Creamy Spinach Chicken Recipe

If I could recommend just one dish to try this week, it’d be this creamy spinach chicken recipe. The first time I made it was on a busy Friday night when I had no energy to whip up something complicated. I had some chicken breasts in the fridge, a bag of spinach about to wilt, and a craving for something rich and flavorful. 

The results? Absolutely delicious. It tastes like a dish straight out of a fancy restaurant, but it’s so easy to make at home. Plus, it’s packed with healthy ingredients, so I don’t even feel guilty licking my plate clean. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again.

How Much Time Does This Recipe Take?

One thing I love about this creamy spinach chicken recipe is that it doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. Here’s a quick rundown of the time it takes to make this dish from start to finish:

• Prep time: 10 minutes
  • This includes chopping spinach, preparing the chicken, and organizing the ingredients.
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
  • Most of this is hands-off as the chicken simmers in the creamy sauce.

Total time: 35 minutes

✨ Time-saving tip: While the chicken is cooking, use any downtime to clean up your workspace or prep side dishes like mashed potatoes or a roasted veggie salad.

Tools You Need to Get Started

Having the right kitchen tools matters, especially if you want everything to go smoothly. For this recipe, you’ll need the following essentials:

• Large skillet/frying pan: A non-stick or cast iron skillet is ideal for even cooking.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: For stirring the sauce without scratching the pan.
• Sharp knife and cutting board: Makes chopping the spinach and prepping the meat easier.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy ensures the right balance of creaminess and flavor.
• Tongs: To flip the chicken without tearing the skin or meat.
• Mixing bowl (optional): If marinating the chicken with extra spices.

🛠️ Pro tip: Investing in a good-quality skillet is a game-changer when it comes to cooking creamy recipes like this one. It helps the sauce cook evenly without burning.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a detailed list of ingredients that won’t overwhelm you. Most of these are pantry staples, but I’ve also included alternatives to make this recipe work for everyone.

• Chicken breast (4 pieces): You can also use boneless chicken thighs for more tenderness.
• Fresh spinach (2 cups): Baby spinach works best, but regular spinach is fine if chopped.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): For the creamy base; you can swap with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
• Cream cheese (4 oz): Adds thickness and tangy flavor.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Optional but elevates the richness.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic is best for a strong, aromatic kick.
• Chicken broth (1 cup): This balances the creaminess and enhances the flavor.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): For searing the chicken.
• Paprika (1 tsp): Adds a mild smoky flavor.
• Salt and black pepper to taste.

✨ Ingredient variations: If you prefer a lighter version, replace heavy cream with whole milk or Greek yogurt. You can also throw in sun-dried tomatoes to add a tangy twist.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Spinach Chicken

🥗 Step 1. Sear the Chicken

• Season the chicken breasts generously with paprika, salt, and black pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

🥗 Step 2. Prepare the Creamy Spinach Sauce

• Using the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Lower the heat and pour in the chicken broth. Stir to scrape up the flavorful brown bits.
• Add heavy cream and cream cheese, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.

🥗 Step 3. Wilt the Spinach

• Toss fresh spinach into the creamy mixture.
• Stir gently for 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and blends into the sauce.

🥗 Step 4. Combine Chicken and Sauce

• Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce.
• Flip the chicken once to coat both sides in the creamy goodness.
• Simmer on low heat for 10–12 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

✨ Quick cooking tip: Cover the skillet with a lid while simmering. This helps the chicken cook faster and stay juicy.

What to Serve With Creamy Spinach Chicken?

This creamy spinach chicken is versatile and pairs beautifully with several sides. Here are my top serving suggestions to elevate the dish further.

• Mashed potatoes: The creamy texture complements the sauce perfectly.
• Buttered pasta: Toss linguine or penne with a little olive oil and serve alongside.
• Steamed rice: Absorbs the creamy sauce and makes for a satisfying meal.
• Roasted veggies: Carrots, zucchini, or asparagus add a colorful, healthy touch.
• Crispy garlic bread: Perfect for scraping up every last bit of that delicious sauce.

🌟 Garnish tip: Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or a few shavings of Parmesan cheese over the top before serving!

Tricks for the Best Creamy Spinach Chicken

Want to take this recipe up a notch? Try these fail-proof tips and tricks.

Boost Flavor

• Marinate the chicken with garlic powder and lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for a bolder taste.

Healthy Twists

• Add sautéed mushrooms or diced zucchini for extra vegetables.
• Substitute heavy cream with cashew cream for a vegan-friendly version.

Perfect Sauce Consistency

• If the sauce feels too thick, thin it out with a bit more chicken broth.
• To thicken it further, reduce the sauce on medium heat for a minute or two.

Nutritional Information

Here’s what you’re getting in each serving of creamy spinach chicken (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 370
• Protein: 34g
• Carbs: 6g
• Fat: 23g

🔍 Note: Values may vary depending on ingredient choices and portion sizes.

Storage and Leftover Ideas

Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store and enjoy them later.

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding extra cream or broth if needed.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze in a ziplock bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

🥶 Quick freezer hack: Freeze sauce and chicken separately for better texture when reheating.