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: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup chicken broth; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Highlighted under: Family Comfort Food Collection

I love making this Creamy Spinach Chicken Skillet for a quick weeknight dinner. It’s packed with flavors that come together in just under 30 minutes. The creamy sauce made with garlic, cream cheese, and spinach melts beautifully over tender chicken breasts. It’s comforting, satisfying, and a great way to sneak in some veggies. Serving it over a bed of rice or pasta takes it up a notch, making it a complete meal that's easy to whip up on busy evenings. I can’t wait for you to try this delightful dish!

Created by

Nola Patterson

Last updated on 2026-02-15T01:08:35.871Z

In our quest for quick and delicious meals, I stumbled upon this creamy spinach chicken dish that truly amazed my family. The combination of tender chicken and vibrant spinach in a velvety garlic sauce won everyone over. I added a touch of cream cheese to the sauce to achieve a rich texture which I find elevates the dish significantly.

For the perfect balance of flavors, I recommend seasoning the chicken well before browning it, allowing that base flavor to shine through. This dish is not only easy to make, but it also looks stunning on the plate, making it ideal for both family dinners and entertaining guests!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with tender chicken
Quick and easy preparation for busy weeknights
A healthy dose of spinach packed with nutrients and flavor

Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken

To ensure your chicken breasts are cooked to perfection, it’s essential to let them come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook evenly. When seasoning, don’t skimp on salt and pepper; they enhance the flavors of the chicken and the creamy sauce. As the chicken cooks, look for a nice golden-brown sear, which should take about 6-7 minutes per side over medium heat. If you find that your chicken is browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly to avoid burning.

If you’re short on time, you can pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking. This not only speeds up the cooking process but also ensures that the chicken remains juicy. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to about ¾ inch thick. Also, depending on your preference, you can substitute chicken breasts with thighs. They may take a minute longer to cook but add a richer flavor to the dish.

Developing the Creamy Sauce

The sauce is the heart of this recipe, and getting it right is key. Start by sautéing garlic until it’s fragrant—not browned—since burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste. Once you add the cream and cream cheese, keep the heat low to allow the ingredients to meld. Stir continuously until the mixture is glossy and smooth; this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. If your sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a splash more chicken broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency.

To add depth to the sauce, consider incorporating grated parmesan cheese just before adding the spinach. This adds a savory element and a subtle nuttiness. If you prefer a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish beautifully without overwhelming it. Remember to adjust seasonings at the end. A dash of fresh lemon juice can also brighten the flavors, especially if you’re using frozen spinach rather than fresh.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Creamy Spinach Chicken Skillet pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For an easy option, serve it over steamed rice or pasta, allowing the creamy sauce to soak in for extra flavor. Alternatively, for a lower-carb version, consider zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a nutritious twist. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.

If you're looking to make a vegetarian version, swap the chicken with chickpeas or white beans, while keeping the same preparation method. You can also add other vegetables such as bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition. Simply sauté them alongside the garlic before adding the cream mixture. For meal prep, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze portions for a quick reheat on busy nights.

Ingredients

Chicken and Spinach

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low, and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the heavy cream and cream cheese, stirring until smooth. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.

Add Spinach

Stir in the chopped spinach and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Pro Tips

Pair this dish with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a bit of added zest, a squeeze of lemon juice over the top before serving brightens the flavors beautifully.

Make-Ahead Ideas

For those busy evenings, you can prep this dish ahead of time. Season and marinate the chicken breasts a few hours or even the day before to ensure deeper flavors. Additionally, you can chop the spinach and garlic beforehand. Just keep them stored separately in the fridge until you're ready to cook. This can shave off several minutes of prep time when you're ready to make the dish.

If you choose to make the creamy sauce ahead of time, consider cooling it after cooking and storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on low heat, stirring often, before adding the cooked chicken. This keeps the sauce from breaking or becoming too thick.

Storing and Reheating

To store the Creamy Spinach Chicken, make sure it cools to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If well sealed, it can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, do so gently to avoid curdling the cream. Use low heat on the stovetop or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through.

If you find the sauce has thickened too much while stored, you can add a little extra chicken broth or cream when reheating to restore its creamy texture. Be sure to taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, as flavors may intensify during storage.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your sauce isn’t thickening, try increasing the heat slightly and allowing it to simmer uncovered for a few minutes. This will help evaporate excess liquid and concentrate the flavors. Alternatively, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water to create a slurry and add it to the sauce, stirring until thickened.

Conversely, if your sauce becomes too thick, simply add in a splash of chicken broth or cream while stirring over low heat. If using frozen spinach, ensure to drain excess moisture before adding it to the dish to prevent the sauce from becoming watery. Keeping an eye on your consistency will ensure the final dish has that luxurious creaminess that makes it irresistible.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, frozen spinach works well! Just make sure to drain it well before adding it to the sauce.

→ What can I serve this dish with?

This creamy spinach chicken goes great with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.

→ How can I make it healthier?

You can substitute half of the cream with Greek yogurt or use low-fat cream cheese to reduce calories.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead. Just combine and heat before serving.