There is something absolutely comforting and indulgent about a dish that brings together tender chicken and velvety creamed spinach in one harmonious plate. The Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Recipe is a personal favorite that feels both homey and special, perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress without the fuss. Imagine juicy chicken breasts, perfectly seasoned and cooked to golden perfection, swimming in a luscious spinach cream sauce that adds a rich, creamy texture and vibrant green pop. This recipe balances simple ingredients with bold flavors to create a truly unforgettable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These fresh and straightforward ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and texture that make this dish shine. Each component plays a vital role, from seasoning the chicken to crafting that silky creamed spinach sauce.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides a lean and tender protein base that soaks up the spices and sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve a nice golden crust on the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Offers a wonderful depth and smoothness to the cooking process and sauce.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the chicken with a subtle, savory zing.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Delivers a smoky warmth and beautiful color to the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and builds flavor throughout the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and enhances the overall seasoning.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the creamed spinach with fresh aromatic notes.
- 2 cups baby spinach: Gives the dish its vibrant color and wholesome nutritional boost.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich, creamy base that softens the spinach and ties the sauce together.
- 1/4 cup cream cheese: Adds extra creaminess and tang that enrich the sauce.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty flavor and silky texture to the creamed spinach.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A hint of heat for those who like a little kick.
- Chopped parsley for garnish: A fresh, bright finish that adds color and a pop of herbal freshness.
How to Make Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This spice blend is simple but packs a flavorful punch. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook each side for about 6 to 7 minutes until it develops a gorgeous golden crust and is cooked through. This creates a juicy, flavorful chicken foundation for your dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamed Spinach Sauce
Once the chicken is set aside, use the same skillet to make your sauce—this ensures you capture all those delicious browned bits from the chicken. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the baby spinach and cook until it wilts down, about 2 minutes. You’ll notice the vibrant green color intensifying as the spinach softens.
Step 3: Make It Creamy and Flavorful
Next, stir in the heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce turns silky smooth and rich. If you like a hint of spice, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes now. This creamy sauce clings beautifully to the chicken, turning it into a comforting meal you’ll want to savor.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spooning generous amounts of the creamed spinach sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to warm through. This final touch ensures every bite is luscious and satisfying.
How to Serve Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your dish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley not only adds a beautiful splash of green but also freshens the rich flavors. You could also try a light scatter of extra Parmesan for an extra cheesy touch, or even some toasted pine nuts for crunch and nuttiness.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, helping to soak up every bit of the luscious sauce. For a lower-carb option, try serving it with cauliflower mash or roasted veggies, creating a balanced and colorful plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider plating each chicken breast on a bed of creamed spinach, then drizzling additional sauce around the plate for presentation. You can also cut the chicken into slices to serve tapas-style, perfect for sharing. Whether served family-style or individually, this dish always steals the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen even more after resting, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions, store the chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers to maintain the best texture. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce thickens too much. This keeps the chicken moist and the creamed spinach sauce luxuriously creamy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic option for this recipe because they tend to stay juicier and bring a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or anyone looking for a wholesome, gluten-free meal.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter, cream, and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives like olive oil, coconut cream, and vegan cream cheese. Keep in mind the flavor will differ slightly but still be delightful.
What can I serve with this for a low-carb meal?
Pair the chicken and creamed spinach with cauliflower mash or steamed green beans for a satisfying low-carb dinner that won’t compromise on flavor.
How spicy is this recipe?
The crushed red pepper flakes are optional, so you can control the heat level. Without them, the dish is mild but flavorful; with them, it has a subtle kick that enhances the overall taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason the Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Recipe has earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation: it hits that perfect note of rich, creamy comfort with fresh, savory flavors. It’s easy enough for a weekday dinner yet elegant enough to share with guests. Once you try it, I’m confident it’ll become one of your go-to dishes whenever you crave something warm, satisfying, and downright delicious.
Print
Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach is a rich and flavorful skillet dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection, smothered in a creamy, cheesy spinach sauce. Perfect for a comforting low-carb meal, this recipe combines the savoriness of garlic, paprika, and Parmesan with the freshness of baby spinach for a hearty dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Creamed Spinach Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Garlic and Spinach: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the baby spinach and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted, approximately 2 minutes.
- Make the Creamed Spinach Sauce: Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, cream cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir continually until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. If desired, add crushed red pepper flakes to give the sauce a slight kick.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy spinach sauce over the top. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh and colorful finish. Serve the smothered chicken warm, ideally paired with mashed potatoes, rice, or cauliflower mash for a complete meal.
Notes
- Serve this dish with mashed potatoes, rice, or cauliflower mash to round out the meal.
- For a juicier option, substitute boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or omit for a milder flavor.
