Description
This Creamy Spinach Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts seared to a golden brown and smothered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach. Finished with bright fresh thyme, this comforting dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal any time.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breasts (skinless, boneless, sliced horizontally into 4 pieces)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly coarsely ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Creamy Spinach Sauce
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 3 tablespoons fresh thyme
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Slice the 2 chicken breasts horizontally so you have thinner pieces to cook evenly. Season the chicken on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and dredge to coat both sides evenly.
- Sear the chicken: Heat a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes to warm up. Add the olive oil and then place the chicken pieces in the skillet. Cook undisturbed on medium heat for 5 minutes to develop a golden brown crust.
- Finish cooking chicken: Flip the chicken pieces, reduce heat to low-medium, and cook for another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate to rest.
- Make creamy spinach sauce: Using the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and add the minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a boil, scraping the skillet’s bottom with a spatula to loosen flavorful browned bits left from the chicken. Once boiling, add the shredded Parmesan cheese and reduce heat to low-medium. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth, about 2 to 4 minutes.
- Add fresh spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt gently and absorb some of the creamy sauce. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the dish: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy spinach sauce over the center of each piece, leaving the golden brown edges visible for an appealing presentation. Sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves evenly over the chicken and season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.
Notes
- For best results, slice the chicken breasts horizontally to ensure quicker and even cooking.
- Use fresh Parmesan for a richer flavor and better melting in the sauce.
- Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the olive oil to achieve a good sear on the chicken.
- The sauce thickens as it cooks, so stirring continuously when adding the cheese helps create a smooth texture.
- Adjust seasoning at the end after tasting the sauce to balance salt and pepper to your preference.
