If you’re on the hunt for a delicious and satisfying dish, look no further than this Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach. It delivers a burst of flavors with every bite, making it a guaranteed favorite at any dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Creaminess: The combination of heavy cream and garlic creates a rich and luscious sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
- Quick and Simple: This one-skillet meal is ready in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Nutrient-Packed: Fresh spinach adds a burst of color and a boost of vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach. Let’s dive into the essentials!
- Chicken cutlets: These thin slices cook quickly and soak up the garlic cream sauce beautifully.
- Fresh garlic: Brings an aromatic depth that only freshly grated cloves can provide.
- Dry white wine: Adds a touch of acidity and enhances the overall flavor of the sauce.
- Fresh spinach: Packed with nutrients, it slightly wilts into the sauce, adding color and freshness.
- Heavy cream: Provides the creamy texture that makes the dish so indulgent.
Variations
One of the joys of cooking is making a recipe your own, and this Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach is no exception. Feel free to adapt based on what you have on hand or specific dietary needs!
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap out the chicken for tofu or even hearty mushrooms to create a vegetarian version.
- Lemon Zest Addition: Add a touch of lemon zest for a refreshing citrus note that pairs beautifully with the garlic and cream.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Season the chicken cutlets with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chicken, cooking each side until golden brown and fully cooked, roughly 6 minutes. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate.
Step 2: Create the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the grated garlic and stir for about 30 seconds to release the aroma. Turn the heat to medium-high, pour in the white wine, and let it simmer until slightly reduced, about a minute. Lower the heat, then mix in the spinach, cream, and the remaining salt and pepper. Allow the spinach to wilt and the sauce to thicken just slightly, around 2 minutes.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach
- Garlic Intensity: For a more intense garlic flavor, add another clove or two to enhance the robustness of the sauce.
- Wine Selection: Use a good quality dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the dish’s rich flavors.
- Perfect Sear: Ensure your skillet is thoroughly heated before adding the chicken to get a perfect sear and lock in juices.
- Freshness Tip: Always opt for fresh spinach for the best texture and nutrient content in the dish.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach
Garnishes
Sprinkle a dash of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a hint of lemon zest over the dish just before serving to add a final touch of flavor and brightness.
Side Dishes
This delightful recipe pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or a light side of steamed asparagus. You can also serve it over a bed of fluffy couscous or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, arrange the chicken over a spiral of zucchini noodles or plate on a large dish adorned with fresh herbs. Use a white plate to highlight the vibrant colors of the spinach and the creamy garlic sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They should remain delicious for up to three days.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, though fresh is always best. If you choose to freeze, ensure that the chicken is cooled completely before storing in freezer-safe containers. Use within one month for the best flavor retention.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the chicken on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. If using a microwave, heat in one-minute intervals to avoid overcooking the chicken.
FAQs
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Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with turkey cutlets or even shrimp for a seafood twist on this creamy garlic skillet dish.
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Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the wine?
Yes, you can replace the wine with chicken broth or a mixture of water and lemon juice for a similar acidic touch without alcohol.
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How can I make the dish dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. Adjust seasonings as needed.
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What’s a good wine to pair with this dish?
A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with the creamy garlic flavors in this dish, enhancing the dining experience.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that’s easy to prepare and full of satisfying flavors. I hope this dish brings warmth and flavor to your table as it does to mine! Happy cooking!
Print
Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach is an easy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken cutlets in a rich garlic and white wine sauce, complemented by fresh spinach and a splash of heavy cream. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it offers a comforting yet healthy meal with a luscious texture and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken cutlets
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper, divided
Cookware & Oil
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Garlic & Liquids
- 3 large cloves garlic, grated
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
Vegetables & Cream
- 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- **Prepare the chicken:** Sprinkle the chicken cutlets with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 minutes, turning once. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- **Cook the garlic:** In the same skillet, add the grated garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- **Deglaze with wine:** Increase the heat to medium-high. Pour in the white wine and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced, about 1 minute.
- **Add vegetables and cream:** Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped spinach, heavy cream, and remaining salt and pepper. Stir well and simmer for about 2 minutes until spinach is wilted and sauce slightly thickens.
- **Combine chicken with sauce:** Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, turning to coat with the sauce. Let it heat through for 1-2 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute other greens like kale or broccoli if preferred.
- Fresh garlic provides a bolder flavor; powdered garlic can be used as a substitute, but may alter the taste slightly.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles to make it more filling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken cutlet with sauce (about 1/4 cup sauce)
- Calories: 299
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 337mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 116mg
