Description
This delicious Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach recipe features tender seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy spinach sauce made with garlic, onions, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of nutmeg. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this dish is packed with flavor and pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower mash.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamed Spinach Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Additional salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Evenly season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to prepare them for searing.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the finely chopped onion for 2 to 3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the sauce base: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the skillet bottom to incorporate flavor. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add cheese and seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and nutmeg, cooking until the sauce thickens slightly to a creamy consistency.
- Cook the spinach: Add the chopped fresh spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted and creamy, stirring frequently.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the creamed spinach sauce over the top, and let simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, pairing well with rice, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower mash.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you prefer a lighter sauce.
- Adding sliced mushrooms to the creamed spinach sauce makes for extra flavor and texture.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or a low-carb cauliflower mash.
