If you’re craving a dinner that feels both indulgent and wholesome, this Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a wonderful blend of tender chicken cutlets seared to golden perfection, swimming in a dreamy, luxurious cream sauce infused with garlic and brightened by fresh spinach. Not only does it come together quickly, but the flavors meld in such a delightful way that every bite feels like a cozy hug. Whether you need a simple weeknight meal or an impressive dish to share, this recipe hits all the right notes—comforting, flavorful, and just a bit fancy without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each one plays an essential role in creating the rich texture and vibrant taste that makes this dish so special. From the aromatic garlic to the fresh, nutritious spinach, they all come together in harmony.
- Chicken cutlets (1 pound): Tender and quick-cooking, they form the hearty base of the dish.
- Salt (½ teaspoon, divided): Enhances all the flavors subtly; dividing it helps season at different stages.
- Ground pepper (½ teaspoon, divided): Adds just a touch of heat and depth without overpowering.
- Extra-virgin olive oil (1 tablespoon): Provides a rich, fruity hint while helping to expertly brown the chicken.
- Garlic cloves (3 large, grated or minced): The star aromatics that infuse the sauce with savory warmth.
- Dry white wine (½ cup): Adds acidity and complexity while helping deglaze the skillet for that irresistible sauce base.
- Fresh spinach (2 cups, coarsely chopped): Brightens the dish with color, flavor, and a boost of nutrients.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Delivers the luscious, silky texture that brings the sauce together beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken cutlets with a sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step ensures each bite is perfectly seasoned and primes the chicken to develop that golden crust when cooked.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Lay the chicken cutlets in the pan, cooking them evenly on each side until they develop a beautiful brown sear and are cooked through, about 6 minutes total. Once done, transfer them to a plate and set aside—this resting time seals in the juices.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Using the same skillet ensures those fond bits stuck to the bottom become part of your sauce. Add the grated or minced garlic and stir constantly for about 30 seconds just until you can smell that unmistakable, fragrant aroma—this quick step prevents bitterness and elevates the sauce’s depth.
Step 4: Deglaze with Wine
Turn up the heat to medium-high and pour in the dry white wine. Stir and scrape the skillet to loosen every flavorful bit, letting the wine reduce slightly in about a minute. This adds a lovely brightness and subtle acidity to the sauce, balancing the richness of the cream.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Cream
Reduce heat back to medium. Stir in the fresh chopped spinach along with heavy cream, then add the remaining salt and pepper. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 2 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens into a velvety finish that coats the chicken beautifully.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling each piece into the creamy sauce. Turn the chicken to coat well, then let it simmer together for another minute. Serve it hot straight from the skillet for that rustic, comforting feel—it’s irresistible.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
Lightly scattering freshly chopped parsley or chives over the finished dish adds a fresh burst of color and subtle herby notes. A few shavings of Parmesan cheese make it even more decadent, while a twist of lemon zest can brighten the creamy base wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs exceptionally well with simple sides that soak up the luscious sauce. Think fluffy mashed potatoes, garlic buttered noodles, or even a warm crusty bread to mop up every last drop. For a lighter contrast, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the creaminess perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a bit of flair, serve the chicken atop a bed of creamy polenta or roasted root vegetables. Alternatively, plating individual portions with a swirl of the sauce artistically drizzled around creates a restaurant-worthy presentation that will impress guests and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a fantastic meal for next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, though the texture of spinach may change slightly. Cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To avoid separation, reheat gently and stir occasionally.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly over low heat on the stovetop to maintain the cream sauce’s silky consistency. If the sauce is too thick, adding a splash of milk or broth can bring it back to life without diluting the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of cutlets for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just slice the breasts into thinner pieces so they cook evenly and quickly, similar to cutlets. The key is not to overcook them to keep the chicken tender and juicy.
What can I substitute for white wine in the sauce?
If you prefer to skip alcohol, chicken broth or a splash of white grape juice with a little vinegar works well to replicate the acidity and depth white wine provides.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. The flavor will change slightly but still deliciously creamy and comforting.
How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Great question! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers along with the spinach. Just sauté them after the garlic for a few minutes before adding the wine and cream.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger group?
Definitely. Just use a larger skillet or cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and browning. The sauce ingredients can be increased proportionally without issue.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that makes you feel right at home while still impressing your taste buds. The balance of garlicky richness, tender chicken, and fresh spinach is a total winner. Give it a try; I promise it will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen like it is in mine!
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Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken cutlets are cooked to a golden brown, then simmered in a luscious sauce made from garlic, dry white wine, fresh spinach, and rich heavy cream. The recipe yields a comforting, flavorful dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes and serves four.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken cutlets
- ½ teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper, divided
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Sauce
- 3 large cloves garlic, grated or minced
- 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 ¼ teaspoon of ground pepper on both sides. Set aside to allow the seasoning to absorb.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken cutlets and cook for about 3 minutes on each side or until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through, approximately 6 minutes total. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: Using the same skillet, add the grated or minced garlic. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant and starts to soften, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze with Wine: Increase the heat to medium-high and pour in ½ cup of dry white wine to deglaze the skillet. Stir well, scraping the bottom to loosen any browned bits, and cook until the wine reduces slightly, about 1 minute.
- Add Spinach and Cream: Reduce the heat back to medium. Stir in 2 cups of coarsely chopped fresh spinach, ½ cup of heavy cream, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon each of salt and ground pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 2 minutes, or until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet and turn them in the creamy sauce to coat thoroughly. Simmer for an additional minute to meld the flavors. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme if desired.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a light cream alternative.
- You can use fresh baby spinach instead of coarsely chopped regular spinach for a more delicate texture.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, replace the white wine with chicken broth or water with a splash of lemon juice.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- This recipe pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
