Creamy Spinach Chicken Skillet

Name: Creamy Spinach Chicken Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Highlighted under: Home Comfort Food Ideas

I absolutely love this Creamy Spinach Chicken Skillet! It has quickly become a go-to meal in our house, combining tender chicken with fresh spinach in a luscious cream sauce. In just 30 minutes, I can whip up a delicious dinner perfect for busy weeknights or even special occasions. This dish pairs well with rice or pasta, allowing the creamy sauce to shine. Trust me, once you give this recipe a try, you'll want to make it part of your regular rotation!

Created by

Sophie Adams

Last updated on 2026-02-10T18:43:35.945Z

When I first experimented with this recipe, I was looking for something that would bring excitement to a typical chicken dinner. I decided to combine fresh spinach with a rich cream sauce, and the results exceeded my expectations. The key to making the sauce perfectly creamy without making it too heavy is balancing the cream with lemon juice, which adds brightness.

What I love most about this dish is how quickly it comes together. After browning the chicken, I simply add the spinach and cream, letting it simmer until everything melds. The result is a velvety, flavorful dish that feels indulgent but is simple to make!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy sauce that brings out the flavors of the spinach and chicken
Quick and easy preparation, ready in just 30 minutes
Versatile meal that pairs beautifully with various sides

The Role of Cream and Cheese

The heavy cream in this recipe is crucial for achieving that velvety sauce that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken. It not only adds richness but also acts as a vehicle for the flavors of the other ingredients. When you stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, it melts beautifully, creating a luscious coating that clings to the chicken and spinach, enhancing the overall flavor profile. For a lighter version, you could substitute a combination of Greek yogurt and low-fat milk, but expect a slightly different texture.

The balance of cream and cheese is vital. If you find the sauce too thick after combining, add a splash of chicken broth or water to achieve your desired consistency. On the other hand, if it becomes too watery, allow it to simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to thicken up. A well-emulsified sauce should leave a glossy finish on your chicken, signaling that it’s ready to serve.

Perfecting Your Chicken

To ensure perfectly cooked chicken breasts, try to pound them to an even thickness of about 1 inch before seasoning. This step prevents uneven cooking, making sure the chicken is both juicy and cooked through. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin wrapped in plastic wrap for this. Watch for a golden-brown crust on the chicken as it cooks, indicating a well-seared exterior that will add depth of flavor to your dish.

If you're in a hurry, you can also use thinly sliced chicken cutlets which will cook more quickly, reducing your overall preparation time. Just remember to adjust the cooking time to about 4-5 minutes per side. Keep an eye on your meat thermometer too; reaching an internal temperature of 165°F ensures safety and succulence.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Spinach Chicken Skillet is incredibly versatile. Feel free to incorporate additional vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. You can also swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard, adjusting the cooking time as necessary to get the greens to your preferred tenderness. Don't hesitate to experiment with herbs like thyme or basil to infuse a different aromatic profile into the sauce.

Serving suggestions abound! While rice and pasta are classics, consider pairing this dish with couscous, quinoa, or even polenta for a delightful twist. If you have leftovers, the dish reheats beautifully in a skillet on medium heat, restoring its creamy texture without separating. Be sure to add a splash of cream or broth during reheating to keep the sauce from drying out.

Ingredients

Before you get started, gather all your ingredients to make the cooking process smoother.

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Make sure to have everything ready to go to streamline the cooking process!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a deliciously creamy dish that's sure to impress.

Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.

Make the Cream Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add spinach and cook until wilted. Pour in heavy cream and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.

Combine and Serve

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce. Serve warm and enjoy!

Your Creamy Spinach Chicken Skillet is now ready to be savored!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider tossing in some sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms into the skillet while cooking the spinach.

Storage Tips

Leftover Creamy Spinach Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When storing, try to separate the sauce from the chicken if possible to maintain the texture. Reheat gently on low heat to prevent the cream from curdling; adding a bit more cream while reheating can help revive the sauce to its original glory.

If you want to freeze this dish, I recommend doing so without the cream sauce, as it may separate upon thawing. Instead, freeze the cooked chicken separately from the vegetables. When ready to enjoy, reheat them together in a skillet, adding fresh cream just before serving for that decadent texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If heavy cream isn’t available, you can try using a combination of whole milk and sour cream for a lighter but still creamy alternative. This will give you a tangy depth in flavor while cutting down on calories. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream or cashew cream can work well, although they will impart their unique flavors into the dish.

Another great substitute is the Parmesan cheese. Nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor without dairy, although the texture won’t be quite the same. Grated Pecorino Romano is also a suitable alternative; it offers a sharper taste that pairs well with the chicken and spinach.

Serving for Special Occasions

This Creamy Spinach Chicken Skillet makes an impressive dish for entertaining. To elevate your meal, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives just before serving. They not only enhance the appearance but also brighten the flavors of the dish. Pairing this with a crisp green salad and a chilled white wine can transform a casual weeknight dinner into a special occasion.

Consider adding a side of garlic bread to complement the creamy sauce, making it perfect for soaking up every bit of flavor. This dish also works wonderfully as a base for a stunning dinner party; simply double or triple the recipe to serve a larger crowd while keeping the cooking time the same beside the chicken cooking in batches.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and drain it well to prevent excess moisture.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or a side salad.

→ Can I make this dish in advance?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and reheat before serving, but it's best enjoyed fresh.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free. Just ensure any additional sides you use are as well.