Go Back
+ servings
Overhead view of Creamy Spinach Chicken resting on a neutral gray countertop, garnished with red pepper flakes, black pepper, and parsley.
FL Recipes

Creamy Spinach Chicken: A One-Pan Skillet Masterpiece

Master the art of the perfect one-pan dinner with this Creamy Spinach Chicken. Featuring golden-brown seared chicken breasts heavily smothered in a rich, thick, off-white garlic cream sauce with wilted spinach and melted parmesan.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 large Boneless skinless chicken breasts About 1 lb (450g), pounded to an even thickness.
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil 15ml.
  • 1 tbsp Unsalted butter 15g.
  • 4 cloves Fresh garlic 12g, minced.
  • 1/2 cup Chicken broth 120ml.
  • 1 cup Heavy cream 240ml.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese 50g, freshly grated.
  • 2 cups Fresh baby spinach 60g.
  • 1/2 tsp Freshly cracked black pepper 1g.
  • 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes 0.5g.
  • 1 tbsp Fresh parsley 4g, finely chopped.

Equipment

  • 1 Heavy-bottomed shallow skillet Ceramic or cast-iron preferred for optimal heat retention.
  • 1 Metal Kitchen Tongs For precisely flipping the chicken without tearing the crust.

Method
 

Searing the Chicken
  1. Begin by thoroughly patting your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat, adding the olive oil and butter until the butter begins to foam. Place the chicken in the skillet and do not touch it for at least 5-6 minutes. When the edges look visibly crispy, flip them and cook for another 5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove to a resting plate.
Making the Garlic Cream Sauce
  1. Lower the heat to medium-low and add your minced garlic to the residual pan juices. Stir continuously for 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth, actively scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate the fond.
  2. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and allow the mixture to come to a gentle, bubbling simmer. Let it reduce for 3-4 minutes until it transforms into a thick, off-white garlic cream sauce.
Wilting and Plating
  1. Gradually sprinkle in the freshly grated melted parmesan cheese, whisking constantly until smooth. Immediately fold in the fresh spinach leaves and stir gently for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
  2. Return your rested chicken breasts to the skillet, heavily smothering the lower halves in the sauce. Garnish generously with freshly cracked black pepper, red pepper flakes, and finely chopped fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 580kcalProtein: 45gFat: 42gFiber: 1g

Notes

Always use fresh block parmesan instead of pre-shredded cheese to prevent a clumpy sauce.
Patting the chicken completely dry is the non-negotiable secret to achieving crispy browned edges.
Keyword Creamy Spinach Chicken,garlic cream sauce,Skillet Chicken Recipe

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!
Pin Recipe