Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach Recipe

Ready to fall in love with dinner all over again? This Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach is pure comfort food magic—tender chicken cutlets, a dreamy garlic-infused sauce, and a pop of vibrant spinach come together faster than you can set the table. If you crave meals that are simple, cooked in just one pan, and absolutely bursting with flavor, this will quickly become your new go-to!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One-Pan Wonder: Everything—sauce, protein, and veggies—cooks in a single skillet, making both prep and clean-up a breeze.
  • Incredible Creamy Flavor: The garlic-infused cream sauce transforms simple chicken into a luscious, restaurant-worthy meal.
  • Speedy Weeknight Magic: You’ll have dinner on the table in just 20 minutes, but nobody will ever guess it was so quick and easy.
  • Nutritious & Satisfying: Each bite brings together lean protein and greens in a way that feels both hearty and wholesome.
Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk simple—but oh-so-essential—ingredients! Each component in this recipe plays a big role: the flavors build on each other beautifully, with nothing fussy or hard to find. From the juicy chicken to the creamy, garlicky pan sauce and splash of bright green spinach, every ingredient helps turn a regular weeknight into something deliciously special.

  • Chicken cutlets: Thin-sliced and quick-cooking, so you get golden, juicy chicken in minutes.
  • Salt & ground pepper: These boost every ingredient, inside and out—don’t skimp!
  • Extra-virgin olive oil: Brings flavor and helps brown the chicken perfectly without weighing things down.
  • Fresh garlic cloves: The star of the sauce, giving everything that deep aromatic warmth you crave.
  • Dry white wine: Adds brightness and lifts the flavors of the sauce—don’t worry, most of the alcohol cooks off.
  • Fresh spinach: Just a couple of handfuls wilt quickly and add gorgeous color, freshness, and vitamins.
  • Heavy cream: Creamy indulgence turns the sauce into pure velvet—use the real deal for best flavor and texture.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach is practically begging for you to make it your own! Feel free to customize based on what’s in your fridge, dietary needs, or even a craving for a new twist. The recipe’s flexibility means you’ll never bore your taste buds.

  • Swap the greens: Try chopped kale, arugula, Swiss chard, or even baby broccoli florets in place of the spinach.
  • Dairy-free delight: Coconut cream or a rich, unsweetened plant-based cream alternative will bring lusciousness without the dairy.
  • Make it cheesy: Finish the sauce with a handful of grated Parmesan for an extra layer of savory goodness.
  • Add a pop of heat: Stir in a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you’re in the mood for a little kick.
  • Vegetarian version: Swap the chicken for thick slices of sautéed portobello mushrooms or tofu cutlets and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Generously season your chicken cutlets on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and, once it shimmers, nestle in the chicken. Let each piece cook undisturbed until the undersides are gorgeously golden, then flip and finish cooking until just done—about 6 minutes total. Transfer the finished chicken to a plate (don’t worry, you’ll bring it back into the pan soon!).

Step 2: Build the Garlic Sauce

Add those freshly grated garlic cloves straight into the hot skillet. Stir for about 30 seconds—just until fragrant (be careful not to let it brown). Raise the heat to medium-high, pour in the white wine, and watch the sauce bubble and reduce ever so slightly, grabbing up all those tasty browned bits left in the pan.

Step 3: Wilt the Spinach and Finish the Sauce

Return the heat to medium and stir in your coarsely chopped spinach, heavy cream, and the remaining salt and pepper. The spinach should wilt quickly into the rich cream, transforming the sauce into a silky, green-speckled dream. Simmer gently for 2 minutes to blend the flavors and let the sauce thicken.

Step 4: Coat and Serve

Slide the browned chicken (and any juices) back into the skillet, turning each piece gently to ensure it’s smothered in that luscious creamy garlic sauce. Serve the Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach right from the pan onto your favorite plates—it’s ready to wow in no time.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach

  • Gold Medal Sear: Let your pan preheat well before adding the chicken—that way, you get an irresistible golden crust that locks in all the juices.
  • Fresh Garlic, Big Impact: Grate your garlic instead of chopping it—this releases more oils and ensures every bite of sauce is fragrant and mellow, with no harsh bits.
  • De-glaze Like a Pro: After sautéing the garlic, use the wine to really scrape up all those browned bits—these are flavor gold, so work them into the sauce!
  • Creamy (Not Gloopy!): Simmer the sauce gently so it thickens to a silky consistency; cooking too vigorously can make it separate or reduce too much.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach

Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Sprinkle your finished Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach generously with chopped fresh parsley for a punch of color and freshness. A touch of lemon zest or a swirl of cracked black pepper works wonders to wake up the creamy sauce and makes your dish look extra-special—even though you barely lifted a finger!

Side Dishes

This chicken begs to be served alongside something that’ll soak up all that garlicky sauce! Go classic with a tangle of angel hair pasta, or try brown rice, fluffy mashed potatoes, or even buttery cauliflower rice if you want a lighter option. And don’t forget a crisp green salad to round it all out.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party vibe, layer the Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach over toasted sourdough on individual plates, or slice and fan the chicken over a tumble of pasta for restaurant-level drama. Try serving in the skillet itself for rustic family-style fun—just set it in the center of the table and dig in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Simply let your Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three days, staying moist and flavorful for fast lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it if needed. Store portions in freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for sauce expansion. Defrost overnight in the fridge—the sauce may separate slightly, but a gentle stir when reheating will help bring it back together.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring the sauce and chicken together until warmed through. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too—just use short intervals and stir often so the sauce stays creamy, not oily.

FAQs

  1. Do I have to make this recipe with spinach?

    We love Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach as written, but there’s plenty of room to experiment! Feel free to swap in other fast-cooking veggies like kale, arugula, Swiss chard, or even small broccoli florets—whatever you have on hand works wonders.

  2. Can I use powdered garlic instead of fresh?

    You can substitute 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove in a pinch, but fresh garlic really shines here for the richest aroma and fullest flavor. It’s the backbone of that luscious sauce!

  3. What should I serve with Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach?

    This creamy skillet chicken is pleasantly versatile—serve it over cooked pasta, brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even zucchini noodles to make the most of the sauce. And a fresh green salad or sautéed veggies makes a wonderful side.

  4. How should I store and reheat leftovers?

    Let leftovers cool, then seal them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. For reheating, pop everything back into a skillet over low heat until warmed through—or use the microwave in short, gentle bursts to keep the sauce smooth.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something cozy, quick, and utterly delicious, give Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach a place on your dinner table this week. Whether you’re cooking for family or just yourself, every creamy, garlicky bite is pure comfort. I can’t wait for you to try it—happy cooking and even happier eating!

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Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach Recipe

Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 82 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 20 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Stovetop
  • Method: Stovetop

Description

Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken cutlets in a rich, creamy garlic sauce with fresh spinach. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken:

  • 1 pound chicken cutlets
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper, divided
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Sauce:

  • 3 large cloves garlic, grated
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Season Chicken: Sprinkle chicken cutlets with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
  2. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Make Sauce: Add garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds. Increase heat, add wine, and cook until slightly reduced. Stir in spinach, cream, remaining salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes.
  4. Combine: Return chicken to the pan, coat with the sauce.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cutlet & about 1/4 cup sauce
  • Calories: 299
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 337mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Cholesterol: 116mg

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