Creamy and Crunchy Spinach Over Chicken Recipe with Tips

When it comes to comfort food, the combination of creamy and crunchy textures over tender chicken is a winner every time. Our “Creamy and Crunchy Spinach Over Chicken” recipe is not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect dish for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal. This recipe blends the earthiness of spinach with the richness of cream and the satisfying crunch of a perfectly cooked chicken breast or thigh.

Is Chicken and Spinach a Good Combination?

Absolutely! Chicken and spinach are a classic pairing in many cuisines around the world. The mild flavor of chicken complements the slightly bitter taste of spinach, creating a balanced and satisfying dish. Spinach is rich in iron, vitamins, and fiber, while chicken provides high-quality protein, making this combination not only delicious but also highly nutritious.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for frying)

For the Creamy Spinach:

• 3 cups fresh spinach leaves (washed and dried)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or a lighter alternative like half-and-half for fewer calories)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Crunchy Topping:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works best for extra crunch)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Spinach

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil or butter if needed. Sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant and soft, about 3 minutes.
2. Cook the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Combine: Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the creamy spinach, spooning the sauce over the top of the chicken. Let it simmer together for a couple of minutes.

Step 3: Create the Crunchy Topping

1. Prepare the Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter until well combined.
2. Top the Chicken: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the chicken and spinach in the skillet.
3. Bake (Optional): For an extra crispy topping, you can transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish: If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
2. Serve: This dish pairs well with a side of steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.

Tips and Variations

How to Make Chicken Super Tender

• Marinate: For even more tender chicken, consider marinating it in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Pound It Out: If using chicken breasts, you can pound them to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly and stay tender.
• Cook Low and Slow: While this recipe calls for pan-frying, slow-cooking the chicken in the creamy spinach mixture can also yield incredibly tender results.

Healthy Chicken Spinach Recipes

• Lighten the Cream: Substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a plant-based alternative to reduce calories and fat.
• No Cream Options: You can skip the cream altogether and opt for a broth-based sauce thickened with a bit of cornstarch or flour.
• Low-Calorie Spinach Chicken: For a lighter version, serve the creamy spinach chicken over cauliflower rice or alongside a fresh garden salad.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg

“Creamy and Crunchy Spinach Over Chicken” is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of flavors and textures that brings comfort to the table. The combination of tender chicken, creamy spinach, and a crispy topping makes this dish a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Plus, with plenty of variations and tips, you can make this recipe your own.

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to check out other delicious chicken recipes on easycrispyrecipes.com like our Baked Eggs in Avocado With Bacon or Crispy Halloumi Cheese with Caper Sauce. We would love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment, share your creation on social media, and subscribe to our newsletter for more mouthwatering recipes.