For a rich and satisfying dinner, 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.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy .
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 Creamed Spinach Chicken
I love a good one pan chicken dinner that gets on the table in under an hour during our busy weeknights.
This comforting chicken meal comes together faster than you think. Here’s the breakdown so you can plan your evening.
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
It’s just enough time to whip up a simple side while this smothered chicken recipe works its magic in the skillet, making it a perfect partner for my easy vegetable side dishes.
How to Make a Tender Chicken in a Rich Cream Sauce
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Season your chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large, oven-safe skillet and sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until you get that beautiful golden-brown crust. It won’t be cooked through yet—that’s perfect! Set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In that same skillet, you’ll build the base of your flavor. Add the remaining oil and cook the chopped onion until it’s soft and translucent. Then, stir in the fresh garlic until it’s just fragrant. This is where the magic starts.
Step 3: Wilt the Spinach
Now, add your fresh spinach in big handfuls, stirring as you go. You’ll watch it wilt down into that lovely, tender state. Keep cooking until any extra liquid evaporates, about 5 minutes. This creates the perfect bed for our savory chicken smothered in creamy spinach.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
This is where it all comes together! Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan, remaining salt and pepper, and that pinch of nutmeg. Keep stirring until everything is melted and you have a smooth, luxurious pan-seared chicken with garlic parmesan cream sauce.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Nestle your seared chicken right back into that gorgeous sauce, spooning some over the top. Let it all simmer together gently for 8-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. You’ve just made a one-pan creamy garlic spinach chicken that’s ready to wow everyone at the table.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this easy smothered chicken even more foolproof and adaptable to any taste. Here are my favorite ways to tweak it.
- Flavor Swap: Not a fan of nutmeg? A dash of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of thyme can give this creamy spinach baked chicken breasts a whole new personality.
- Diet Tweak: You can easily lighten this up! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half and use a reduced-fat cream cheese. It’ll still be wonderfully creamy.
- Prep Fix: To save even more time, use pre-washed spinach and pre-minced garlic from the jar. I know, I usually insist on fresh, but sometimes a busy weeknight calls for shortcuts!
- Storage Tip: This dish reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container and gently warm them in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life. It pairs wonderfully with a simple chicken pasta bake for lunch the next day, or serve it alongside my bright lemon chicken for a varied 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
This comforting chicken meal isn’t just about incredible flavor—it’s packed with wholesome goodness too! I always feel good serving my family a dish that nourishes them from the inside out.
Spinach brings a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals to your plate, while lean chicken provides high-quality protein to keep you satisfied. Here’s a snapshot of what makes this smothered chicken recipe both delicious and nutritious.
| Nutrient | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Protein | Supports muscle repair and keeps you full longer |
| Vitamin A | Essential for vision and immune health |
| Iron | Helps transport oxygen throughout your body |
| Calcium | Supports bone health from the Parmesan cheese |
While this is certainly a rich dish, you can balance it with lighter sides like my favorite vegetable side dishes or pair it with a simple green salad.
For those watching their intake, remember that choosing quality ingredients matters—selecting quality bacon and mushrooms can make a significant difference in both flavor and nutrition. If you’re looking for other lean protein options, try my cilantro lime chicken for a brighter alternative.
A Lighter Version of Our Comforting Chicken Meal
I know that sometimes we want all the comfort without all the calories, and this smothered chicken recipe adapts beautifully to a lighter approach. Over the years, I’ve perfected a version that keeps the soul-warming goodness while being a bit gentler on the waistline.
Start by swapping the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk—the sauce will still be wonderfully creamy thanks to the cream cheese. You can also use reduced-fat cream cheese without sacrificing that luxurious texture we all love.
For an even leaner option, try using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. It still provides that smoky flavor but with less fat. Another trick I love is increasing the spinach—it bulks up the dish with nutrients and volume without adding many calories.
If you’re looking for more healthy chicken inspiration, my easy grilled chicken breast is always a winner, or try these spinach and feta turkey burgers for another creative way to enjoy lean proteins with plenty of flavor.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
I’ve always believed that good food should be accessible to everyone, no matter their dietary needs. Over countless family gatherings and dinner parties, I’ve learned how to adapt recipes so everyone can gather around the table with something delicious to enjoy.
For our sugar conscious friends or those managing blood sugar, this smothered chicken recipe can be easily modified. The natural goodness of spinach and chicken makes it naturally diabetic-friendly, but you can make it even more glucose-friendly by watching portion sizes and balancing it with non-starchy vegetables.
If you’re looking to reduce sugar even further, consider using a natural sweetener alternative in place of any added sugars—though this particular recipe doesn’t call for much to begin with. Remember that eating mindfully and enjoying your food slowly makes any meal more blood sugar friendly.
For those avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast can stand in for Parmesan cheese beautifully, and there are some wonderful plant-based cream alternatives available now. The key is experimenting until you find what works for your body while keeping that comforting essence we all love.
How to Serve Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach
I’ll never forget the first time I served this dish to my book club—the moment that creamy sauce poured over the tender chicken, the room went silent except for the happy sighs of contentment. There’s something magical about presenting a beautiful, complete meal that brings people together.
This savory chicken smothered in creamy spinach pairs wonderfully with so many sides. For a classic comfort meal, serve it over mashed potatoes or egg noodles that can soak up every bit of that glorious sauce. If you’re looking for something lighter, pairing with rice or potatoes works beautifully, or try it with cauliflower mash for a low-carb option.
For vegetable sides, roasted asparagus or green beans add a nice textural contrast to the creamy spinach. And don’t forget a fresh salad—the crispness provides a perfect balance to the rich sauce. If you’re serving guests, my broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken makes another impressive main course option for variety.
When it comes to drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness beautifully, or for a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with lemon keeps things fresh. However you choose to serve it, this one pan chicken dinner is sure to become a requested favorite at your table too.
Mistakes to Avoid
Through all my years of making this comforting chicken meal for family and friends, I’ve seen a few common mistakes that can trip up even experienced cooks. Let me share what I’ve learned so your smothered chicken with creamed spinach turns out perfectly every time.
Overcrowding the pan is probably the biggest mistake I see. When you add too much chicken at once, it steams instead of searing, and you lose that beautiful golden crust. Give each piece plenty of space—you might need to cook in batches for the best results.
Another common error is rushing the mushroom cooking. Mushrooms release liquid before they brown properly, so patience is key. Let them cook until they’re deeply golden and all that liquid evaporates—this builds incredible flavor for your creamy spinach sauce.
Lastly, don’t skip resting the chicken before serving. I know it’s tempting to dig right in, but letting it sit for five minutes allows the juices to redistribute through the tender chicken in that rich cream sauce. For more cooking tips, check out my guide to getting chicken perfectly crispy every time.
Remember that even mistakes can lead to delicious discoveries—some of my best recipe variations came from happy accidents in the kitchen!
How to Store Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach
I’ll never forget the time my cousin visited from out of town and begged me to pack some of this smothered chicken recipe for her flight home. She said airport food couldn’t compete with this comforting chicken meal, and I’ve been perfecting storage methods ever since!
For refrigeration, let your one pan chicken dinner cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep beautifully for 3-4 days in the fridge—the flavors actually deepen overnight. I often make extra specifically for leftovers.
Freezing works wonderfully too! Portion individual servings in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. The cream sauce might separate slightly when thawed, but a good stir while reheating brings it right back together. For another freezer-friendly option, my hearty chicken casserole stores just as well.
When reheating, go low and slow. Gentle warming on the stovetop or in the oven at 300°F preserves the texture better than microwave blasting. Add a splash of broth or milk if the sauce needs loosening. Discover more make-ahead inspiration with my family-favorite pasta bake that also stores beautifully.
Try This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Yourself
I hope this savory chicken smothered in creamy spinach becomes a regular in your dinner rotation like it has in mine. There’s something so satisfying about creating a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen that brings everyone to the table with happy anticipation.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a special weekend gathering, this creamed spinach chicken delivers comfort and elegance in every bite. I love how the crispy bacon and earthy mushrooms complement the tender poultry and vibrant greens—it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that never fails to delight.
If you enjoy this one pan chicken dinner, you might also love my bright lemon chicken for something zesty, or try these juicy chicken burgers for a fun twist. For another creamy comfort dish, my creamy tortellini soup warms the soul on chilly evenings.
However you choose to enjoy it, I’d love to hear about your experience making this dish! Share your creations and variations—some of my best recipe improvements have come from reader suggestions over the years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What meat goes well with creamed spinach?
Chicken is absolutely perfect with creamed spinach, as this recipe shows! The lean protein pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy sauce. Pork chops, steak, and even turkey also complement creamed spinach wonderfully—it’s such a versatile side.
Is it good to eat spinach and chicken together?
Absolutely! Spinach and chicken are a fantastic nutritional pairing. The iron in spinach is better absorbed when eaten with protein, and chicken provides lean protein that keeps you full and satisfied. Together they create a balanced, nourishing meal that tastes incredible too.
What kind of cheese do you use for creamed spinach?
I love using Parmesan cheese for its sharp, salty flavor that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce. For variety, you could also use Romano, Asiago, or even a mild cheddar. The cheese adds depth and helps thicken the sauce to perfection.
What exactly is creamed spinach?
Creamed spinach is a classic dish where fresh spinach is cooked down and combined with a creamy sauce made from dairy like cream, milk, or cream cheese. It’s often seasoned with garlic, onions, and Parmesan cheese, creating a luxurious side dish that elevates any meal.
More Cozy Chicken Dinners To Try
If you loved this comforting meal, here are more family favorites that bring everyone to the table with smiles.
BBQ Chicken Breasts – Sweet and smoky grilled chicken that tastes like summer anytime.
Lemon Chicken Tray Bake – Bright citrus flavors with roasted vegetables for easy cleanup.
Crispy Garlic Chicken – Crunchy golden chicken with irresistible garlicky goodness.
Cream of Broccoli Soup – Velvety smooth soup that comfort food dreams are made of.
