If you’re searching for a dish that’s both irresistibly comforting and weeknight-friendly, Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach is the answer you’ve been waiting for. Tender, golden chicken breasts soak up a homemade garlic-Parmesan sauce while heaps of fresh baby spinach add color and a burst of goodness. Everything comes together in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. This recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen—packed with flavor, fast to make, and unbelievably luscious every single time.

Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach is in its simplicity—the ingredients are easy to find and each plays a starring role. From the juicy chicken to the fragrant garlic and nutty Parmesan, every component delivers on taste and texture for a richly satisfying meal.

Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless breasts for quick cooking and delicious tenderness.
Olive oil: A splash of olive oil helps brown the chicken for that crave-worthy golden crust.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic richness; don’t skimp!
Chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture, helping lift all those tasty browned bits from the skillet.
Heavy cream: The secret to a rich, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken and spinach.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce for bite and savory complexity.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs pulls the whole dish together, giving it signature warmth.
Salt and pepper: Essential for perfectly seasoned chicken and a balanced sauce.
Fresh baby spinach: Brings vibrant color and tons of nutrients while wilting tenderly into the sauce.
Butter (optional): Swirl in a pat of butter at the end for extra silkiness and restaurant-worthy shine.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the pan warms up, season both sides of your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil is shimmering, lay the chicken breasts in the pan. Sear them for about 5–7 minutes on each side, letting them turn golden and irresistible. When the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pan and set aside—don’t worry, it’ll return to soak up all the flavors!

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

With the chicken set aside, reduce the heat to medium and sprinkle the minced garlic into the same skillet. Stir it around for about 30 seconds; you’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells amazing, just before the garlic starts to brown. This short cook draws out the fragrant oils, infusing every drop of sauce that follows.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, using your spoon or spatula to scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet—this is pure magic for depth. Next, whisk in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring as it thickens into a rich, creamy sauce. Let this bubble away for 3–4 minutes until it just begins to coat your spoon.

Step 4: Add Spinach

Now’s the time for fresh baby spinach! Toss it right into the hot skillet and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring until those vibrant green leaves wilt down into the sauce. The spinach adds both heartiness and a pop of color to this Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach, making every bite feel fresh.

Step 5: Return Chicken and Finish

Nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning heaps of sauce and spinach over the top. Let everything bubble together for 2–3 more minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken is juicy all the way through. For an extra touch of richness, swirl in a tablespoon of butter just before serving. Your kitchen will smell incredible!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach

Garnishes

Freshly grated Parmesan sprinkled just before serving makes the sauce extra luxurious and adds enticing texture. A few cracks of black pepper and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, can also take the presentation of your Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach over the top.

Side Dishes

This creamy skillet chicken begs for something to soak up all that dreamy sauce! Serve it over buttery mashed potatoes, delicate pasta, or fluffy rice—each transforms the dish into a hearty meal. For a lighter touch, steamed veggies or a crisp green salad are perfect companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this dish into a dinner party centerpiece by slicing the chicken and fanning it over a bed of creamy risotto, or serve the chicken atop toasted crusty bread for an unforgettable open-faced sandwich. For a cozy family meal, ladle the chicken and spinach sauce into shallow bowls with crusty bread tucked alongside for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool down before transferring them to an airtight container. Your Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together, so second-day servings can be even more delicious!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze portions for later, let the chicken and sauce cool completely. Portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. The sauce may separate a bit upon thawing, but a gentle stir while reheating will bring that creamy texture back together.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the silky sauce. Microwave reheating works in a pinch—just go low and slow, stirring in between to keep everything velvety and moist.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully for this recipe and bring extra juiciness. Adjust the cooking time as needed—thighs may need another 2–3 minutes to cook through.

Is it possible to make Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach dairy-free?

You can try a dairy-free version by swapping the heavy cream for canned coconut milk and using your favorite non-dairy Parmesan-style cheese. While the flavor profile will change, the dish remains luscious and satisfying.

What’s the best way to prep this recipe ahead of time?

For an even quicker dinner, you can brown the chicken up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When it’s time to eat, just prepare the sauce, then return the pre-cooked chicken to the skillet to heat through in the creamy spinach mixture.

Can I add extra vegetables to the dish?

Of course! Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers are all delicious stirred into the sauce with the spinach. Just be careful not to overcrowd the skillet to ensure the sauce stays rich and creamy.

What’s the best way to keep the sauce from curdling?

Simmer the sauce gently after adding the cream and cheese—don’t let it come to a full boil. Stirring often and adding the cheese gradually helps create a smooth, luxurious sauce every time you make Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach brings pure joy to the dinner table—classic flavors, luxurious texture, and minimal effort. I can’t wait for you to experience just how easy and delicious it is to bring a bit of comfort into your weeknights. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!

Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach is a delicious one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are cooked to perfection in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with fresh spinach for a wholesome and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce:

3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Additional:

3 cups fresh baby spinach
1 tablespoon butter (optional for extra richness)

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Instructions

Prepare Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook each side for 5–7 minutes until golden brown.
Make Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, add chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan, and seasoning. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Add Spinach: Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
Combine: Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over, and simmer for a few more minutes.