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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian herbs (such as oregano and basil) - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup heavy whipping cream - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Creamy Garlic Chicken and Spinach Skillet

Discover the ultimate weeknight dinner with Creamy Garlic Chicken and Spinach Skillet! This quick and easy recipe features tender chicken in a luscious garlic sauce, paired with fresh spinach for a nutritious boost. Perfectly creamy and delicious, this one-pan meal is ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings. With rich flavors and simple ingredients, your family will love this comforting dish. Enjoy a wholesome meal that's both satisfying and easy to prepare.
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

6 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or 1 tablespoon fresh Italian herbs, finely chopped)

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup heavy whipping cream

2 cups fresh spinach leaves

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, making sure to coat evenly.

    Sear the Chicken: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes without moving them, until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 6-7 minutes, or until they are cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer to a plate; cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.

      Sauté Garlic: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the same skillet. Once heated, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned, as burned garlic can impart a bitter taste.

        Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds great flavor to your sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Afterward, stir in the heavy cream, dried or fresh herbs, and lemon juice. Allow this mixture to cook for 3-4 minutes, until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.

          Add Spinach and Cheese: Stir in the fresh spinach, cooking just until it wilts—this should take about 2 minutes. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until it melts beautifully into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.

            Combine Chicken and Sauce: Gently place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to ensure it's evenly coated. Allow everything to simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated through and the flavors meld.

              Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve this delicious dish warm, paired with your choice of pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread for soaking up that rich, creamy sauce.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                  15 minutes | 30 minutes | Serves 4