Welcome to a culinary adventure that’s sure to delight your palate with an explosion of flavors, introducing the Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach. This dish perfectly marries the zest of garlic with the smooth richness of cream, all enveloped around tender, succulent chicken cutlets. Simple enough for a weeknight dinner, yet elegant for entertaining — it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your culinary arsenal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into a busy lifestyle.
- Flavor Bomb: The blend of garlic and cream creates a luscious sauce that’s full of taste.
- Healthy Greens: Spinach adds not only vibrant color but also a healthy dose of vitamins.
- Versatile Pairings: Delicious on its own or paired with a variety of sides like pasta, rice, or vegetables.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t fret over the ingredient list! It’s straightforward and filled with items you likely have on hand. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in making this Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach shine, offering a balance of flavors and textures that’ll have you coming back for more.
- Chicken Cutlets: The star of the show, these provide the base for the dish. Aim for thinly sliced for quicker cooking.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is key. It infuses the dish with its aromatic charm.
- Dry White Wine: Adds a subtle depth that enhances the sauce without overpowering.
- Fresh Spinach: Chopped coarsely, it wilts beautifully into the sauce, providing a pop of color and nutrition.
- Heavy Cream: The silky texture it brings to the sauce is incomparable, creating that luscious, creamy finish.
Variations
This Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach is as adaptable as it is delicious. Don’t be afraid to make it your own! Whether it’s based on what you have in the fridge or your dietary preferences, this recipe can be easily tailored to fit your needs.
- Keto-Friendly: Swap out the wine for chicken broth for a keto-friendly version without sacrificing flavor.
- Vegetable Medley: Add or substitute with your favorite vegetables like cherry tomatoes or mushrooms for a colorful twist.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Season your chicken with salt and pepper, then heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken on each side until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 6 minutes. Once done, set aside as you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Create the Garlic Sauce
With all those delicious chicken flavors left in the skillet, add grated garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Increase the heat briefly before pouring in the white wine, letting it reduce slightly to concentrate the flavors. Then, add the spinach and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer until the sauce thickens beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach
- Garlic Enhancement: Grating garlic can release more oils and flavors, enhancing the depth of the sauce.
- Wine Selection: Use a dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, for optimal impact on taste.
- Cream Consistency: Maintain a gentle simmer once the cream is added to prevent the sauce from curdling.
- Season to Taste: Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving to match your preference.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach
Garnishes
For a touch of brightness, consider garnishing with fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onions. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can also add a delightful finish, enhancing both presentation and flavor with its salty hint.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy delight with simple boiled potatoes, fluffy rice, or a crusty bread to mop up the sauce. For a healthier alternative, serve it over a bed of quinoa or alongside roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this meal in individual cast iron skillets for a rustic appearance, or for a more elegant look, plate it on a wide white dish where the vibrant spinach and creamy sauce can take center stage. For an added restaurant-style touch, drizzle a little of the sauce around the plate’s edge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. This will ensure the chicken retains its moisture and flavor for reheating later.
Freezing
If you wish to freeze, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to a month without sacrificing too much of its original taste. To reheat, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it gently on the stove.
Reheating
Gently reheat your leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, heating in one-minute intervals and stirring in between until heated to your satisfaction.
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
So, there you have it — a delightful recipe for Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach that truly has it all! This dish is designed to impress without the stress and satisfy without the fuss. Try it once, and it just might become one of your go-to meals when you’re in need of comfort, flavor, or simply a delicious moment at your dining table.
Print
Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Skillet Chicken Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This creamy garlic skillet chicken with spinach is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken cutlets with a rich, garlicky sauce and fresh spinach. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it offers a balance of protein and greens in a velvety cream sauce, all cooked to perfection in a single skillet for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken cutlets
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
Cooking Sauce and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil <3 large cloves garlic, grated <½ cup dry white wine <2 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach <½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken cutlets evenly with ¼ teaspoon of salt and pepper on both sides. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6 minutes, turning once, until browned and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the grated garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Build the Sauce: Increase the heat to medium-high and pour in the white wine. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced.
- Add Spinach and Cream: Turn the heat back to medium. Add the chopped spinach, heavy cream, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper. Stir well and simmer for 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, turning to coat with the sauce. Heat through for another minute, then serve immediately with your choice of side.
Notes
- Substitute fresh spinach with other greens like kale or arugula for variation.
- Use powdered garlic as a quick substitute, but fresh garlic enhances flavor.
- Serve this dish over pasta, rice, or cauliflower rice to soak up the sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken cutlet with ¼ cup 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
