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Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach

Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach
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Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender, juicy chicken with a rich and creamy spinach sauce. This easy-to-make recipe balances savory flavors and luscious textures, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Fresh spinach and a velvety cream sauce complement the perfectly browned chicken, delivering an indulgent yet approachable home-cooked classic.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh or dried thyme, parsley, or preferred herbs, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Aromatics and Sauce

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Additional herbs (thyme, parsley) as desired

Creamed Spinach

  • 5 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown on both sides for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden and juices are locked in. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, building a savory base for the sauce.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the cooked onions and garlic. Stir constantly to form a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth to prevent lumps, followed by heavy cream. Let simmer gently until thickened to a velvety consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs to taste.
  4. Cream the Spinach: Add fresh spinach a handful at a time into the sauce, stirring until wilted. Fold in grated Parmesan cheese to enrich the sauce and add creamy texture and vibrant color.
  5. Smother the Chicken: Return the browned chicken to the skillet, nestling it in the creamed spinach sauce. Cover and let simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and infused with flavors.

Notes

  • Use fresh spinach for best texture and vibrant color; frozen spinach can water down the sauce.
  • Patience when browning chicken ensures deep, caramelized flavor.
  • Simmer sauce slowly to develop thickness and meld flavors perfectly.
  • Adjust seasoning gradually during cooking to avoid over-salting.
  • Cover the pan during simmering to keep chicken moist and flavorful.

Nutrition

Keywords: smothered chicken, creamed spinach, chicken recipe, comfort food, creamy spinach, easy dinner

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/smothered-chicken-with-creamed-spinach/