Creamy Chicken and Spinach

Creamy Chicken and Spinach is a rich, flavorful dish featuring mozzarella-stuffed chicken breasts simmered in a garlicky spinach sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is both comforting and easy to prepare, combining tender chicken, melted mozzarella, and a creamy spinach sauce that pairs beautifully with rice or potatoes.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6-7 ounces each)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 slices mozzarella cheese (about 4 ounces total)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach or ½ cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Place chicken breasts on a cutting board and butterfly horizontally, without cutting all the way through.
3. Season each chicken breast with salt and pepper.
4. Add two slices of mozzarella to each chicken breast and fold closed.
5. Heat olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Brown the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast the chicken for 18-20 minutes.
8. While the chicken is roasting, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
9. Cook minced garlic in the butter for 30 seconds until fragrant.
10. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
11. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
12. Add heavy cream and continue whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes bubbly, about 3-4 minutes.
13. Stir in Parmesan cheese.
14. Add spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
15. Remove the chicken from the oven and add it to the saucepan.
16. Simmer chicken in the sauce for 2 minutes.
17. Serve over rice or potatoes.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips

• Serve the creamy chicken and spinach over cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Pair with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, balanced meal.
• Garnish with extra grated Parmesan or fresh parsley for added flavor and presentation.
• For a low-carb option, serve the chicken and sauce over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much during storage.

Variations

1. Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Chicken
Add ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the spinach sauce and stir in 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh basil before serving. This adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

2. Mushroom and Garlic Chicken
Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms in the skillet before adding garlic. This creates an earthy, savory variation. Continue with the recipe as usual, adding the mushrooms to the sauce with the spinach.

3. Creamy Pesto Chicken
Stir 2 tablespoons of prepared pesto into the spinach cream sauce just before adding the chicken. This adds a rich, herby flavor and a vibrant green color.

4. Spicy Cajun Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning along with salt and pepper. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick that pairs well with the creamy base.

5. Italian-Inspired Chicken
Mix ½ teaspoon dried oregano and ½ teaspoon dried thyme into the sauce. Top with extra shredded mozzarella before serving and broil for 2 minutes for a bubbly, golden finish.

6. Bacon and Spinach Chicken
Cook 3-4 slices of chopped bacon until crisp and stir into the spinach cream sauce. The smoky bacon adds an extra layer of flavor and richness.

7. Low-Carb/Keto Version
Serve the creamy chicken and spinach over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of potatoes or pasta. This keeps the meal low in carbs while still indulgent and flavorful.

8. Cheesy Spinach Chicken
Stir an additional ½ cup of shredded mozzarella or Gruyère into the sauce for an extra cheesy, decadent variation.

9. Lemon Garlic Spinach Chicken
Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the sauce just before serving. The bright citrus notes balance the richness of the cream.

10. Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Chicken
Fold in ½ cup chopped marinated artichoke hearts into the sauce for a subtle tang and texture that mimics a creamy spinach-artichoke dip.

These variations allow you to tailor the recipe to different flavor profiles, from spicy and bold to cheesy and comforting, while keeping the creamy, indulgent base intact.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Make sure it is thawed and squeezed to remove excess water before adding it to the sauce.

2. What can I serve with Creamy Chicken and Spinach?
This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. A side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad also complements it nicely.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance. Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

4. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, mozzarella works best for melting, but you can also use provolone, fontina, or Gruyère for a slightly different flavor.

6. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it can be made keto-friendly by serving it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of potatoes or pasta.

7. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative and use a plant-based cheese to make it dairy-free.

8. How can I add more flavor to the sauce?
You can enhance the flavor by adding garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs like basil or thyme, or a splash of white wine to the sauce while cooking.

9. Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop only?
Yes, you can cook the chicken completely on the stovetop by covering the skillet and cooking over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked, then proceed with the sauce.

10. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! Just use a larger skillet or roast the chicken in batches. Make sure to adjust the sauce quantities accordingly to ensure every serving is coated in the creamy spinach sauce.

This Creamy Chicken and Spinach recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, from the gooey mozzarella inside the chicken to the velvety spinach sauce. It is an easy, elegant dish that can be prepared in under an hour, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and weekend dinners. Its creamy, savory sauce pairs well with a variety of sides, ensuring a meal that will satisfy the whole family.

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