grated Parmesan for a wonderfully cheesy element, or a sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
The Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach is begging to be paired with something to absorb every last drop of its silky sauce. Think along the lines of fluffy white rice, crusty bread, or al dente pasta. Each lends a different angle of yum!
Creative Ways to Present
Be playful with presentation by layering the chicken and sauce over a bed of spinach leaves for an impressive look. Sprinkle with chopped nuts for a crunch contrast and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge, where they maintain their divine taste and texture for up to three days. Just ensure they’re completely cooled before sealing them up.
Freezing
For extended enjoyment, freeze any extras in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for optimal texture when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce, stirring occasionally until heated through.
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
The Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach is everything a weeknight dinner should be — quick, delicious, and effortlessly luxurious. I hope you’ll try it soon and discover why it’s become a cherished favorite in my home. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with warmth and laughter!
Print
Creamy 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
Description
This Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken cutlets cooked in a creamy garlic sauce with fresh spinach. Ideal for a nutritious weeknight dinner, it combines savory flavors with a smooth, rich texture, served in a single skillet for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound chicken cutlets
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper, divided
Cooking Fat
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Garlic and Liquids
- 3 large cloves garlic, grated
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
Vegetables
- 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach
Dairy
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken cutlets evenly with ¼ teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of 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 total. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and keep warm.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add grated garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Increase the heat to medium-high. Pour in ½ cup white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow it to cook until slightly reduced, about 1 minute.
- Add Spinach and Cream: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the chopped spinach, heavy cream, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Simmer gently for about 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, turning to coat with the sauce and spinach. Cook for an additional minute until heated through. Serve hot with your preferred side.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute other greens like kale or arugula if you prefer not to use spinach.
- For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce just before serving.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken cutlet with ¼ cup sauce
- Calories: 299 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 337mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 116mg
