Name: Creamy Spinach Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 pieces chicken cutlets, thinly sliced; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Vegetable oil, for frying; 4 tbsp all-purpose flour (divided); 2 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic, smashed; 1 cup half and half; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 cups fresh spinach

Jump to Recipe·4 from 83 reviews

If you’re searching for a comforting, flavorful dish that combines crispy chicken with an indulgently smooth sauce, this Creamy Spinach Chicken Recipe is going to be your new favorite! Imagine tender chicken cutlets coated with a golden crust, then bathed in a luscious garlic spinach cream sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It comes together in just about 30 minutes using simple ingredients, making it perfect for any weeknight when you want something special without the fuss. This recipe masterfully balances texture and taste, and I can’t wait for you to experience how the creamy sauce elevates the juicy chicken and fresh spinach into pure deliciousness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black frying pan holds five pieces of cooked chicken with a golden brown and pepper-speckled crust, each piece showing a slightly rough, crispy texture. The chicken pieces are spread across the pan, some overlapping slightly, with browned spots giving a sense of searing and tenderness. The background and surface are dark, highlighting the warm tones of the chicken skin. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward yet each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect Creamy Spinach Chicken Recipe. From seasoning the chicken to building that rich, creamy sauce, every element works together for a harmony of flavors and textures.

Chicken cutlets (4 pieces): Thinly sliced for quick, even cooking and a tender bite.
Salt to taste: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
Black pepper to taste: Adds a subtle kick that complements the creamy sauce.
Vegetable oil: Perfect for searing chicken to a beautiful golden crust without burning.
All purpose flour (4 tbsp): Used both for coating the chicken and thickening the sauce.
Butter (2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps build the flavorful sauce base.
Garlic (4 cloves, smashed): Infuses the sauce with fragrant and savory notes.
Half and half (1 cup): Creates the creamy consistency without being too heavy.
Chicken broth (1/4 cup): Adds depth and a subtle savory background to the sauce.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances the sauce flavors perfectly.
Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Provides just the right amount of warmth and spice in the sauce.
Spinach (2 cups): Fresh greens that add color, nutrition, and a mild earthy taste.

How to Make Creamy Spinach Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season and Flour the Chicken

Start by giving your chicken cutlets a quick seasoning bath with salt and black pepper — just a dash on each side is enough to bring out their flavor. Then, coat both sides lightly with 2 tablespoons of the flour. This will ensure that your chicken gets that crispy, golden exterior when cooked.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Cutlets

Heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of vegetable oil. Place the cutlets on the pan without overlapping, so each one sears evenly. Cook on one side until it’s nicely browned, then flip to the other side. This step locks in moisture while creating that signature crispness. Keep an eye on the temperature — once the internal temp hits 165℉, take the chicken off immediately to avoid dryness.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Reduce heat to medium and toss in the butter along with the smashed garlic cloves. Sauté until the garlic becomes wonderfully fragrant, which should take just a minute or two. Sprinkle in the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour and stir continuously to form a roux. Slowly pour in the half and half and chicken broth, whisking to dissolve lumps and bring the sauce to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Combine

Once the sauce thickens beautifully, fold in the fresh spinach. The greens will wilt quickly, adding a vibrant color and subtle earthiness that perfectly balances the rich creaminess. Now is the time to season the sauce with the remaining salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken with Sauce

Bring your golden chicken cutlets back into the skillet with the sauce. Spoon the creamy spinach sauce generously over each piece, making sure every bite is coated. Remove the pan from heat right after; you want the chicken to soak up just a little of the sauce without becoming soggy. And that’s it — your Creamy Spinach Chicken Recipe is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Creamy Spinach Chicken Recipe

A black pan holds a creamy dish with several pieces of browned chicken layered at the bottom, partially covered by a thick white sauce with green spinach leaves mixed throughout. The chicken has a golden texture with some dark edges showing through the sauce. The sauce looks smooth and rich, surrounding the chicken and spinach, which adds a fresh green color contrast. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with a gray cloth behind it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a handful of chopped fresh parsley adds a bright touch and a little extra flavor dimension. For a pop of color and crunch, toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds complement the creamy texture wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like buttery mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or even garlic bread to soak up every last drop of that luscious sauce. For a lighter pairing, roasted vegetables or a crisp garden salad bring freshness alongside the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this chicken on a bed of creamy polenta or alongside herbed quinoa to bring a sophisticated twist. You can also layer it over buttered egg noodles for a rustic, comforting meal. Presentation is all about showcasing that gorgeous sauce, so generous plating is the way to go!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick reheat after a busy day.

Freezing

The creamy spinach sauce holds up well in the freezer, but to maintain the best texture, freeze the chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of milk or broth can help refresh the creaminess. Avoid microwaving unless you cover it to retain moisture and stir midway through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen spinach well before adding it to the sauce to avoid excess water thinning your creamy base.

What type of chicken cutlets work best?

Thinly sliced chicken breast cutlets are ideal for this recipe since they cook quickly and stay tender. If you only have thicker cuts, pound them gently to even thickness before seasoning and flouring.

Is half and half necessary, or can I use milk?

Half and half creates a luscious, rich sauce without being too heavy. You can use whole milk as a lighter option, but the sauce might be a bit less creamy and thick.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap butter for a plant-based alternative and use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute instead of half and half. The flavor will shift slightly but still deliciously creamy.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165℉. Alternatively, cutting into the thickest part to check that juices run clear works too.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Spinach Chicken Recipe is a total winner — quick, creamy, and utterly delicious all in one pan! Whether you’re cooking for family or craving a cozy solo dinner, it delivers on comfort and flavor without any complicated steps. I’m excited for you to make it your own and enjoy every bite!