Name: Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1¼ lbs chicken breasts; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; ¾ tsp pepper; 1 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp all purpose flour; 1 tsp garlic; ½ cup chicken broth; ¾ cup heavy cream; 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts; 2 cups fresh spinach leaves; 2 tbsp parsley

This delightful dish combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious creamy sauce made with fresh spinach and marinated artichoke hearts. A perfect blend of flavors and textures makes it an ideal weeknight dinner that's both comforting and impressive.

Photos of Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Recipe

Marinated artichoke hearts and fresh spinach leaves might not be staples in every household. When shopping, look for artichoke hearts in the jarred section near pickles and olives, and ensure you pick up fresh, vibrant spinach leaves to elevate the dish.

Ingredients For Creamy Spinach And Artichoke Chicken

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts, tender and lean.

Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken, adds a rich flavor.

Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors.

Pepper: Adds a subtle kick to the dish.

Butter: Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce.

All purpose flour: Thickens the sauce for a luscious consistency.

Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor to the sauce.

Chicken broth: Forms the base of the creamy sauce.

Heavy cream: Provides a luxurious and creamy texture.

Marinated artichoke hearts: Adds a tangy and tender component to the dish.

Fresh spinach leaves: Wilts into the sauce, adding a fresh and slightly earthy flavor.

Parsley: For a fresh and vibrant finish.

One reader, Butch Giddens says:

This creamy spinach and artichoke chicken recipe is a game-changer! The flavors blend perfectly, and the sauce is rich and delicious. It's easy to make and feels like a gourmet meal. My family loved it, and it's definitely going into our regular dinner rotation. Highly recommend!

Butch Giddens

Techniques Required

How to season chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper to enhance flavor. How to cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a pan and cook the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. How to make a roux: Melt butter in the pan, add garlic, and cook for about 30 seconds. Then add flour and stir until thoroughly combined. How to make a cream sauce: Pour chicken broth into the pan, bring to a simmer while stirring constantly, then add heavy cream and simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens. How to wilt spinach: Add spinach leaves to the pan and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.

How To Make Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Chicken

Seared chicken breasts covered in very creamy spinach and artichoke sauce with garlicky flavors, this dish takes just minutes to put together!

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 20 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1¼lbschicken breasts,(4 pieces), thin boneless, skinless
1tbspolive oil
1tspsalt,divided use
¾tsppepper,divided use
1tbspbutter
1tbspall purpose flour
1tspgarlic,(minced)
½cupchicken broth
¾cupheavy cream
1cupmarinated artichoke hearts,coarsely chopped
2cupsfresh spinach leaves
2tbspparsley,chopped

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper.
Place the chicken in the pan and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the pan and place on a plate; cover to keep warm.
Wipe out the pan with a paper towel. Melt the butter in the pan and add the garlic; cook for about 30 seconds.
Add the flour to the pan and stir until thoroughly combined with the garlic mixture.
Pour the chicken broth into the pan. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
Add the heavy cream and simmer, stirring constantly, for about 3 to 4 minutes until sauce is just thickened.
Add the artichoke hearts, spinach leaves, and remaining salt and pepper to the pan. Cook for about 2 to 3 more minutes or until spinach is wilted.
Return the chicken to the pan and simmer for about 2 minutes or until warmed through. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 545.68kcal
Fat: 43.17g
Saturated Fat: 16.46g
Trans Fat: 1.02g
Monounsaturated Fat: 13.58g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.96g
Carbohydrates: 9.59g
Fiber: 2.87g
Sugar: 2.98g
Protein: 33.79g
Cholesterol: 160.39mg
Sodium: 742.18mg
Calcium: 68.04mg
Potassium: 484.12mg
Iron: 4.55mg
Vitamin A: 320.51µg
Vitamin C: 7.29mg

Pro Tip for Perfecting This Recipe

To ensure your chicken breasts cook evenly and stay juicy, pound them to an even thickness before seasoning. This helps them cook at the same rate, preventing overcooking on the thinner parts and undercooking on the thicker parts.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Dish

Pre-cook the chicken: Cook the chicken breasts ahead of time and store them in the fridge. This way, you can just reheat them when you're ready to make the dish.

Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using pre-minced garlic from a jar instead of mincing fresh cloves.

Buy pre-washed spinach: Opt for pre-washed and bagged spinach leaves to skip the washing and drying steps.

Use canned artichoke hearts: Canned or jarred artichoke hearts are already marinated and ready to use, cutting down on prep time.

Make the sauce in advance: Prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat and combine with the other ingredients when ready to serve.

Substitute Ingredients For Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Recipe

chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a suitable alternative.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good replacement for olive oil.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different profile that can still complement the dish.
butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a rich, nutty flavor and a higher smoke point, making it a good alternative to butter.
all purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can thicken sauces similarly to flour but is gluten-free.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor that can still enhance the dish.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can provide a similar depth of flavor while keeping the dish suitable for vegetarians.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream offers a rich, creamy texture and is a good dairy-free alternative.
marinated artichoke hearts - Substitute with canned artichoke hearts: Canned artichoke hearts are less tangy but can still provide the desired texture and flavor.
fresh spinach leaves - Substitute with kale: Kale has a similar texture and nutritional profile, making it a good substitute for spinach.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro offers a fresh, vibrant flavor that can similarly brighten up the dish.

Plating Ideas for a Stunning Presentation

Serve smaller portion sizes: Slice the chicken breasts into medallions for a refined presentation. This allows for a more elegant plating and ensures each bite is perfectly cooked and tender.
Use decoration: Garnish the dish with finely chopped parsley and a light drizzle of olive oil around the plate. This adds a touch of color and enhances the visual appeal.
Layer the ingredients: Place a bed of wilted spinach leaves and artichoke hearts on the plate first. Arrange the chicken medallions on top, allowing the creamy sauce to cascade over the sides.
Add texture: Sprinkle a few toasted pine nuts or croutons around the plate for added crunch and contrast to the creamy sauce.
Use a clean, white plate: A pristine white plate will make the vibrant colors of the spinach, artichokes, and parsley pop, creating a visually stunning presentation.
Highlight the sauce: Use a spoon to artistically drizzle the creamy sauce around the plate, ensuring it is evenly distributed and visually appealing.
Balance the flavors: Add a wedge of lemon on the side for a touch of acidity that diners can squeeze over the dish to balance the richness of the heavy cream sauce.
Finish with a microgreen garnish: Top the dish with a small handful of microgreens for a fresh, delicate touch that adds both flavor and sophistication.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Chicken

Large pan: Used for cooking the chicken breasts and preparing the creamy spinach and artichoke sauce.
Olive oil: Needed to heat in the pan for cooking the chicken breasts.
Paper towel: Used to wipe out the pan after cooking the chicken.
Plate: To place the cooked chicken breasts and keep them warm.
Spatula: Useful for flipping the chicken breasts and stirring the sauce.
Measuring spoons: For accurately measuring the olive oil, salt, pepper, butter, flour, and garlic.
Measuring cups: For measuring the chicken broth and heavy cream.
Knife: To chop the garlic and parsley.
Cutting board: A surface for chopping the garlic and parsley.
Tongs: Handy for placing the chicken breasts in the pan and removing them.
Whisk: To stir the flour into the garlic mixture and to combine the chicken broth and heavy cream.
Serving spoon: For serving the creamy spinach and artichoke chicken.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Let the creamy spinach and artichoke chicken cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to freeze the dish, transfer the cooled chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification later on.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen creamy spinach and artichoke chicken, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat the thawed dish in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through and the sauce is smooth and creamy. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to help reconstitute the sauce if it appears too thick.
If you want to reheat the dish in the microwave, transfer it to a microwave-safe container and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through.
For the best texture and flavor, consume the reheated creamy spinach and artichoke chicken within a day or two of thawing.

How To Reheat Leftovers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover creamy spinach and artichoke chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbly. This method helps to retain the moisture in the dish and prevent the chicken from drying out.
If you prefer a quicker reheating method, you can use your microwave. Transfer the leftover creamy spinach and artichoke chicken to a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is warm. Stir the dish halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
For a stovetop reheating option, place the leftover creamy spinach and artichoke chicken in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to the pan to help loosen up the sauce and prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Stir the dish occasionally and heat until the chicken is warmed through and the sauce is heated evenly.
If you want to add a fresh twist to your leftover creamy spinach and artichoke chicken, consider slicing the chicken and using it as a filling for a delicious sandwich or wrap. Reheat the sliced chicken and sauce in a pan or microwave, then pile it onto your favorite bread or tortilla along with some fresh spinach leaves and sliced artichoke hearts.
For a low-carb option, reheat the leftover creamy spinach and artichoke chicken and serve it over a bed of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. This will add a fresh and healthy twist to your leftovers while still allowing you to enjoy the rich and creamy flavors of the original dish.

Interesting Trivia About Spinach and Artichoke Chicken

A random fact about this recipe is that artichokes are rich in antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage. Additionally, spinach is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, iron, and fiber, making this dish not only delicious but also nutritious.

Is Making Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Chicken at Home Cost-Effective?

The creamy spinach and artichoke chicken recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like chicken breasts, spinach, and artichoke hearts are relatively affordable. The use of olive oil, butter, and heavy cream adds a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $15-$20 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Is This Creamy Chicken Dish Healthy or Not?

This creamy spinach and artichoke chicken recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes nutrient-rich ingredients like spinach, artichoke hearts, and chicken breasts, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and lean protein. However, the recipe also contains high-fat ingredients such as heavy cream and butter, which can contribute to excessive calorie intake and potential health issues if consumed frequently.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace the heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative, such as evaporated skim milk or Greek yogurt, to reduce the overall fat and calorie content
Use a smaller amount of butter or substitute it with a healthier oil, like olive oil or avocado oil
Increase the proportion of vegetables in the dish by adding more spinach or other nutrient-dense options like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini
Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to help control the dish's salt content
Serve the chicken with a side of whole grains, such as quinoa or brown rice, to add fiber and complex carbohydrates to the meal
Experiment with herbs and spices to enhance the flavor without relying on excessive amounts of salt or fat

Editor's Opinion on This Creamy Chicken Recipe

This creamy spinach and artichoke chicken recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The golden-browned chicken pairs beautifully with the rich, velvety sauce. The marinated artichoke hearts add a tangy depth, while the fresh spinach provides a vibrant, earthy contrast. The use of heavy cream ensures a luxurious mouthfeel, and the garlic infuses the dish with aromatic warmth. The parsley garnish adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the overall profile. This dish is both comforting and elegant, making it suitable for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Enhance Your Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Imagine the creamy goodness of potatoes infused with the rich aroma of garlic. This side dish will perfectly complement the savory notes of your creamy spinach and artichoke chicken, creating a harmonious balance of flavors on your plate.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Picture crispy Brussels sprouts roasted to perfection with bits of smoky bacon. The slight bitterness of the sprouts combined with the salty crunch of bacon will add a delightful contrast to your main course.

Lemon Herb Quinoa: Lemon Herb Quinoa: Envision a light and fluffy quinoa dish, infused with the zesty freshness of lemon and aromatic herbs. This side will bring a refreshing and nutritious element to your meal, enhancing the creamy richness of the chicken.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Honey Glazed Carrots: Think of tender carrots coated in a sweet and sticky honey glaze. The natural sweetness of the carrots will provide a delightful contrast to the savory and creamy flavors of the chicken, making each bite a symphony of taste.

Wild Rice Pilaf: Wild Rice Pilaf: Visualize a hearty wild rice pilaf, studded with nuts and dried fruits. The nutty and slightly chewy texture of the wild rice will add an earthy depth to your meal, perfectly complementing the creamy and savory notes of the chicken.

Similar Recipes to Try

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken: Indulge in the zesty and savory flavors of lemon and garlic combined with tender chicken breasts. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels gourmet.

Tuscan Chicken Skillet: Transport your taste buds to Italy with this rich and creamy Tuscan chicken skillet. Featuring sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a luscious cream sauce, this dish is sure to impress.

Chicken Florentine: Experience the classic elegance of Chicken Florentine, where juicy chicken breasts are paired with a creamy spinach and mushroom sauce. Perfect for a special dinner at home.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken: Savor the irresistible combination of garlic and parmesan in this crispy and flavorful chicken dish. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Chicken Marsala: Delight in the rich and earthy flavors of Chicken Marsala, where tender chicken breasts are cooked in a Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms. This classic Italian-American dish is a true crowd-pleaser.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Chicken

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Elevate your appetizer game with these delectable stuffed mushrooms. Imagine plump mushroom caps filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The creamy filling is perfectly balanced with a hint of lemon zest and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Baked to golden perfection, these bite-sized delights are sure to impress your guests. Serve them warm, garnished with a touch of fresh parsley for an elegant touch.

Bruschetta: Transport your taste buds to Italy with this classic bruschetta. Start with slices of toasted baguette, rubbed with a hint of garlic for an extra layer of flavor. Top each slice with a vibrant mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The combination of juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil creates a refreshing and mouthwatering bite. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt and a dash of cracked black pepper to enhance the flavors. Serve immediately for a delightful start to any meal.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in the rich and decadent Chocolate Lava Cake. Imagine a warm, gooey center of melted chocolate that flows out as you cut into the cake. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of raspberry sauce for a delightful contrast of flavors and temperatures. Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few fresh mint leaves to elevate the presentation.

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake: Savor the refreshing and tangy Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake. This dessert features a creamy lemon-infused cheesecake filling, studded with juicy blueberries, all atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Top it with a generous layer of blueberry compote and a dollop of whipped cream. Add a twist of lemon zest and a few fresh blueberries for a burst of color and flavor.

Why trust this Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Recipe:

This recipe combines the rich flavors of chicken breasts, artichoke hearts, and fresh spinach leaves to create a delightful and creamy dish. The use of heavy cream and chicken broth ensures a luscious sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this dish is both easy to prepare and impressive to serve. Trust in the balance of flavors and the comforting creaminess that makes this recipe a standout.

Have you tried this Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Recipe? Let us know how it turned out or share your own twist on this dish in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the pan to avoid excess water in the sauce.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk, but keep in mind the sauce might be a bit less rich and creamy.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can also cut into the thickest part of the breast to check if the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink.

Can I use canned artichoke hearts instead of marinated ones?

Absolutely! Just make sure to drain and rinse the canned artichoke hearts before using them in the recipe.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.