Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach That Melts in Your Mouth
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I just crave a meal that’s quick, comforting, and full of flavor without being complicated.
That’s exactly how this Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach was born in my kitchen.
I had chicken in the fridge, some fresh spinach sitting around, and I thought—why not make something creamy, garlicky, and soul-satisfying? And wow, it turned out even better than I imagined.
If you love creamy chicken dishes that taste like restaurant-quality but are super easy, this one’s for you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is one of those that looks fancy but is actually so simple. The creamy garlic sauce coats the chicken beautifully, and the spinach adds a fresh, healthy touch. Here’s why I think you’ll enjoy it as much as I do:
- Quick to Make – Done in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- One Pan Only – Fewer dishes, more time to relax.
- Creamy & Flavorful – The garlic cream sauce is rich but not heavy.
- Family-Friendly – Even kids love it (they won’t even notice the spinach).
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy—just simple ingredients that might already be in your kitchen.
- Chicken breasts or thighs – Juicy and tender protein.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves for that deep flavor.
- Spinach – Fresh baby spinach works best.
- Heavy cream – For that silky, creamy sauce.
- Butter & Olive oil – Helps cook the chicken and adds richness.
- Chicken broth – To balance the creaminess with flavor.
- Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, cheesy depth to the sauce.
- Seasonings – Salt, pepper, Italian herbs (or oregano/basil).
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken with salt, pepper, and herbs. Heat olive oil and a little butter in a skillet, then sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides. Don’t rush this step—it gives the chicken that delicious crust.
2. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same pan, add more butter and garlic. Let the garlic cook until fragrant (your kitchen will smell amazing). Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
3. Add Spinach
Throw in the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts into the sauce. It doesn’t take long, just a minute or two.
4. Bring It All Together
Place the chicken back into the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for a few minutes. This helps the chicken soak up all that creamy garlic flavor.
Tips for the Best Flavor
- Pound chicken breasts lightly so they cook evenly.
- Use fresh garlic, not garlic powder, for the best taste.
- If you like extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes.
- Don’t skip the Parmesan—it makes the sauce richer.
What to Serve It With
This creamy chicken goes perfectly with:
- Rice or mashed potatoes (to soak up the sauce).
- Pasta (like fettuccine or penne).
- A warm crusty bread.
- Or even just on its own with a side salad.
Why This Dish Works Every Time
I’ve made this dish multiple times, and each time it comes out creamy, garlicky, and comforting. The reason it always works is because the ingredients are simple and balance each other—rich cream, fresh spinach, juicy chicken, and garlic that ties everything together. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want seconds.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, but make sure to squeeze out the extra water before adding it to the sauce.
Q: What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be a little lighter.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay juicy and taste even richer.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm gently on the stove so the sauce doesn’t separate.
Q: Can I make this low-carb?
Yes! Just skip rice or pasta and serve it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
