Creamy Spinach Chicken With Potatoes
Highlighted under: Feel-Good Flavors
I absolutely adore this Creamy Spinach Chicken with Potatoes recipe! With a luscious creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked potatoes, it's quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. The blend of spinach adds a vibrant color and nutritious twist that elevates the dish. Cooking it all in one pan saves time on cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a special family dinner. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll return to this recipe again and again for its comforting flavors and ease of preparation.
When I first tried making Creamy Spinach Chicken with Potatoes, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. The secret lies in using fresh spinach and a good quality cream. I also discovered that par-cooking the potatoes beforehand ensures they’re perfectly tender by the time the chicken is done. This little tip changes the game and prevents mushy potatoes!
I remember serving this dish to friends last month, and it was a hit! The creamy sauce paired with the savory chicken and vibrant spinach made for an impressive meal. I was thrilled by how the flavors melded beautifully, creating a delightful dining experience. Don't forget to garnish with some parmesan for that extra touch!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich creamy sauce that brings everything together perfectly
- Nutritious spinach adds a delicious twist and vibrant color
- One-pan dish for easy cooking and minimal cleanup
Choosing the Right Chicken
For this recipe, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy cooking and even texture. They cook quickly and can absorb the creamy sauce beautifully. However, if you prefer a more flavorful option, you could opt for skin-on chicken thighs. Just remember to adjust the cooking time since thighs may take a bit longer, about 7-10 minutes on each side, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Marinating the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of salt for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking can enhance the flavor immensely. If you're short on time, even a quick 10-minute rest in the marinade will add depth and moisture. This step ensures that each bite bursts with flavor, especially when paired with the creamy sauce.
Potato Perfection
Choosing the right potatoes is key to achieving a creamy texture in this dish. I recommend using Yukon Gold potatoes, as their buttery flavor complements the sauce well. Alternatively, you could use Russets for a fluffier texture. Make sure to cube them uniformly to ensure even cooking. The cubed potatoes should boil for about 10 minutes, just until they're fork-tender; overcooking can lead to mushiness, which we want to avoid.
After boiling, let the potatoes sit for a couple of minutes to dry out slightly before adding them to the skillet. This extra step helps them absorb the creamy sauce better, enhancing the overall flavor. If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and they will still hold up nicely.
Enhancing the Creamy Sauce
The heavy cream forms the base of the sauce, giving it a rich and luxurious feel. If you're looking for a lighter version, you could use half-and-half or even a non-dairy option like coconut milk, though the flavor will slightly vary. To elevate the sauce, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or zest right before serving for brightness that cuts through the creaminess.
Incorporating spices such as nutmeg or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a delightful background warmth without overpowering the dish. If you find the sauce too thick, simply whisk in a little more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency, ensuring that every element in the dish remains well-balanced in texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes
In a large pot, boil the cubed potatoes for about 10 minutes until they are fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle boil. Add the chopped spinach and allow it to wilt for about 2-3 minutes.
Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained potatoes. Stir well to combine, coating everything with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
Serve
Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top before serving. Enjoy your Creamy Spinach Chicken with Potatoes!
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme also work well to enhance the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Spinach Chicken with Potatoes is best served hot, straight from the skillet. To add a refreshing contrast, serve with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, which can cut through the richness of the dish. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top just before serving will not only brighten the flavors but also enhance the visual appeal.
For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with crusty bread or over rice. The creamy sauce is perfect for sopping up with bread, ensuring nothing goes to waste. If you're feeling adventurous, serve it with a side of roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli for an extra boost of nutrition and crunch.
Make-Ahead Tips
This dish is excellent for meal prep! You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you're ready to serve, just reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding the potatoes to the pan near the end to warm them through without overcooking.
If you plan to freeze this dish, consider preparing just the chicken and sauce, omitting the potatoes until you're ready to serve, as they don't freeze well. The sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container. When reheating, remember to add a splash more chicken broth if it thickens too much.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your sauce ends up too thin, a quick fix is to mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry. Whisk this into the sauce and bring it to a gentle boil to thicken it up. This method avoids the risk of clumping and allows for a smooth, creamy finish.
On the other hand, if you accidentally over-salt the chicken or sauce, adding a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can counteract the excess saltiness. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning gradually, tasting as you go to maintain the perfect balance of flavors.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach. Just ensure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture.
→ What if I don't have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and butter as a lighter alternative.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything in advance and reheat gently on the stove before serving.
→ What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
A simple side salad or garlic bread complements the creamy chicken perfectly!
Creamy Spinach Chicken With Potatoes
I absolutely adore this Creamy Spinach Chicken with Potatoes recipe! With a luscious creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked potatoes, it's quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. The blend of spinach adds a vibrant color and nutritious twist that elevates the dish. Cooking it all in one pan saves time on cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a special family dinner. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll return to this recipe again and again for its comforting flavors and ease of preparation.
Created by: Veronica Miles
Recipe Type: Feel-Good Flavors
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
How-To Steps
In a large pot, boil the cubed potatoes for about 10 minutes until they are fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle boil. Add the chopped spinach and allow it to wilt for about 2-3 minutes.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained potatoes. Stir well to combine, coating everything with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top before serving. Enjoy your Creamy Spinach Chicken with Potatoes!
Extra Tips
- For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme also work well to enhance the dish.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
- Sodium: 680mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 25g