Go Back
To make this delicious Creamy Lemon Chicken & Spinach Skillet, you need the following ingredients: - 2 chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 1 lemon - 3 cups fresh spinach - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish These ingredients combine to create rich flavors and a creamy texture. The chicken breasts provide protein, while the spinach adds nutrients. The lemon zest and juice bring a bright, fresh taste. Olive oil helps cook the chicken and garlic, adding depth to the dish. Heavy cream makes the sauce smooth and creamy, creating a perfect blend with the chicken broth. The Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese enhance the flavor profile, making each bite delightful. - Seasoning with Salt and Pepper Start by slicing your chicken breasts into thin strips. This helps them cook evenly. Season them well with salt and pepper. You want good flavor in each bite. - Cooking Process in Skillet Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken strips. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them to be golden brown and fully cooked. After that, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. - Sautéing Garlic In the same skillet, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds. You want it to be fragrant without burning. - Incorporating Chicken Broth and Cream Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth. Scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds great flavor to your sauce. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Then, lower the heat and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, along with the zest and juice of 1 lemon. Mix it well and let it simmer for another 2 minutes. - Wilting Spinach Now, add 3 cups of fresh spinach and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts. This should take only a couple of minutes. - Combining Chicken and Sauce Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Mix it with the creamy sauce until everything is warm. Check the seasoning and add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and top with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Enjoy your meal! - Importance of Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Use fresh spinach, garlic, and lemon. Freshness adds bright flavors and good texture to your dish. When you pick fresh items, you get the best taste. - Adjusting Creaminess: You can control the creaminess of your sauce. For a lighter dish, use less heavy cream. If you want it richer, add more cream. Adjust to your liking for the perfect blend. - Proper Heat Levels: Keep your heat at medium. This helps cook the chicken evenly. If the heat is too high, the chicken may burn outside and stay raw inside. Stir often for an even cook. - Preventing Overcooking Chicken: Cook chicken until it is golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer for best results. The chicken should reach 165°F to ensure it's safe to eat. Remove it from the skillet as soon as it’s done. - Pairing with Side Dishes: Pair your creamy lemon chicken with rice or pasta. A side of steamed veggies works well too. A crisp salad adds freshness to the meal. Choose sides that balance the creaminess. - Presentation Tips: Garnish with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. This adds color and makes the dish look fancy. Serve in a nice skillet or plate for a great table display. A bright lemon wedge can add a pop of color too. {{image_2}} You can easily change up the protein in this dish. Try using turkey instead of chicken. Turkey strips cook just as well and add a nice flavor. If you're looking for a plant-based option, tofu works great too. Just make sure to press it well to remove excess moisture before cooking. For the greens, spinach is a favorite, but you can swap it with kale or arugula. Kale gives a hearty bite, while arugula adds a peppery touch. Both options will still pair well with the creamy lemon sauce. Want to spice things up? Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. You can also try using other citrus fruits. Lime juice and zest can give this dish a unique twist. It adds brightness and a fresh flavor that balances the creaminess. If you're looking for gluten-free options, check your chicken broth label. Many brands are gluten-free, making this dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Both options provide a rich texture without the dairy. Just remember to adjust the lemon juice to balance the flavors. To store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly to keep air out. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to eat it again, reheat it in a skillet over low heat. Stir it often for even warming. You can also use a microwave. Heat it for about one to two minutes. Check that it’s hot all the way through before serving. To freeze Creamy Lemon Chicken & Spinach Skillet, first, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Cover it tightly. This dish can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to eat it, take it out and let it thaw overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. If it seems a bit thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring it back to life. In the fridge, this dish stays fresh for about three days. After that, it may lose flavor and texture. To spot spoilage, look for any off smells or changes in color. If you see mold or it smells sour, it’s best to throw it away. Always trust your senses; they help keep you safe in the kitchen! You can pair this dish with several tasty sides. Here are my top picks: - Rice: White or brown rice soaks up the creamy sauce well. - Pasta: Serve it over your favorite pasta for a filling meal. - Quinoa: This adds a nutty flavor and boosts protein. - Bread: A crusty bread is great for scooping up the sauce. - Salad: A fresh garden salad balances the rich flavors. Each of these sides complements the creamy lemon chicken, making your meal feel complete. Yes, you can prep this dish in advance. Here’s how: - Cooking Chicken: You can cook the chicken and store it in the fridge for 1-2 days. - Making the Sauce: Prepare the creamy sauce ahead and store it separately. - Storage: Keep both the chicken and sauce in airtight containers. When you’re ready to serve, just heat both up on the stove. Add fresh spinach at the end to keep it vibrant. If you love spice, I have some easy ways to kick it up: - Red Pepper Flakes: Add a pinch when cooking the chicken for a mild heat. - Chili Powder: Mix in some while making the sauce for more depth. - Hot Sauce: Drizzle some on your plate before serving for a quick boost. Adjust the spice to your liking. Enjoy the flavor and heat! This blog post detailed how to make a tasty Creamy Lemon Chicken and Spinach Skillet. We covered the key ingredients, preparation steps, and tips to make your dish shine. You learned how to enhance flavors and tweak the recipe to fit your needs. Don't forget to store leftovers safely and follow our reheating tips. With these skills, you can impress anyone at the dinner table. Enjoy cooking and share your version with friends!

Creamy Lemon Chicken & Spinach Skillet

Savor the delicious flavors of Creamy Lemon Chicken & Spinach Skillet! This quick and easy recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, citrusy cream sauce and fresh spinach for a dish that's perfect for any night. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's the ultimate weeknight dinner idea. Click through to unlock this tasty recipe and elevate your mealtime! 🍋🍗 #ChickenRecipes #EasyDinner #HealthyEating #CookingInspiration
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

3 cups fresh spinach

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

      Add the chicken strips to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

        In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

          Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes.

            Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well and let it simmer for another 2 minutes.

              Add the fresh spinach and Italian seasoning into the skillet, stirring until the spinach wilts.

                Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, combining it with the creamy mixture. Let it warm through for another minute or two.

                  Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

                    Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

                      Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4