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There’s something incredibly comforting about juicy chicken breast drenched in a velvety cream cheese spinach sauce. This recipe combines simple ingredients into a dish that not only pleases your taste buds but also warms the soul. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this creamy delight will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
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Chicken with Spinach Cream Cheese Sauce – Quick & Delicious
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A creamy and comforting chicken breast recipe featuring a velvety cream cheese and spinach sauce, perfect for family dinners and special meals.
Ingredients
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1/3 cup white wine or chicken broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 (5 ounce) package soft cheese (e.g., Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs), cut into cubes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
4 cups packed roughly-chopped fresh spinach
2 tablespoons minced fresh chives
Instructions
1. Slice chicken breasts across the grain into cutlets and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet, then brown chicken 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and keep warm.
3. Cook onion in the same skillet for 2 minutes, add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
4. Add wine or broth, cook until evaporated (2 minutes), reduce heat to low.
5. Stir in tomatoes, cheese, and Italian seasoning until cheese melts (5 minutes).
6. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
7. Return chicken to skillet, coat with sauce and heat to 165°F internal temp.
8. Garnish with minced chives before serving.
Notes
Use fresh spinach and fresh chives for best flavor.
Substitute cream cheese mixed with herbs if soft cheese unavailable.
Use chicken broth instead of wine for non-alcoholic version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients for Chicken with Spinach Cream Cheese Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 1 pound |
| Salt and freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Unsalted butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Chopped onion | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 1 clove |
| White wine or chicken broth | 1/3 cup |
| Fire-roasted diced tomatoes (canned) | 1 (14.5 ounce) can |
| Soft cheese (e.g., Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Gournay) | 1 (5 ounce) package, cubed |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh spinach, roughly chopped | 4 cups packed |
| Minced fresh chives (for garnish) | 2 tablespoons |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice chicken breasts across the grain into cutlets or have your butcher do it. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter melts, swirl to combine. Lightly brown the chicken cutlets, cooking 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer them to a plate and keep warm.
- Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook for about 2 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high, add minced garlic, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze: Pour in white wine or chicken broth, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid evaporates (about 2 minutes). Reduce heat to low.
- Create the Sauce: Stir in fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices, cubed soft cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir occasionally until cheese melts (approximately 5 minutes).
- Add Spinach: Incorporate the chopped spinach into the sauce and stir well until it wilts.
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Place the chicken cutlets back in the skillet, coating each with the creamy spinach sauce. Heat until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh minced chives on top before serving.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Chicken with Spinach Cream Cheese Sauce
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and fresh chives bring vibrant flavors that canned or dried herbs cannot match.
- Choose the Right Cheese: Soft cheeses like Boursin add a unique garlic and herb flavor that really elevates the sauce’s richness.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure juicy, perfectly cooked chicken at 165°F.
- Substitute Liquids: White wine can be replaced with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option without sacrificing flavor.
- Make Ahead: The sauce can be prepared in advance and reheated gently before combining with freshly cooked chicken.
Your Creamy Chicken Experience Awaits
Try this luscious chicken breast with cream cheese spinach sauce for a meal that’s as wholesome as it is indulgent. This recipe offers not only deliciousness but a sense of nostalgic comfort that elevates everyday dining into a special occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken with Spinach Cream Cheese Sauce
Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
A: Yes, thaw and drain frozen spinach thoroughly before adding to avoid excess moisture affecting the sauce.
Q: What can I use if I don’t have Boursin cheese?
A: Substitute with cream cheese combined with garlic powder and fresh herbs for similar flavor and texture.
Q: Is this recipe keto or low-carb friendly?
A: Yes, this dish is naturally low in carbs and high in protein, making it suitable for keto and low-carb diets.
Q: How long can leftovers be stored?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to retain creaminess.