Recipe Ideas

Spinach Chicken Dinner

What are some of my favorite recipes for Creamy Chicken?Spinach Chicken Dinner: What are someIs it like hugging in a bowl? What are the best things about chicken pot pie? I love mac and cheese, but sometimes I crave it more than anything else! My grandma used to make a similar casserole, but I tweaked it over the years. It’s much easier to cook than my grandmother did. Is it tastier? What’s for dinner? ” on a busy weeknight, and everyone – even the picky eaters – gobbles it up. And the best part? What can I do in less than an hour?

Spinach Chicken Dinner final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What is Creamy Dreamy Spinach Chicken Dinner?

What is Creamy Dreamy?Spinach Chicken Dinner: What is yourThink of it as a cozy, one-pan meal featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in luscious, creamy sauce. What are some nutritional benefits of spinach? It’s essentially comfort food elevated – a flavorful and satisfying dish that’ll deceptively simple. What is the name? What is the best way to make creamy chicken? What is all about moist, flavorful bites enveloped in a rich, comforting sauce? Is it a dish that feels indulgent but is secretly packed with good-for-you ingredients? Is it healthy to serve it over rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes? Is it versatile?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some good reasons to love Creamy Dreamy?Spinach Chicken Dinner: What are some! First and foremost, the flavor is just incredible. The cream sauce is rich and savory, perfectly balanced by the freshness of the spinach and the savory chicken. It’s a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more.

Secondly, this recipe is seriously easy. I’m talking weeknight-dinner-saver easy. You can have it on the table in under an hour, and most of that time is hands-off simmering. Perfect for those crazy evenings when you just don’t have the energy for a complicated meal.

And let’s not forget the cost-efficiency! Chicken and spinach are relatively inexpensive ingredients, especially if you buy them in bulk. Plus, you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry. This recipe is a budget-friendly way to feed your family a delicious and nutritious meal.

What I love most about this is its versatility. You can easily customize it to your liking. Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or different types of cheese. You can even use different types of greens like kale or swiss chard. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! It’s also a bit healthier than some other cream-based chicken dishes, thanks to the spinach, which adds a good dose of vitamins and minerals. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation.

How do I make Creamy Dreamy Spinach Chicken Dinner?

Quick Overview

What is Creamy Dreamy?Spinach Chicken Dinner: What are some is easier than you think! Basically, you’ll start by browning some chicken pieces, then you’ll whip up a simple cream sauce, add in the spinach, and let it all simmer together until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thickened. The beauty of this method is that it’s all done in one pan, which means less cleanup! Seriously, this is one of those recipes that I can almost make in my sleep, it’s that straightforward, and every time it’s a hit. Plus, simmering the chicken in the sauce ensures that it stays incredibly moist and flavorful.

Ingredients

For the Chicken: What are some of
About 1.5-2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. I prefer breasts because they are lean, but thighs work great too if you prefer a richer flavor! Make sure you pat them dry before browning – this helps them get a nice sear.

What is the cream sauce?

  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or butter, for extra richness) and 1 tablespoon of salt.
  • 1 medium onion, chopped. 1 tsp
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced.
  • 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. 2 teaspoon
  • 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium is best so you can control the salt)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version – I’ve even used almond milk and it was good). What is the best thing
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is always best)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs.
  • Salt and pepper to taste.

For the Spinach: What is the
What is the best way to eat fresh spinach? When cooked, it wilts down a lot. Can you use frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)? What are the differences between flavor and texture

Spinach Chicken Dinner ingredients organized and measured on kitchen counter

What are the steps for

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Don’t overcrowd the pan – you may need to do this in batches. Set the browned chicken aside on a plate. This step is crucial for developing flavor, so don’t skip it!

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Do not burn garlic, as it can become bitter.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. What makes a roux thicker? Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth, making sure there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese

How do you stir together Parmesan cheese and heavy cream? Season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. What is the magic of a sauce?

Step 5: Add Spinach and Chicken

Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and stir until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Return the browned chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Make sure all the chicken is submerged in the sauce.

Step 6: Simmer and Serve

Cover the skillet and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick. has thickened to your liking. I usually let it go until the sauce is nice and bubbly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.

Step 7: Cool & Glaze

This recipe doesn’t require glazing so ignore me 🙂

Step 8: Slice & Serve

Since this is a dinner, don’t ignore the slice instruction. Serve immediately for the best flavors.

Step 9: Bake

This recipe is not baked! It is simmered on the stove top!

What is the best way to serve it?

This Creamy Dreamy is aSpinach Chicken Dinner is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right sides! Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

Over Rice: Fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even wild rice are all great choices. The rice soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly. For a touch of flavor, try cooking the rice in chicken broth instead of water.

Over Noodles: Egg noodles, fettuccine, or even pasta shells work wonderfully. Toss the noodles with a little butter and Parmesan cheese before adding the chicken and sauce.

With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food pairing. Try adding some garlic or herbs to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.

With Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the delicious sauce. Serve with a side of butter or olive oil for dipping.

With a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and sauce.

For a complete meal, I often serve this with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans. It’s a great way to add some extra veggies to the plate. My kids also love it with a side of garlic bread – because who doesn’t love garlic bread?! Honestly, there are so many ways to enjoy this dish – the possibilities are endless! Experiment and find your favorite pairings.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Creamy Dreamy Spinach Chicken Dinner

Want to take your Creamy Dreamy Spinach Chicken Dinner to the next level? Here are some of my top tips and tricks for achieving perfection:

Chicken Prep: Pat the chicken pieces dry before browning to ensure a good sear. This helps them develop a nice crust and prevents them from steaming in the pan. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan – brown the chicken in batches if necessary.

Mixing Advice: Be sure to whisk the chicken broth into the flour gradually to avoid lumps. If you do end up with lumps, you can strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve.

Spinach Power: Don’t be afraid to use a lot of spinach! It wilts down significantly when cooked. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible.

Cheese Choices: I love using Parmesan cheese in this recipe, but you can also experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, Fontina, or even a sharp cheddar. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well.

Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. My husband loves to add a little bit of cayenne pepper to his serving.

Herb Heaven: Experiment with different herbs to customize the flavor of the sauce. Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary are all great additions. I sometimes add a bay leaf to the sauce while it simmers for a more complex flavor. Just be sure to remove it before serving.

Baking Tips: While this recipe is typically made on the stovetop, you can also bake it in the oven. Transfer the chicken and sauce to a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. This is a great option if you want to keep the dish warm for a longer period of time.
I’ve learned over time that a little bit of lemon juice at the end really brightens up the flavors. Trust me, try it!

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Creamy Dreamy Spinach Chicken Dinner is even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together! Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving this dish at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate it as soon as possible.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the container is properly sealed to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Freezer Instructions: This dish can also be frozen for longer storage. Transfer the chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating: To reheat the chicken and sauce, you can either microwave it or heat it on the stovetop. If microwaving, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. If heating on the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the sauce from drying out. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Glaze Timing Advice: Since there isn’t a glaze, just reheat the sauce on low.

I always add a little bit of fresh spinach when reheating to brighten it up. It makes it feel fresher, even after being stored. The reheated dish tastes nearly as good as the first time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I’ve had great success with both Bob’s Red Mill and King Arthur’s gluten-free blends. Just be sure to use a 1:1 substitution. Also, check the labels of your chicken broth and Parmesan cheese to ensure they are gluten-free. Some brands may contain hidden gluten.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw the frozen spinach completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the sauce. Excess water can make the sauce watery and dilute the flavor. I usually wrap the thawed spinach in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze until no more water comes out. 10 ounces of fresh spinach is usually about 1 cup of frozen spinach.
Can I add mushrooms to this dish?
Definitely! Mushrooms are a delicious addition to this Creamy Dreamy Spinach Chicken Dinner. Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the onions and garlic. I recommend using cremini or button mushrooms, but you can also use other varieties like shiitake or oyster mushrooms.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts. They tend to be more flavorful and stay moist even when cooked for a longer period of time. Just be sure to trim off any excess fat before browning them.
Can I add a different kind of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor of this dish. Gruyere, Fontina, and mozzarella are all good choices. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well. You can also add a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top before serving for a cheesy finish.

Final Thoughts

Spinach Chicken Dinner slice on plate showing perfect texture and swirl pattern

So, there you have it – my Creamy Dreamy Spinach Chicken Dinner recipe! I truly hope you give this a try. It’s more than just a recipe to me; it’s a symbol of easy weeknight dinners and happy family moments. The incredible flavor, the surprising simplicity, and the family-friendly nature of this dish make it a winner in my book.

If you’re looking for other quick and easy dinner recipes, be sure to check out my other posts on One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi.

I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you make any variations, I’d love to hear about them too! Happy cooking!

I’m Maria, a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, personal trainer, author, and podcaster. I love helping people improve their physical and mental health through easy-to-understand wellness advice and delicious recipes made with nourishing ingredients. Pull up a seat—you’re welcome at this table!

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