Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Fresh Spinach
Indulge in rich, comforting flavors with this Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Fresh Spinach a quick and easy dinner that feels restaurant-worthy! Juicy, pan-seared chicken is simmered in a luscious garlic cream sauce and paired with tender fresh spinach for the perfect balance of hearty and wholesome.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ lbs total)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
- Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Remove to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Make sauce base: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add liquids: Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the pan. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
- Wilt spinach: Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
- Combine: Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer 2–3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve: Plate chicken with plenty of sauce and spinach.