Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach gets its incredible flavor from savory mushrooms and crispy bacon. You’ll quickly sear the chicken before letting it simmer in a creamy spinach sauce. The result is a comforting, one-pan meal that makes an ordinary weeknight feel truly special.
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Ingredients for Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach
For the chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Go for evenly sized ones so they cook at the same rate.
- Kosher salt – Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Black pepper – Freshly cracked is always best.
- Olive oil – A good glug for searing that chicken to golden perfection.
For the creamed spinach
- Yellow onion – Finely chopped so it melts right into the sauce.
- Garlic – Freshly minced—no jarred stuff here!
- Fresh spinach – Wilted down into silky, tender goodness.
- Cream cheese – Softened and cut into chunks so it blends smoothly.
- Heavy cream – Adds that dreamy, luxurious texture.
- Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated for the best flavor.
- Freshly grated nutmeg – Just a pinch, but it makes all the difference.
Cook Time for a One Pan Chicken Dinner
I love how quickly this comforting chicken meal comes together on a busy night. The times below are my honest estimates from my own kitchen, and I think you’ll find them just as reliable.
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
If you’re looking for more fast and fabulous ideas, my easy grilled chicken breast is another weeknight hero you should try.
How to Make Creamed Spinach Chicken
This method for smothered chicken with creamed spinach is one of my favorite one-pan chicken dinner solutions. Let’s walk through each step together.
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with 1/2 teaspoon of the kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms. You’re creating the base for a pan-seared chicken with garlic parmesan cream later. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside; it will not be fully cooked at this stage.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. This layering of flavors is what makes this smothered chicken recipe so deeply satisfying.
Step 3: Wilt the Spinach
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in large handfuls, stirring continuously until each batch wilts before adding the next. Cook until all the spinach is wilted and any excess liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes.
I love watching the spinach transform—it’s like the whole kitchen comes alive with the scent of garden-fresh greens.
Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and the nutmeg.
Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. You’ve just made the most glorious savory base for our tender chicken in a rich cream sauce.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamed spinach sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of each chicken breast.
Simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and registers 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. This final simmer lets all those beautiful flavors marry into the perfect one-pan creamy garlic spinach chicken.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, I’ve made this smothered chicken with creamed spinach more times than I can count. Here are my favorite ways to make it your own.
- Flavor Swap: If you’re not a fan of nutmeg, a pinch of smoked paprika adds a wonderful warmth that complements the creamy spinach beautifully.
- Diet Tweak: For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half and use neufchâtel cheese instead of cream cheese. It still gives you that luxurious feel.
- Prep Fix: To ensure your chicken cooks evenly, try pounding the thicker parts to an even ½-inch thickness. This is the same technique I use for my authentic Italian chicken cutlets.
- Storage Tip: Leftovers keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream to bring the sauce back to life. It pairs wonderfully with my simple vegetable side dishes for a quick next-day meal.
Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 6 ounces each
- 1 tsp kosher salt divided
- 1/2 tsp black pepper divided
- 3 tbsp olive oil divided
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 10 ounces fresh spinach
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened and cut into chunks
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
Method
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with 1/2 teaspoon of the kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until a golden-brown crust forms. The chicken will not be cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in large handfuls, stirring continuously until each batch wilts before adding the next. Cook until all the spinach is wilted and any excess liquid has evaporated, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and the nutmeg. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamed spinach sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of each chicken breast. Simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and registers 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
While this is a wonderfully comforting chicken meal, it’s also packed with good-for-you ingredients. I always feel good about serving my family a dish that’s both delicious and nourishing.
Spinach is the real hero here, offering a wealth of vitamins and minerals. It blends beautifully into our savory chicken smothered in creamy spinach, making it easy to get your greens. To find more ways to incorporate vegetables into your meals, you can explore pairing with rice or potatoes from trusted culinary sources.
The lean protein from the chicken breasts helps keep you full and satisfied, while the healthy fats from the olive oil and cheeses aid in absorbing all those fat-soluble vitamins. If you’re looking for another high-protein, veggie-forward option, my spinach and feta turkey burgers are a fantastic choice.
Here’s a quick look at the key nutritional perks in this one-pan chicken dinner.
| Ingredient | Key Benefit |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | Excellent source of lean protein |
| Fresh Spinach | Rich in iron, vitamin K, and antioxidants |
| Garlic | Contains allicin, known for its immune-supporting properties |
| Olive Oil | Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats |
For a cozy, vegetable-packed meal in a bowl, my creamy tortellini soup is another family favorite that balances richness with wholesome ingredients.
A Lighter Version of This Comforting Chicken Meal
I know that some days call for a lighter touch, and this smothered chicken recipe is wonderfully adaptable. With a few simple swaps, you can enjoy all the flavor with a bit less indulgence.
For a lighter creamed spinach chicken, I often use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. The sauce is still luxuriously creamy but feels a touch brighter. You can also reduce the cream cheese by half or use a lighter Neufchâtel cheese.
Another trick I love is to bulk up the spinach even more. It adds volume and nutrients without many calories, making the portion feel generous and satisfying. This is a great approach for creating a healthy pan-seared chicken with garlic parmesan cream that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
If you enjoy these lighter tweaks, you might also love my cilantro lime chicken, which is naturally bright and zesty. For a different take on a baked dish, my broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken offers a satisfying meal with plenty of green vegetables.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
I believe that good food should be accessible to everyone, which is why I love sharing ways to adapt recipes. If you’re sugar-conscious or managing your glycemic intake, a few small changes can make this dish a great fit for your table.
This tender chicken in a rich cream sauce is already quite friendly, as it contains no added sugars. For those looking for a truly diabetic-friendly version, consider using a full-fat Greek yogurt in place of some of the cream cheese. It adds a pleasant tang and creaminess while adjusting the fat content.
Portion size is another simple yet effective tool. Serving a smaller portion of the chicken and sauce alongside a large, non-starchy vegetable side, like a crisp salad or steamed green beans, can help with glycemic control. It’s a trick I use often to create balanced, glucose-friendly meals that everyone enjoys.
How to Serve Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach
I have such fond memories of serving this dish for the first time to friends gathered around our farmhouse table. The sound of laughter mixed with the savory aroma filling the kitchen is what cooking is all about for me. This one-pan creamy garlic spinach chicken truly brings people together.
For a truly satisfying meal, I love to spoon this creamy spinach baked chicken breasts over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or creamy polenta. The sauce drapes over them perfectly. A simpler option is to serve it with crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
If you’re planning a larger spread, this pairs wonderfully with my lemon chicken tray bake for a crowd, or a simple chicken casserole for a classic comfort food duo. No matter how you serve it, this easy smothered chicken is sure to become a requested favorite.
Mistakes to Avoid
We’ve all had kitchen moments where small missteps change a dish. After making this recipe countless times for family and friends, I’ve learned what makes this smothered chicken with creamed spinach truly shine—and what might hold it back.
Overcooking the chicken breasts is the most common hiccup. Remember that they continue to cook while resting in the warm sauce. For perfectly tender chicken in a rich cream sauce, remove them from the pan when they’re just cooked through. This ensures they stay juicy rather than becoming dry.
Another mistake is overcrowding the pan when searing. If you add too many chicken pieces at once, they’ll steam instead of developing that beautiful golden crust. Working in batches makes all the difference for that perfect pan-seared chicken with garlic parmesan cream we all love.
When it comes to the classic smothered chicken preparation, don’t rush the sauce. Let it simmer gently to allow the flavors to meld properly. If your sauce seems too thin, a minute more of simmering will often thicken it to that perfect spoon-coating consistency.
Finally, be mindful when selecting quality bacon and mushrooms. Thick-cut bacon provides better texture and flavor, while fresh mushrooms (rather than canned) make a world of difference in both taste and appearance. For other chicken dishes where technique matters, my authentic Italian chicken cutlets highlight how proper preparation elevates simple ingredients.
I learned the importance of not overcrowding the pan the hard way during one particularly rushed Sunday supper. The chicken steamed instead of seared, and while it still tasted fine, it lacked that beautiful caramelization that makes this comforting chicken meal so special. Now I patiently cook in batches, knowing the extra few minutes are always worth it.
How to Store Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach
This dish stores beautifully, which makes it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. I often make a double batch to have ready for busy weeknights—nothing beats knowing a delicious homemade meal is waiting in the fridge.
Let your smothered chicken with creamed spinach cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers something to look forward to.
For freezing, I recommend storing without any starchy sides. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen, it maintains its quality for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
When reheating, gentle warmth is key. Use your stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave at 50% power in intervals, stirring between each. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. If you’re looking for another make-ahead friendly option, my chicken pasta bake is equally wonderful as leftovers.
I remember once preparing this dish for my sister when she welcomed her new baby. I filled her freezer with individual portions of this one pan chicken dinner, along with my cream of broccoli soup. She told me weeks later how those ready-made meals felt like warm hugs during those sleep-deprived early days—proof that good food truly nourishes both body and soul.
Try This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Yourself
If you’ve been looking for a recipe that feels both special and approachable, this is your invitation to experience the comfort of this dish in your own kitchen. This smothered chicken with creamed spinach has become more than just a recipe to me—it’s a dish that tells a story of gathering, nourishment, and the simple joy of sharing good food.
I first developed this recipe during a particularly chilly autumn when we had friends visiting from overseas. I wanted to create something that felt both distinctly American in its comfort food appeal yet refined enough for guests. The moment I saw everyone gathered around the table, savoring each bite and sopping up every last bit of sauce with crusty bread, I knew this savory chicken smothered in creamy spinach would become a regular in our rotation.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this easy smothered chicken delivers on both flavor and simplicity. The way the creamy spinach baked chicken breasts come together in one pan still feels like magic every time I make it.
If you enjoy this recipe, you might also love my crispy garlic chicken for another flavorful main, or explore my lemon chicken for something brighter. For other one-pan wonders, my chicken burgers offer quick satisfaction, while BBQ chicken breasts bring classic backyard flavors indoors. And when you need perfect side dish inspiration, my vegetable side dishes collection has you covered.
I’d love to hear how this recipe turns out in your kitchen. There’s something truly special about knowing families everywhere are gathering around tables, sharing this same comforting chicken meal and making their own memories. That connection across kitchens is what makes sharing recipes so meaningful to me.
Frequently Asked Questions
What meat goes well with creamed spinach?
Chicken is absolutely perfect with creamed spinach, as this recipe demonstrates. The lean protein complements the rich, creamy sauce beautifully. Pork chops, steak, and even meatloaf also pair wonderfully with creamed spinach’s luxurious texture.
Is it good to eat spinach and chicken together?
Absolutely! Spinach and chicken are a nutritional powerhouse combination. The iron in spinach is better absorbed with the protein from chicken, making them ideal partners both nutritionally and flavor-wise. This one-pan creamy garlic spinach chicken is a perfect example of how well they work together.
What kind of cheese do you use for creamed spinach?
I typically use Parmesan for its salty, nutty flavor that doesn’t overwhelm the dish. Cream cheese adds wonderful richness and helps create that luxurious sauce consistency. For variations, you might try adding a touch of Gruyère or fontina for extra depth.
What exactly is creamed spinach?
Creamed spinach is a classic preparation where fresh spinach is cooked until wilted, then combined with a creamy sauce typically made with dairy (cream, milk, or cheese), aromatics like garlic or onion, and seasonings. It transforms simple spinach into a rich, comforting side dish or sauce base, like in this smothered chicken recipe.
More Cozy Chicken Dinners You’ll Love
If this smothered chicken with creamed spinach captured your heart, these other comforting recipes will become fast favorites too. Each one brings that same homemade warmth to your table.
Easy Grilled Chicken Breast – Perfectly juicy chicken with beautiful grill marks and simple seasoning for those effortless summer nights.
Cilantro Lime Chicken – Bright, zesty flavors that wake up your palate with fresh herbs and citrus notes.
Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken – Impressive enough for company but easy enough for weeknights, with melted cheese and fresh broccoli in every bite.
Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers – Lighter than beef but packed with Mediterranean flavors that make burger night special.
Creamy Tortellini Soup – The ultimate comfort in a bowl with cheese-filled pasta and vegetables in a creamy broth.
Lemon Chicken Tray Bake – Everything cooks together on one sheet pan for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
