If you’re on the lookout for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels both comforting and a little special, this Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chicken cutlets simmered in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce with vibrant fresh spinach, all cooked right in one skillet. It’s a perfect way to bring restaurant-quality flavor to your table in just about 20 minutes, and it never fails to impress with its rich, velvety texture balanced by the brightness of spinach and white wine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of this ingredient list fool you. Each element plays a crucial role, from the savory seasoning on the chicken to the creamy, garlicky sauce that ties it all together. These ingredients make this dish approachable for any home cook without sacrificing any flavor depth.
- 1 pound chicken cutlets: Thin and tender, they cook quickly and soak up the flavors beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon salt, divided: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper, divided: Adds the perfect mild heat and earthiness.
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil: For browning the chicken and a subtle fruity richness.
- 3 large cloves garlic, grated or minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and a touch of warmth.
- ½ cup dry white wine: Adds acidity and complexity, helping to deglaze the skillet and build flavor.
- 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach: Brings a beautiful green pop of color and a healthy, fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
- ½ cup heavy cream: The luxurious base of the sauce that makes every bite irresistibly silky.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken cutlets evenly with a quarter teaspoon each of salt and pepper. This simple seasoning step ensures the chicken itself is flavorful right from the start, setting the foundation for the rest of the dish.
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 for about 3 minutes per side, or until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked all the way through. Don’t rush this step; a good sear locks in juices and creates that lovely texture contrast you want in every bite. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Using the same skillet (hello, flavor!), add the grated garlic. Cook it while stirring constantly for roughly 30 seconds – just until it becomes fragrant. This quick sauté releases those wonderful garlicky notes without turning bitter, which is key for that perfect sauce.
Step 4: Deglaze with Wine
Turn the heat up to medium-high and pour in the dry white wine. Scrape the bottom of the skillet gently with a wooden spoon to lift all those caramelized bits left behind by the chicken – that’s where the magic lives. Let the wine reduce slightly, about a minute, which concentrates the flavor and adds a lovely tangy brightness.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Cream
Lower the heat back to medium and stir in the chopped fresh spinach, heavy cream, and the remaining salt and pepper. Let everything simmer together for about 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens just enough to coat your spoon. This combination is where the Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach Recipe really comes alive, marrying creamy indulgence with vibrant greens.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into that gorgeous sauce. Turn the pieces to coat them evenly and give it another minute on the heat to let all the flavors meld together. At this point, the dish is ready to serve hot, and if you like, a sprinkle of fresh herbs will add that extra layer of freshness and color.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil make a wonderful garnish, not only adding a burst of bright green but also a fresh aroma that complements the rich cream sauce. A little grated Parmesan can also elevate the dish with some savory saltiness and texture.
Side Dishes
This creamy skillet chicken loves good companions. Think fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery pasta, or even a simple cauliflower rice if you’re aiming for something lighter. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables will round out the meal by adding texture and a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, arrange the chicken cutlets neatly on a platter, spoon the creamy spinach sauce over the top, and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts for crunch. Alternatively, serve portions individually plated with a drizzle of extra cream or olive oil for that professional finish that makes your home dinner feel like a special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it chills, so don’t worry about that – it’s easy to loosen it back up when reheating.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Just allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months to maintain the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, adding a splash of water, cream, or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently to warm the chicken through without drying it out. Avoid the microwave if you can, as gentle reheating preserves the creamy texture better.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the sauce to keep the cream from becoming too watery. The flavor won’t change much, and it’s a great handy substitute.
What type of white wine works best for this recipe?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay works perfectly. Avoid sweet wines as they can alter the dish’s intended savory balance.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach Recipe uses naturally gluten-free ingredients. Just double-check your wine and any other packaged ingredients to be sure if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of cutlets?
You can, but chicken cutlets cook faster and more evenly. If using breasts, consider pounding them thinner or slicing horizontally for quicker cooking to avoid drying out.
How can I make this recipe lighter?
Try substituting half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich or thick. Also, using less oil or a non-stick skillet can help reduce fat content.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach Recipe is a keeper — a perfect weeknight dinner that feels elevated yet accessible. The combination of tender chicken, garlicky cream sauce, and fresh spinach never fails to delight, and it’s simple enough to whip up even when time is short. Give it a go, and get ready for plenty of compliments and requests for seconds!
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 Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken cutlets are pan-seared to a golden brown and simmered in a luscious sauce made from garlic, white wine, fresh spinach, and rich heavy cream. The result is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines protein and greens in one skillet, ready in just 20 minutes.
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. Let them rest while preparing the other ingredients.
- 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 3 minutes per side, turning once, until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the grated or minced garlic. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze with Wine: Increase the heat to medium-high and pour in the ½ cup dry white wine. Stir and cook for about 1 minute, allowing the wine to reduce slightly and lift any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add Spinach and Cream: Reduce the heat back to medium. Add the coarsely chopped fresh spinach, the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, the remaining ¼ teaspoon ground pepper, and ½ cup heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer gently for about 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cream slightly thickens.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet, turning them to coat thoroughly with the creamy garlic spinach sauce. Simmer together for an additional minute to allow flavors to meld. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added freshness.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for the best texture and flavor; frozen spinach can make the sauce watery.
- Dry white wine is preferred, but chicken broth can be substituted if avoiding alcohol.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper depending on your preference.
- Serve this dish over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- To make it lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream.
