If you’re searching for a cozy, soul-satisfying dish guaranteed to impress your family or friends, look no further than this Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Recipe. It wraps tender, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts in a rich, velvety spinach sauce topped with melted mozzarella—the combination of flavors and textures will keep you coming back for more. This recipe is a remarkable twist on classic comfort food, easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for Sunday dinner. You’ll love how the creamy spinach perfectly balances the savory chicken every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Recipe plays a crucial role, bringing together a harmony of bold flavors, creamy textures, and fresh greens that elevate the dish beautifully. The list is simple and easy to find, yet each component is essential to making this dish shine.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, juicy and tender when cooked right.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle warmth and depth without overwhelming the palate.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Provides a mild sweetness that enhances the seasoning blend.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Offers a smoky hint of color and flavor to the chicken.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to a golden brown crust.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps soften the garlic and onions beautifully.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the creamed spinach with aromatic depth.
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped: Gently sweetens the creamed mixture.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: De-glazes the pan, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
- 4 cups fresh spinach: Provides vibrant color and nutrients, wilting down into creamy perfection.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its luxurious texture.
- 1/4 cup cream cheese: Adds tangy creaminess and smooth consistency.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, savory punch to the cream sauce.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping): Melts delightfully, creating a cheesy golden crust.
How to Make Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by lovingly seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. These spices infuse the chicken with a wonderful depth of flavor that sets the stage for the whole dish. Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan, letting them sear undisturbed for about 5 to 6 minutes per side. You want that gorgeous golden-brown crust that locks in the juices and keeps each bite tender and flavorful. Once cooked through, remove the chicken and set it aside, making room for our delicious sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the butter and melt it until shimmering. Toss in the minced garlic and finely chopped onion, gently sautéing until they soften and become fragrant. This step releases all those beautiful aromas that immediately elevate the dish. Be sure to stir often so nothing burns—unyielding garlic is never welcome here!
Step 3: Build the Creamed Spinach Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a lively simmer. This will deglaze the pan, lifting up all the tasty bits stuck from searing the chicken. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts down completely, transforming into tender greens bathed in flavorful broth. Now it’s time to add the heavy cream, cream cheese, and grated Parmesan. Stir everything together until the cream cheese melts fully and the sauce reaches a smooth, creamy consistency that clings beautifully to every leaf of spinach.
Step 4: Combine and Finish with Cheese
Return your beautifully seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamed spinach sauce. Spoon more of that luscious sauce generously over the top. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over everything, covering the chicken in cheesy goodness. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low, letting the cheese melt slowly while the flavors marry and the chicken warms back through—about 5 minutes. This final touch makes the dish irresistibly gooey and comforting.
How to Serve Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
A few simple garnishes help brighten and balance this rich dish. Freshly chopped parsley or chives add a lovely pop of green color and a mild oniony flavor contrast. A light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also offer a gentle kick if you enjoy a hint of heat. Lemon wedges provide a fresh, zesty accompaniment that cuts through all the creaminess beautifully.
Side Dishes
Because this Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Recipe is rich and satisfying on its own, consider pairing it with simple sides to soak up the sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice complement the dish perfectly, providing a cozy base. For a low-carb option, cauliflower mash is a fantastic choice that won’t compete with the flavors but still adds warmth and comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress at your next dinner party, serve this dish in individual cast-iron skillets or rustic ceramic dishes straight from the stovetop—presentation that keeps it warm and inviting. Another idea is layering the chicken and creamed spinach in a casserole dish and broiling briefly to get the cheese bubbling and browning slightly for a golden crust that’s simply irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making leftovers just as enjoyable as the fresh batch.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare ahead. After cooling completely, place portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It’s best consumed within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture retention. Remember to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, covering the dish to retain moisture. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce feels too thick after reheating. Stir occasionally to warm evenly and avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to stay juicier with a slightly richer flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs might take a bit longer to cook through.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream, cream cheese, and cheeses with your favorite dairy-free alternatives such as coconut cream and vegan cheeses. The texture will be slightly different but still rich and comforting.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and creamed spinach sauce separately and combine them just before serving. This makes weeknight dinners quicker and keeps flavors fresh and vibrant.
What is the best way to wilt the spinach without overcooking it?
Cook the spinach only until it just wilts in the simmering broth—about 2 to 3 minutes. Overcooking can make the spinach mushy and dull in color, so keep an eye on it for that perfect tender bite.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the finished dish. Another option is stirring a bit of hot sauce into the creamed spinach for a gentle fiery kick.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Recipe enough if you want a dinner that’s warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor. You’ll find it quickly becomes a favorite in your home, perfect for those evenings when you want something a little special yet effortless. So gather your ingredients, embrace the creamy goodness, and prepare to delight your taste buds and loved ones alike. Happy cooking!
Print
Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb, Gluten Free
Description
Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach is a rich and comforting American main course featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, cheesy spinach sauce. This low-carb, gluten-free dish combines perfectly seasoned chicken with a luscious blend of garlic, cream, and cheeses, making it an ideal hearty meal served warm.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Creamed Spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to build a flavorful base.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until they are softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Create Spinach Base: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
- Finish Creamed Spinach Sauce: Stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and heated through.
- Combine and Melt Cheese: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamed spinach sauce evenly over each piece. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the dish is heated throughout.
- Serve: Serve the smothered chicken warm, optionally alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or cauliflower mash for a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or cauliflower mash for a complete meal.
- Boneless chicken thighs can be used as an alternative to chicken breasts.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sauté step.
