There’s something magical about a creamy garlic sauce that clings to tender chunks of chicken and fresh spinach. This Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach is one of those dishes that tastes like it took hours to prepare, but in reality, it comes together in just 25 minutes! It’s rich, satisfying, and loaded with bold garlic and parmesan flavors—perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
If you love quick and delicious meals, you’ll want this one in your regular rotation. Subscribe to get more irresistible recipes straight to your inbox.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken
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Fast & Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
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Incredible Flavor – Garlic, parmesan, and a hint of thyme create a deep, savory taste.
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Creamy & Comforting – The rich, velvety sauce is pure comfort food.
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One-Pan Meal – Fewer dishes, less hassle, and more time to enjoy your meal.
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Versatile – Serve it over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice for a satisfying meal.
What Does This Dish Taste Like?
Imagine tender, juicy chunks of chicken coated in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce that’s just the right balance of rich and tangy. The addition of white wine vinegar brightens up the flavors, while baby spinach adds freshness and color. A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) gives it a gentle heat, making this dish comforting yet exciting with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
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600g (1 ¼ lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 teaspoon cooking sea salt or kosher salt
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
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1 tablespoon cooking oil
the Sauce:
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5-6 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup (250ml) chicken stock or broth
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2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
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½ cup (125ml) thickened (heavy) cream
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Pinch of dried red pepper flakes (optional)
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⅓ cup (35g) finely grated parmesan cheese
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200g (7oz) baby spinach
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Large deep skillet or frying pan
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Sharp knife and cutting board
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Wooden spoon or spatula
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach
1. Season & Cook the Chicken
Cut the chicken into large chunks (about 2-inch pieces). In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, thyme, and black pepper to evenly coat.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside, covering with foil to keep warm.
2. Sauté the Garlic & Deglaze the Pan
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring often so it doesn’t burn.
Pour in chicken stock and white wine vinegar, then scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan. Simmer for about 1 minute, letting the liquid reduce by half.
3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Lower the heat and add the heavy cream and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Stir and let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly.
Now, add parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and fully incorporated.
4. Combine Everything
Return the chicken to the pan, along with the baby spinach. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the chicken is warmed through.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
This creamy garlic chicken is fantastic over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta—just be sure to spoon plenty of sauce over the top.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken
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Starches: Mashed potatoes, buttered pasta, or fluffy white rice soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
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Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a fresh side salad balance out the richness.
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Bread: Serve with crusty bread or garlic knots to mop up every last drop of sauce.
Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken
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Use fresh garlic! It gives the sauce its signature flavor—pre-minced just won’t be the same.
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Don’t overcook the chicken. It should be just cooked through to keep it juicy and tender.
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Adjust thickness. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of extra chicken stock. If too thin, let it simmer longer.
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Make it extra indulgent. Stir in a bit of butter at the end for even more richness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing:
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a splash of chicken stock or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
Freezing:
Cream-based sauces don’t always freeze well, but if you must, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy. Just adjust cooking time as needed.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a mix of cream cheese and milk for a similar effect.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Try using coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free parmesan alternative.
Can I add mushrooms?
Absolutely! Sauté sliced mushrooms after removing the chicken, then proceed with the recipe.
Can I make it spicier?
Yes! Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for more heat.
Can I make this Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce on the stovetop and add the chicken and spinach just before serving to keep everything fresh and flavorful.
What can I use instead of spinach?
If you don’t have spinach, you can substitute it with kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula. Just keep in mind that tougher greens like kale may need a few extra minutes to soften.
Can I add mushrooms or other vegetables?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers would be delicious in this dish. Sauté them after removing the chicken and before adding the garlic for the best flavor.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce. You can also mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water and stir it into the sauce to thicken it up quickly.
Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Creamy Chicken Recipe
This Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach is simple, quick, and loaded with flavor—perfect for weeknights but elegant enough for a special dinner. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice, it’s a meal that everyone will love.
Try it out and let me know how it turns out. Leave a review, share your photos on Pinterest, and tag me—I’d love to see your creations!
More Delicious Recipes to Try
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Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken Breast – A cheesy, flavorful twist on stuffed chicken.
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Spinach and Artichoke Bagel Melts – A quick, satisfying snack or light meal.
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Southwest Chicken Salad – A fresh and vibrant meal loaded with bold flavors.
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Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach – A Comforting, Flavor-Packed Dinner
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach is an easy, one-pan dinner that’s packed with rich, garlicky, and cheesy goodness. Juicy chunks of chicken breast are simmered in a luscious parmesan cream sauce with tender baby spinach, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights. Serve it over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice for the ultimate comfort food experience. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is simple, satisfying, and anything but boring!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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600g (1 ¼ lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch chunks
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1 teaspoon cooking sea salt or kosher salt
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
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1 tablespoon cooking oil
For the Sauce:
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5–6 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup (250ml) chicken stock or broth
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2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
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½ cup (125ml) thickened (heavy) cream
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Pinch of dried red pepper flakes (optional)
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⅓ cup (35g) finely grated parmesan cheese
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200g (7oz) baby spinach
Instructions
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Season & Cook the Chicken:
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In a bowl, toss the chicken chunks with salt, thyme, and black pepper until evenly coated.
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Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Remove from the pan and cover with foil to keep warm.
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Sauté the Garlic & Deglaze the Pan:
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In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
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Pour in the chicken stock and white wine vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for about 1 minute, allowing the liquid to reduce by half.
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Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
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Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.
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Add the grated parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted and smooth.
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Combine Everything:
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Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the baby spinach. Stir well and cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the chicken is heated through.
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Serve & Enjoy:
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Spoon the creamy garlic chicken over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. Be sure to drizzle plenty of that delicious sauce over the top!
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Notes
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Chicken Substitute: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in place of chicken breasts.
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Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free parmesan alternative.
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Extra Flavor: Stir in a bit of butter at the end for an even richer sauce.
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Thicker Sauce: Let the sauce simmer longer if you want it thicker, or add a little cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water).
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Make It Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for more heat.
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Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, pasta, or a simple green salad.
- Equipment
Large deep skillet or frying pan
Sharp knife and cutting board
Wooden spoon or spatula
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Australian, World
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (¼ of total recipe)
- Calories: 376 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1023mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 137mg
Keywords: creamy garlic chicken, garlic parmesan chicken, chicken with spinach, easy skillet chicken, one-pan chicken