Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach Recipe

It’s fast: Ready in around 20 minutes from start to finish.
Rich flavour without being heavy: The garlic and white wine boost the cream sauce, and the spinach adds freshness and colour.
High in protein and relatively low in carbs – great for a satisfying dinner.
One skillet means minimal cleanup.
Versatile: You can easily swap or add vegetables, change the sauce slightly, or serve with different sides.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound chicken cutlets
½ teaspoon salt, divided
½ teaspoon ground pepper, divided
1 tablespoon extra‑virgin olive oil
3 large cloves garlic, grated
½ cup dry white wine
2 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach
½ cup heavy cream

Directions

Sprinkle the chicken cutlets with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook, turning once, until browned and cooked through (about 6 minutes). Transfer the chicken to a plate.
Add the garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds. Increase the heat to medium‑high and add the white wine. Cook until the wine is slightly reduced (about 1 minute). Reduce heat back to medium, then stir in the chopped spinach, heavy cream, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Simmer for about 2 minutes.
Return the chicken to the skillet and turn it in the sauce to coat thoroughly. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Active time: 20 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a heartier green.
Replace the white wine with an equal amount of low‑sodium chicken or vegetable broth plus ½ tablespoon lemon juice or white‑wine vinegar if you prefer not to cook with alcohol.
Swap chicken cutlets for pork cutlets (adjust cooking time accordingly and ensure pork reaches safe internal temperature).
Add mushrooms, sun‑dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers to the sauce for extra flavour.
Serve over whole‑grain pasta, cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles or brown rice to make it more substantial.

Storage/Reheating

Allow leftovers to cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to about 3 days.
To reheat: Warm gently in a skillet until the chicken is heated through and sauce is simmering. If using a microwave, reheat in 1‑minute intervals, stirring in between, until warmed evenly.

FAQs

What kind of chicken cutlets should I use?

Thinly sliced chicken breasts (cutlets) work best because they cook quickly and evenly. If using thicker pieces, you may need to adjust cooking time.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

You can substitute about ¼ teaspoon garlic powder for each clove, but fresh garlic gives a more robust flavour and better texture.

Is this recipe gluten‑free?

Yes, as written this recipe is gluten‑free, assuming your chicken and other ingredients don’t include added gluten‑containing additives.

Can I make this ahead of time?

The sauce is best fresh, so I recommend cooking it shortly before serving. You can prep the chicken, garlic and spinach ahead to save time.

How can I make the sauce thinner or thicker?

For a thinner sauce, add a splash of chicken broth or water. For a thicker sauce, after returning the chicken, simmer a bit longer until it reduces slightly.

What’s a good side dish to serve with this?

Light sides such as steamed vegetables, a green salad, or roasted asparagus work well. You could also serve it with pasta or rice to soak up the sauce.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

While you can technically freeze the dish, cream‑based sauces sometimes separate upon thawing, so the texture may change. For best results, eat within 3 days.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Use an instant‑read thermometer: chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C). The chicken will continue to cook a little after being removed from the heat.

Can this recipe be made dairy‑free or lighter?

Yes—substitute the heavy cream with a lighter cream or coconut cream. Keep in mind flavour and texture may differ slightly.

Can I use spinach that’s frozen instead of fresh?

You could, but fresh spinach wilts quickly and gives the best texture for this recipe. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain thoroughly, and expect a more softened texture.

Conclusion

This creamy garlic skillet chicken with spinach is a delightful blend of speed, flavour and nutrition—ideal for a dinner that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. With modest ingredients and simple steps, it elevates everyday chicken into something satisfying and elegant. Try it tonight and custom‑tune it with your favourite greens or sides for a meal you’ll return to again and again.

Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach

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This creamy garlic skillet chicken with spinach is a quick and comforting one-pan meal. Juicy seared chicken breasts are simmered in a rich garlic-parmesan sauce with tender baby spinach, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Sprinkle chicken with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in chicken broth and half-and-half. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.
Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in Parmesan and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper.
Return the chicken to the skillet and turn to coat with the sauce. Cook until heated through, about 1 to 2 minutes. Serve warm.

Notes

To make it lower in fat, use low-fat milk instead of half-and-half.
Pair with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a complete meal.
For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
Calories: 271
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 413 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 4 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 29 g
Cholesterol: 83 mg