Looking for a delicious and quick dinner? Try this creamy garlic butter chicken with sautéed spinach. Perfectly cooked chicken in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with healthy sautéed spinach.
Introduction:
If you’re craving a comforting yet healthy dinner, look no further than this creamy garlic butter chicken with sautéed spinach! This recipe is rich, flavorful, and super easy to make, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a special dinner for guests. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a luscious garlic butter sauce, while the sautéed spinach adds a nutritious and vibrant twist to the dish.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sautéed Spinach:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups fresh spinach (washed and dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Sauté the Spinach:
- In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted. Season with salt and pepper and stir in the lemon juice, if using.
4. Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, allowing it to soak up the flavor for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve the creamy garlic butter chicken with a side of sautéed spinach and garnish with fresh parsley.
Conclusion:
This creamy garlic butter chicken with sautéed spinach is the perfect blend of rich, indulgent flavors and healthy greens. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or impressing guests at a special occasion, this dish will quickly become a favorite. With its easy prep and stunning flavor, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Recipe Notes:
- For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- You can also serve this dish with rice, mashed potatoes, or even pasta to complete the meal.
Enjoy your creamy garlic butter chicken with sautéed spinach, and happy cooking!