Description
This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach is a delicious and comforting American main course featuring tender chicken breasts seared and baked with a creamy spinach sauce and melted cheeses. It offers a rich, flavorful meal that’s gluten-free and low carb, perfect for a hearty dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Creamed Spinach Mixture
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Season Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to infuse flavor.
- Sear Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the hot pan and sear them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until both sides turn golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for the next step.
- Prepare Creamed Spinach: Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, approximately 2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Combine and Bake: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the creamed spinach mixture over each breast. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with red pepper flakes if desired for a little heat. Serve warm alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or cauliflower mash for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with light cream or half-and-half and use part-skim mozzarella cheese.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or cauliflower mash to complete the dish.
