If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and restaurant-quality meal you can prepare at home in under 30 minutes, this Creamy Garlic Spinach Chicken is the perfect recipe. It features juicy seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich garlic cream sauce with fresh spinach, then finished under the broiler with melted cheese. This dish is not only easy to make but also looks stunning on the plate, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
In this step-by-step recipe, you’ll learn how to create a creamy chicken dish that is full of flavor, incredibly tender, and guaranteed to impress anyone who tries it.
Let’s get started.
Why You Will Love This Creamy Garlic Spinach Chicken
There are countless chicken recipes online, but this one stands out for many reasons:
Rich and creamy sauce: Made with garlic, butter, and cream for a silky texture.
Balanced flavors: The combination of parmesan cheese, spinach, and herbs creates a deep, savory taste.
Fast and practical: Ready in about 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
Restaurant-style finish: The melted, golden cheese on top adds elegance and flavor.
Perfect for low-carb or keto diets: High in protein and healthy fats.
Great with many sides: Rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or even roasted vegetables.
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Spinach Chicken
Here is everything you will need to prepare this delicious dish:
For the Chicken
2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
For the Creamy Spinach Sauce
3 cups fresh spinach
3–4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Topping (Optional but Recommended)
½ cup shredded mozzarella or gouda
Fresh chopped parsley or chives
How to Make Creamy Garlic Spinach Chicken
Follow these steps to achieve a perfect result every time:
- Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Dry chicken helps create a nice sear. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. This simple seasoning adds color and enhances the flavor.
- Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Make the Garlic Spinach Base
In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook until wilted. This step adds freshness and balances the richness of the sauce.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well to combine. Add the parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the chicken breasts to the pan and spoon some of the sauce over them. Cover and let simmer for 6–8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Add the Cheese Topping (Optional)
For a beautiful restaurant-style finish, top each chicken breast with shredded mozzarella or gouda. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until the cheese becomes golden, bubbly, and slightly crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives, then serve hot with your favorite side dish.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Garlic Spinach Chicken
This recipe pairs wonderfully with many sides, depending on what you enjoy:
Carbohydrate Options
Creamy mashed potatoes
Steamed rice
Buttered pasta
Garlic bread
Low-carb/Keto Options
Cauliflower mash
Zucchini noodles
Roasted asparagus
Broccoli florets
Elegant Dinner Options
Herb-roasted baby potatoes
Lemon-parmesan risotto
Grilled vegetables
Helpful Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Spinach Chicken
To elevate your dish even more, here are some pro tips:
Don’t skip the searing: Searing locks in moisture and adds a flavorful crust.
Use freshly grated parmesan: It melts better and gives a smoother sauce.
Avoid high heat when adding cream: This prevents curdling.
Let the sauce thicken naturally: Simmer gently until it reaches a creamy consistency.
Use an oven-safe pan: Makes broiling easy and fast.
Storage and Reheating
You can easily store this dish for later:
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (without the cheese topping).
Reheating: Warm on low heat in a pan, adding a splash of cream if needed