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Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach

Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach
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Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach is a comforting, easy-to-make dinner featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts smothered in a rich and creamy spinach sauce. This classic dish combines nutritious ingredients and cozy flavors, perfect for family meals or special occasions, with minimal cleanup and versatile adaptations to suit various dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of paprika (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce and Spinach

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour alternative)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut/cashew cream for dairy-free)
  • 5 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or mozzarella/Gruyere alternative)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, ensuring juicy and tender results.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Remove the chicken from the skillet and add diced onions and minced garlic to the same pan. Cook until softened and fragrant, forming a flavorful base for the sauce.
  3. Make the Creamed Spinach Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the cooked onions and garlic to create a roux. Gradually whisk in heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps and thicken the sauce. Add fresh spinach to the pan and cook until wilted. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy, cheesy finish. Season with salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika or red pepper flakes.
  4. Smother the Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamed spinach sauce generously over them. Simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
  5. Serve Warm: Plate the smothered chicken topped with the rich creamed spinach sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives if desired, and enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal.

Notes

  • Choose chicken breasts of even size for uniform cooking.
  • Do not skip searing the chicken to develop caramelized, deep flavors.
  • Use fresh spinach for a bright, vibrant sauce; if using frozen spinach, thaw and drain well.
  • Whisk cream in slowly to prevent lumps and create a smooth sauce.
  • Season gradually and taste along each step to adjust flavors.
  • To make gluten-free, use cornstarch or gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Dairy-free options include coconut or cashew cream and non-dairy cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: smothered chicken, creamed spinach, easy dinner, comfort food, gluten-free, creamy chicken, one-pan meal, nutritious dinner

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/smothered-chicken-with-creamed-spinach/