
Okay, let’s talk dinner. You want something that’s cozy but not boring. Something creamy, garlicky, and packed with flavor—but without needing a thousand ingredients or an hour in the kitchen. This garlic chicken with spinach? She checks all the boxes.
It’s tender chicken cooked in a creamy, garlicky sauce, with fresh spinach stirred in for that pop of green (and hey, vitamins!). The kind of dish that feels fancy but secretly takes less than 30 minutes. Let’s do this.
Why Is My Chicken Always Dry? (Spoiler: It’s Not You)
Honestly, the trick is in the cut. Whole chicken breasts are thick and uneven, so they cook unevenly. You end up with dry edges and undercooked centers. Not fun.
Solution? Cutlets.
Just slice a chicken breast in half horizontally, and boom—you’ve got cutlets. They cook way faster and more evenly. And if you’re feeling extra, give ’em a little pound with a meat mallet so they’re nice and thin all around. It makes a huge difference.
Ingredients in Garlic Chicken with Spinach (And Why They Matter)
Here’s everything you’ll need—plus what each one brings to the table:
- 1 pound chicken cutlets – Thin and tender, these cook up quickly and evenly. You can buy them pre-sliced or slice regular breasts yourself.
- ½ tsp salt + ½ tsp ground pepper (divided) – We season in stages so flavor builds instead of getting lost.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – For that golden sear. Keeps the chicken from sticking and adds a bit of richness.
- 3 garlic cloves, grated – Garlic is the star. Grated means max flavor in every bite.
- ½ cup dry white wine – Adds depth and acidity to the sauce. Don’t skip it. And don’t worry, the alcohol cooks off.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped – A full cup per person. It wilts down, so pile it in. Bonus: makes the dish feel balanced and fresh.
- ½ cup heavy cream – This is what makes the sauce silky and rich. Totally worth it.
How to Make Garlic Chicken with Spinach
Follow along step-by-step, and you’ll be plating up like a pro.
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Sprinkle the cutlets with half the salt and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium.
Add the chicken and cook 3 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through.
Set it aside on a plate and try not to snack on it while we make the sauce.
Step 2: Make It Smell Amazing
Toss in the grated garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until it smells incredible (but don’t let it burn).
Crank the heat up a little and pour in the wine. Let that bubble away for about a minute to reduce and concentrate the flavor.
Step 3: Sauce It Up
Turn the heat back down to medium.
Stir in the chopped spinach, heavy cream, and the rest of the salt and pepper.
Let it simmer for about 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce starts to thicken. It’ll smell like a dream at this point.
Step 4: Finish Strong
Pop the chicken back into the skillet.
Spoon some of that creamy garlic sauce over the top.
Let it all hang out together for a minute or two so the flavors can settle in.
Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Chicken Every Time
- Pound it out – Even thickness = even cooking.
- Season in layers – Not just at the end. Trust me, it makes a difference.
- Don’t rush the garlic – Let it bloom, but not burn. Timing is everything here.
- Use good wine – Doesn’t need to be expensive, but something you’d drink. No “cooking wine” nonsense.
What to Serve with Garlic Chicken and Spinach
You’ve got options here. This dish is flexible and plays well with others.
- Mashed potatoes – Creamy on creamy? Always a yes.
- Buttered noodles – Something simple to soak up that garlic sauce.
- Crusty bread – For scooping and sopping. Please don’t skip this.
- Cauliflower rice – If you’re trying to keep it light. Still totally satisfying.
- Roasted veggies – Carrots, green beans, asparagus—all great choices.
Does It Reheat Well?
Yep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave—low and slow is key so the cream doesn’t separate.
Want to freeze it? Sure, but cream sauces can get a little weird when frozen. I recommend eating it fresh or within a few days
Final Thoughts from Me, Kelsey
This garlic chicken with spinach is like a warm hug in a skillet. It’s simple but not boring, creamy but not heavy, and it comes together fast. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your fam, or trying to impress someone—this one’s a win.
Let me know if you try it. And definitely serve it with something that helps you get every last drop of that sauce. You won’t regret it.
Garlic Chicken with Spinach Recipe
Creamy, garlicky chicken packed with flavor and fresh spinach—this quick skillet dinner feels fancy but is super easy. Ready in under 30 minutes. Cozy and comforting without being heavy. Great for weeknights!

Ingredients
Instructions
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Sprinkle chicken with ¼ tsp salt and pepper on both sides.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Cook chicken for about 3 mins each side until golden and cooked through. Take out and set aside.
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Toss in grated garlic, stir for 30 seconds.
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Add white wine and let it bubble and reduce for about 1 minute.
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Lower the heat, stir in spinach, cream, and the rest of the salt and pepper.
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Let it simmer for about 2 mins, till spinach wilts and sauce thickens a bit.
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Return chicken to pan, spoon sauce over it, and heat for another 1–2 mins.
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Serve hot with crusty bread, pasta, or mashed potatoes!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 3
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 410kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 28g44%
- Sodium 480mg20%
- Total Carbohydrate 6g2%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Protein 30g60%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- You can slice full chicken breasts in half to make your own cutlets.
- No wine? Sub with chicken broth.
- Want it lighter? Use half-and-half instead of cream.
- Don't overcook the chicken—cutlets cook fast!
- Great with a squeeze of lemon at the end, if you like a little tang.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you totally can! Just make sure to thaw it first and squeeze out all the extra liquid. Too much water will thin out your creamy sauce, and we don’t want that. Use about ½ cup of thawed frozen spinach as a swap for 2 cups fresh.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you want something lighter, go with half-and-half or even evaporated milk. For dairy-free, try coconut cream—it’ll add a slight tropical vibe but still give you that creamy texture.