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Looking for a dinner that’s creamy, flavorful, juicy—and quick? This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach is just the ticket. Imagine tender chicken breasts seared to perfection, then bathed in a luscious, cheesy spinach sauce that clings to every bite. It’s comfort food made easy and fast—ready in just 40 minutes!
Fun fact: Smothered dishes originated in Southern kitchens, where cooks would slow-cook meats in gravy or sauce for maximum tenderness. Our version? A quicker spin that delivers the same rich, savory taste without the wait. What makes it special? You’re getting protein and greens in one pan—no need for extra side prep if you’re short on time.
If you loved the hearty flavors of our Chicken and Gravy Recipe, this recipe will hit the same comforting notes—with a green twist! Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Ready to impress your family without breaking a sweat? Let’s dive into this easy, mouthwatering dish!
What is Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach?
So what exactly is Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach? Well, it’s not your average chicken dinner. Think of it as the ultimate upgrade! Why “smothered”? Because the chicken is literally drenched in creamy, cheesy spinach goodness—like a cozy blanket for your taste buds. Ever heard the phrase “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? This dish might just prove it right.
The spinach sauce is rich but not heavy, flavorful but not fussy. It’s perfect for picky eaters, veggie lovers, and anyone craving a hearty meal without hours in the kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll fall for it, fork over bite.
Spinach not only adds creaminess but also health benefits — see why spinach is a superfood.
Why You’ll Love This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach
1. Creamy, Flavor-Packed Goodness
The star of the show? That velvety spinach sauce. It coats every bite of chicken with layers of cheesy, garlicky richness. Paired with juicy chicken, it’s a texture and flavor explosion.
2. Budget-Friendly and Homemade
Skip the restaurant prices. This dish uses simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have. No fancy tools, no hard-to-find spices—just good old-fashioned cooking at home.
3. Customizable and Delicious Add-Ins
Want to add mushrooms or a hint of spice? Go for it! Love mozzarella or cheddar? Melt it in! The recipe is flexible and fun to tweak. Like our Creamy Parmesan Chicken, it invites creativity.
This dish brings comfort and flavor without the fuss. Ready to get cooking? Let’s go!
How to Make Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach
Quick Overview
You won’t believe how easy this Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach is! Ready in 40 minutes, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The secret? Simple seasoning, a golden sear, and a rich, creamy sauce made with pantry staples. Total prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 30 minutes.
Key Ingredients for Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed & drained)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional garnish: parsley, red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, cook onion for 2-3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir until smooth.
- Add Spinach: Toss in fresh spinach. Cook until wilted and combined with sauce.
- Smother Chicken: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over top. Cover and simmer 10-15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with parsley or red pepper flakes. Serve hot and enjoy!
What to Serve Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach With
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up sauce.
- Steamed Veggies: Balance the richness with light sides.
- Rice or Pasta: Great for soaking up extra sauce.
Pair it with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with creamy Parmesan pasta for the ultimate indulgence
Top Tips for Perfecting Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach
- Use Fresh Spinach: It cooks quickly and tastes brighter.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Use a thermometer for perfect doneness.
- Add Cheese Last: To avoid curdling, stir cheese in gently.
- Spice It Up: Add chili flakes or Cajun seasoning for a kick.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Cool completely, freeze in portions for 1 month.
- Reheat: Warm gently in skillet or microwave, stirring sauce often.
Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 cups fresh spinach or 1 cup thawed frozen spinach
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 oz cream cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the Chicken : Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken : Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamed Spinach : In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in the heavy cream, cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Let everything melt together into a creamy sauce.
- Smother the Chicken : Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamed spinach over the top of each piece.
- Simmer : Lower the heat and let everything cook together for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve : Serve hot with your favorite side, such as mashed potatoes or rice.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I use frozen spinach? | Yes, thaw and drain well before adding to sauce. |
| Can I substitute cream? | Use half-and-half, but sauce may be less rich. |
| Is this keto-friendly? | Yes, it’s low-carb and packed with protein. |
| Can I make it ahead? | Yes, prep and store; reheat before serving. |
| What cheese works best? | Parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar all work well. |
| How to know chicken is done? | Internal temp should reach 165°F – see USDA’s guide. |
| Can I add mushrooms? | Absolutely! Sauté them with onions for extra flavor. |
“Cooking at home doesn’t have to be hard. With this recipe, it’s creamy, easy, and delicious—every time!”
Ready to enjoy the creamy comfort of Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach? Share it with your family, and don’t forget to explore more delicious ideas at Recipeslova.com!
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