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To make the Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet, gather these items: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) If you need to convert measurements, here are some common ones: - 1 cup = 16 tablespoons - 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons - 1 teaspoon = 5 milliliters This helps when adjusting the recipe to fit your needs. For the best flavor, consider these brands: - Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is best. Brands like Colavita or California Olive Ranch are great choices. - Chicken Broth: Look for low-sodium chicken broth. Swanson and Kitchen Basics make good options. - Heavy Cream: Use a high-quality heavy cream like Horizon Organic or Land O'Lakes for rich flavor. - Spices: Fresh herbs are ideal. If not, dried spices from McCormick or Simply Organic work well. Choosing quality ingredients makes a big difference in taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, take the chicken breasts and season them. Use salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Rub the seasonings on both sides of each chicken breast. This step adds great flavor. Next, heat three tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. You want them cooked through but not dry. After cooking, take the chicken out and set it aside on a plate. Now, let’s make the sauce. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add four cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant but not burned. Pour in one cup of chicken broth. Scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits add flavor. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer for about 2-3 minutes. Now, stir in one cup of heavy cream. Mix until it’s well combined. Add one cup of roughly chopped spinach and let it wilt for about 2 minutes. Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the creamy garlic sauce over each piece. Let it simmer for an extra 3-4 minutes. This step helps the flavors blend together. After that, your creamy garlic chicken is ready to enjoy. To get chicken that is juicy and tender, follow these steps: - Use a meat thermometer. Cook the chicken until it reaches 165°F. - Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep the juices in. - Don't overcrowd the skillet. Cook in batches if needed for even browning. To make your dish pop, use these tips: - Season the chicken well with salt and pepper. - Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a bright taste. - Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice for extra freshness. - Mix in some grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce for a rich flavor. Watch out for these common errors: - Cooking the chicken over high heat can dry it out. Use medium heat instead. - Forgetting to scrape the brown bits from the skillet can lose flavor. - Adding spinach too early can make it soggy. Wait until the sauce is ready. - Skipping the resting time after cooking leads to dry chicken. Always let it rest! Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will provide a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced varieties. Always opt for fresh when possible for the best taste. Adjust the Creaminess: For a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or Greek yogurt. This will still keep the dish creamy without the extra calories. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption while remaining juicy. Customize the Greens: Feel free to swap out spinach for other greens like kale or Swiss chard, depending on your preference or what's available in your fridge. {{image_2}} You can make Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet healthier by using low-fat options. Instead of heavy cream, try using half-and-half or coconut milk. This cuts down on fat but keeps a creamy texture. You can also use skinless chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture. For a lighter dish, add more chicken broth and less cream. You can easily add vegetables to this dish. Try adding bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini. Just sauté them in the skillet before you add the garlic. You can also use alternative proteins. Tofu or chickpeas work well in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cook time so they heat through. Pair this dish with simple sides for a complete meal. Serve it over rice or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce. You can also add a fresh salad for a crunchy contrast. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. A sprinkle of grated cheese can add richness too. Store your creamy garlic chicken in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. Let the dish cool down before sealing it. It is best to eat it within three days. Make sure your fridge is at 40°F or below for safe storage. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the dish on the stove. Use medium heat and stir often. You can add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. Heat until it’s warm all the way through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Stir in between to ensure even heating. If you want to freeze this dish, do it before adding cream. Cook the chicken and make the sauce, then cool it down. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, add the cream and heat as mentioned above. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. You can use half-and-half for a lighter option. Milk with butter also works well. Mix 3/4 cup of milk with 1/4 cup of melted butter. For a non-dairy choice, try coconut cream or cashew cream. Each substitute changes the flavor a bit, so choose what fits your taste. This dish will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in a sealed container. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it instead. Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Cook it fully and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove. This will help keep the cream and flavors intact. Yes, you can make a vegetarian version. Replace the chicken with tofu or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For cream, use a plant-based version like almond or soy cream. Add more veggies for color and taste. This blog covered how to make a tasty Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet. We looked at ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to ensure your chicken turns out great. I shared ways to make it healthier and storage advice too. With these insights, you can enjoy a flavorful meal any day. Don't forget to experiment with flavors and variations. Cooking should be fun, so try new things. I'm confident you can create a dish your family will love!

Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet

A delicious and creamy chicken dish with garlic and spinach, perfect for a quick dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika on both sides.
  • Brown the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add Cream and Spinach: Lower the heat and mix in the heavy cream, stirring until combined. Add spinach and let it wilt in the sauce for about 2 minutes.
  • Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic sauce over the top. Let it simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
  • Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken before serving.

Notes

Serve with rice or pasta for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, creamy, easy, garlic, skillet