Are you looking for a dinner recipe that is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor? Look no further than this delightful Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach recipe. Perfect for any night of the week, this dish combines juicy chicken breasts with a rich and creamy spinach sauce, guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Here’s how to make it.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Prep the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste. This simple step is crucial for building flavor from the very beginning.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, about 6-8 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté until they begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Creamed Spinach Sauce: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Lower the heat and add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Spoon the creamed spinach and mushroom sauce over the chicken. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the chicken is reheated and everything is well combined. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Related :
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Tips:
- Presentation Matters: Serve the Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach on a warm plate to keep it hot longer. Garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavors. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper can add a bit of heat and spice.
- Accompaniments: Although this dish is hearty on its own, consider serving it with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious creamed spinach sauce. For a balanced meal, a light salad or steamed vegetables can complement the richness of the main dish.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with the creamy texture and rich flavors of this dish. The acidity and crispness of the wine can cut through the richness, making for a delightful dining experience.
Storage Tips:
- Cooling Down: Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature before storing them to prevent condensation from building up inside the container, which could make the chicken soggy.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best to keep the chicken and sauce together to maintain moisture and flavor, but if you prefer, they can be stored separately.
- Freezing: Although you can freeze this dish, be mindful that the texture of the cream sauce may change upon thawing. If you decide to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and consume it within 2-3 months for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the dish in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or additional cream to thin out the sauce if necessary. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave at 50% power, stirring occasionally, to prevent the chicken from drying out. Avoid overheating as it can cause the sauce to separate and the chicken to become tough.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach at its best, whether freshly made or as a delicious leftover meal.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Calories: 650 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4
This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach recipe is a wonderful way to bring a touch of gourmet to your daily meals without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of earthy mushrooms, and creamy spinach sauce makes for a comforting dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a regular weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach as a substitute for fresh spinach in this recipe. Ensure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture from the frozen spinach before adding it to the pan. This step is crucial to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery. You may need to adjust the quantity slightly, as frozen spinach is more compact once thawed.
What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, there are several alternatives that can work in a pinch. A mixture of whole milk and butter can be used to mimic the richness of heavy cream (combine 3/4 cup of milk with 1/4 cup of melted butter for every cup of heavy cream required). For a lighter option, use half-and-half or a combination of milk and a few tablespoons of cream cheese to thicken the sauce.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t include any ingredients that contain gluten. However, if you’re serving this dish to someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, ensure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially the bacon and any store-bought garnishes, as they may contain gluten-containing additives.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, you can substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein, such as tofu or tempeh, that’s been pressed and sliced into thick pieces. Instead of bacon, use mushrooms or a vegan bacon alternative for that smoky flavor. Ensure to adjust the cooking times accordingly, as plant-based proteins might cook faster or slower than chicken breasts.
📖 Recipe
Print
Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Indulge in a rich and comforting culinary delight with our Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach recipe. This sumptuous dish features succulent chicken breasts nestled in a velvety creamed spinach and mushroom sauce, beautifully accented with Parmesan cheese and a hint of nutmeg. Ideal for anyone seeking a delicious and satisfying meal, this recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Simple to prepare yet impressive in taste, it’s a must-try for those who appreciate the harmony of flavors in a creamy, spinach-enriched sauce.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high and cook the chicken until golden brown on each side; set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the mushrooms until they begin to brown.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
- Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg, cooking until the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, ensuring it’s covered with the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, then garnish with Parmesan and parsley before serving.
Notes
Frozen spinach can be substituted for fresh; make sure to thaw and drain it well.
If heavy cream is not available, a mixture of milk and butter can serve as a substitute.
Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free if necessary for dietary restrictions.
For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Creamed Spinach Recipe, Chicken Dinner, Easy Chicken Recipe, Creamy Spinach Chicken, Hearty Meals, Family Dinner Ideas
