Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Spinach Dish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Get ready to add a new favorite to your weeknight rotation! Our Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Spinach isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary experience waiting to happen. Here’s why this dish will capture your heart (and your taste buds):

• Irresistibly Delicious: Imagine tender chicken swimming in a rich, velvety garlic butter sauce, complemented by savory bacon and fresh spinach. It’s comfort food elevated to gourmet status!
• Weeknight Win: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 20, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under an hour. Perfect for busy evenings!
• Nutritious & Balanced: Packed with lean protein from the chicken, vitamins from the spinach, and healthy fats, this dish is satisfying and wholesome. It’s flavor without the guilt!
• One-Pan Wonder: Say goodbye to mountains of dishes! This recipe primarily uses one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. More time for savoring, less time scrubbing.

Your New Favorite: Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Spinach!

Are you tired of the same old dinner routine? Do you dream of a meal that’s both decadently delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Well, pinch yourself, because your culinary dreams are about to come true! Feast your eyes on the majestic Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Spinach – a dish so flavorful, so comforting, and so utterly irresistible, it’ll have your family asking for seconds (and thirds!). Forget complicated techniques and endless ingredient lists. We’re talking about tender, juicy chicken thighs bathed in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce, studded with crispy bacon, and brightened by vibrant spinach. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes, all harmonizing in one glorious skillet. Get ready to transform your dinner table into a five-star dining experience, effortlessly!

Ingredients for Your Culinary Masterpiece

Gather these simple ingredients to create your unforgettable Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Spinach:

• 🍗 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 🧂 Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 🫒 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 🧈 2 tablespoons butter
• 🧅 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 🧄 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 🥣 1/3 cup chicken broth
• 🥓 1/2 cup cooked crispy bacon, diced
• 🥛 1 cup heavy cream
• 🥛 3/4 cup milk
• 🌿 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 🍃 1 teaspoon oregano
• 🌶️ A pinch of crushed chili pepper flakes
• 🥬 3 cups baby spinach leaves
• 🧀 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 🥄 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 💧 1 tablespoon water

Step-by-Step Directions to Creamy Perfection

Follow these easy steps to bring your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Spinach to life:

1. Season the Chicken: Gently pat your chicken thighs dry, then generously season them with salt and black pepper on both sides.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs in the skillet. Sear for 5-8 minutes per side, or until they’re beautifully golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet, allowing it to melt and mingle with the flavorful chicken drippings. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until they become wonderfully fragrant.
4. Deglaze and Add Bacon: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – this adds incredible flavor! Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the crispy bacon bits and let them cook gently for 1-2 minutes.
5. Create the Creamy Base: Whisk in the heavy cream and milk until well combined. Stir in the Italian seasoning, oregano, and the pinch of crushed chili flakes. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference.
6. Wilt the Spinach & Melt Cheese: Gently fold in the baby spinach leaves. Stir continuously until they gently wilt into the sauce, then add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s fully melted and well combined, making the sauce even more luxurious.
7. Thicken the Sauce: In a small separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth to create a slurry. Quickly pour this slurry into the simmering sauce in the skillet, stirring continuously for about 1-2 minutes. Watch as the sauce magically transforms, thickening to a beautiful, velvety consistency.
8. Combine & Serve: Return the seared, cooked chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the luscious sauce. Spoon the sauce generously over the chicken. Simmer briefly for 1-2 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through and thoroughly coated. Serve this delightful Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Spinach immediately and prepare for rave reviews!

Serving Suggestions & Presentation Ideas

Elevate your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Spinach experience with these fantastic serving and presentation ideas:

• Classic Comfort: Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or your favorite pasta (linguine or fettuccine work beautifully) to soak up every drop of that incredible sauce.
• Low-Carb & Light: For a lighter option, pair it with cauliflower rice, spiralized zucchini noodles (zoodles), or steamed green beans. The rich sauce perfectly complements these healthier alternatives.
• Crusty Bread Companion: Don’t let any sauce go to waste! A side of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for mopping up the delicious creamy goodness.
• Garnish for Flair: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, chives, or an extra dusting of grated Parmesan cheese adds a pop of color and freshness right before serving.
• Family Style or Plated: Present the chicken beautifully on a large platter with the sauce spooned over, allowing everyone to serve themselves. Alternatively, plate individual servings, ensuring each person gets a generous piece of chicken and plenty of that irresistible sauce and spinach.

Storage & Longevity

While this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Spinach is best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly save leftovers!

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it cools down completely before sealing and refrigerating.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the dish in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the chicken tough.
• Freezing: Freezing creamy sauces can sometimes alter their texture upon thawing (they might separate or become grainy). While not ideal, if you must freeze, transfer to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently, whisking well to try and bring the sauce back together.

FAQs About Your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Spinach

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works well. Just note that it cooks faster and can dry out if overcooked, so adjust searing time to 4-6 minutes per side.

2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can! Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream, milk with unsweetened non-dairy milk, and Parmesan with a dairy-free alternative.

3. What if I don’t have bacon?

No problem! The bacon adds a lovely smoky flavor, but the dish is still incredibly delicious without it. You can skip it or add diced ham for a similar savory touch.

4. Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes would be wonderful additions. Sauté them with the onion and garlic.

5. Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe calls for a pinch of crushed chili pepper flakes, which adds a very mild warmth. You can increase or decrease the amount to suit your spice preference.

6. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a little more cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch whisked with 1 tsp water) or simmer the sauce for an additional minute or two to reduce it further.

7. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can pre-chop the onion and mince the garlic. While the dish is best fresh, you can sear the chicken and make the sauce ahead, then combine and heat through just before serving.

8. What kind of skillet should I use?

A large, heavy-bottomed skillet (like cast iron or stainless steel) that can hold all the chicken thighs and sauce comfortably is ideal for even cooking and easy sauce preparation.

9. How do I prevent the spinach from getting watery?

Add the baby spinach at the very end and stir just until it wilts. Overcooking spinach can release excess water, diluting your sauce.

10. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, the recipe already uses dried Italian seasoning and oregano, which work perfectly. If substituting with fresh herbs, you’ll typically need to use about three times the amount.