There is something irresistibly comforting about the Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach Recipe that makes it an instant favorite for busy weeknights and casual dinners alike. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken cutlets with a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, brightened by the fresh green spinach. It is unbelievably simple yet packed with flavors that feel indulgent without any fuss. The magic lies in how the sauce clings to every bite of chicken, creating a perfect harmony of richness and freshness that beckons you to finish every last morsel on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward and fresh ingredients is the secret to making this dish shine. Each component plays a key role to build depth, keep the texture lively, and add vibrant color to the skillet. With just a handful of items, you are well on your way to comfort food bliss.
- 1 pound chicken cutlets: These cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully, giving you tender chicken every time.
- ½ teaspoon salt, divided: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and the creamy sauce.
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper, divided: Adds just the right kick without overpowering the dish.
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil: For a perfectly golden, crispy sear on the chicken with a fruit-forward aroma.
- 3 large cloves garlic, grated or minced: The star flavor that gives the sauce its irresistible depth and warmth.
- ½ cup dry white wine: Deglazes the pan and adds acidity that balances the creaminess beautifully.
- 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach: Adds a burst of green color and mild earthiness for freshness.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Creates the rich, velvety sauce that coats every bite in indulgent goodness.
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. This simple step is crucial as it layers in flavor right from the beginning, ensuring that each cutlet is seasoned inside and out before hitting the hot skillet.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken cutlets and cook them for about 3 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The olive oil helps create a delightful crust, locking in the juiciness of the chicken. Once done, transfer the cutlets to a plate and set them aside; they’ll come back to the party soon.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add the grated garlic and continuously stir for about 30 seconds. You’ll instantly smell the beautiful aroma that garlic releases, adding an intoxicating layer of flavor to the dish. Be careful not to let it burn, or the taste will turn bitter.
Step 4: Deglaze with Wine
Turn up the heat to medium-high and pour in the dry white wine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits lingering on the bottom of the pan; those bits are pure flavor gold. Let the wine reduce slightly for about a minute, which intensifies its taste and melds everything together.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Cream
Lower the heat back to medium and stir in the fresh spinach, heavy cream, and the remaining salt and pepper. As the spinach wilts, it softens and blends perfectly into the creamy sauce. Let it simmer gently for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens just enough to coat your spoon beautifully.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, turning the pieces to generously coat them in the luxurious sauce. Let everything mingle for a final minute on the heat so the flavors marry fully. Serve the chicken hot and feel free to add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top for an aromatic finish.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a lovely pop of color and a hint of freshness or heat. A little grated Parmesan also works wonders to complement the creamy garlic sauce and make every bite even more indulgent.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice to soak up all the sauce, garlic mashed potatoes for extra comfort, or even a crusty bread to mop up every bit of that creamy goodness. Roasted vegetables or a crisp side salad make for a balanced, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special presentation, serve the chicken atop a bed of buttery polenta or creamy risotto. You can also plate it with a swirl of the sauce artistically spooned around the chicken for a restaurant-quality look that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover creamy garlic skillet chicken with spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the dish cool completely before sealing to keep the texture and flavors intact.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in a suitable container for up to 1 month. Keep in mind that the texture of the spinach may become a little softer after freezing, but the flavors will still remain delicious. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to bring back its silky texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, to keep the chicken tender and the sauce creamy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of cutlets?
Absolutely! Just slice the breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets or pound them evenly so they cook quickly and stay tender.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the white wine?
You can use chicken broth with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white grape juice to mimic the acidity and sweetness without adding alcohol.
Can I use frozen spinach?
While fresh spinach is best for texture and flavor, you can substitute frozen spinach—just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding.
What can I add if I want some heat in the dish?
A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic or a dash of hot sauce right before serving bring a lovely warm kick to this creamy dish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic option for preparing lunches or dinners in advance when you want something hearty and quick.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach Recipe enough if you’re craving a cozy, flavorful meal that feels like a hug on a plate. The thoughtful balance of garlic, wine, fresh spinach, and creamy sauce over tender chicken cutlets makes every bite pure joy. Try it out tonight—you’ll see why it quickly becomes one of those dishes you want to make again and again!
Print
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
Description
This Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken cutlets are pan-seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a luscious garlic, white wine, and cream sauce with fresh spinach. Ready in just 20 minutes, this skillet meal combines rich and fresh flavors for a comforting yet elegant entrée.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken cutlets
- ½ teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper, divided
Sauce & Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 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 salt and ¼ teaspoon ground pepper. Set aside to allow seasoning to penetrate.
- 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 6 minutes, turning once until they are browned on both sides and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the grated or minced garlic. Cook while stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Deglaze with Wine: Increase the heat to medium-high and pour in ½ cup dry white wine. Stir well and cook until the wine reduces slightly, about 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
- Add Spinach and Cream: Lower the heat back to medium. Stir in 2 cups chopped fresh spinach, ½ cup heavy cream, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, turning it to coat thoroughly with the creamy garlic sauce. Simmer together for an additional minute to meld flavors. Serve the chicken hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for added color and freshness.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy creamer of your choice.
- Use chicken breasts sliced thinly as an alternative to cutlets if needed.
- Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for best flavor in the sauce.
- Serve with crusty bread or over cooked pasta or rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Make sure not to overcook the garlic to avoid a bitter taste; cooking it just until fragrant is ideal.
