Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken

The first time I made this skillet, my husband actually paused mid-bite and asked what restaurant Id ordered from. When I told him it was just a throw-together dinner after a chaotic Tuesday, he didnt believe me until I showed him the single dirty pan in the sink.

My friend Sarah stayed over unexpectedly last winter when her flight got canceled, and I threw this together with pantry staples. She now requests it every time she visits, calling it her emergency comfort food.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pound them slightly to even thickness so they cook evenly and stay tender
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Season generously on both sides since the sauce will only enhance whats already there
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Freshly cracked makes a noticeable difference in depth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Use an oil that can handle medium-high heat without smoking
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach: Baby spinach is tender and wilts beautifully without becoming slimy
• 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts: The marinated ones add briny depth that plain artichokes miss
• 1 small yellow onion: Finely diced so it melts into the sauce rather than staying chunky
• 3 cloves garlic: Minced fresh, never jarred, for that aromatic punch
• 1 cup heavy cream: Dont skimp here, the richness is what ties everything together
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Low-sodium lets you control the salt level
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts better than pre-shredded
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Just enough to add complexity without announcing itself
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, but lovely for subtle warmth
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds brightness and makes everything look intentional

Instructions

Season the chicken:

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper

Sear to golden:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and sear 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden and nearly cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil

Build the base:

Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and cook 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook just 30 seconds until fragrant

Wilt the greens:

Add spinach and toss until just wilted, about 1 minute. Stir in quartered artichoke hearts

Create the sauce:

Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add heavy cream, Parmesan, Dijon, and red pepper flakes. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer

Finish together:

Nestle chicken back into the sauce. Simmer on low 6 to 8 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce has slightly thickened

Garnish and serve:

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and bring the whole skillet to the table

Pin It

This recipe has become my go-to when friends need cheering up, something about the creamy sauce and tender chicken just feels like a hug in a skillet.

Making It Your Own

Sometimes I swap in kale for spinach, especially in winter when the kale is sweeter after frost. The heartier greens hold up beautifully and add a nice texture contrast.

Serving Suggestions

Cauliflower mash has become my favorite low-carb pairing, soaking up that extra sauce without competing with the flavors. A crisp white wine cuts through the richness perfectly.

Timing Tricks

Ive learned to prep all my ingredients before turning on the stove, since the sauce comes together quickly once you start. Nothing worse than scrambling to mince garlic while cream is bubbling away.

• Mise en place is your friend here
• Warm your plates if serving company
• Have crusty bread ready, even if just for yourself

Pin It

Theres something deeply satisfying about a dinner that looks impressive but leaves you with only one pan to wash.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute kale for spinach?

Yes, kale can be used instead of spinach for a heartier texture and slightly different flavor. Sauté it until just wilted before adding other ingredients.

→ What can I serve alongside this dish?

Crusty bread, rice, or cauliflower mash pair well, complementing the creamy sauce and tender chicken.

→ How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce a few minutes longer to reduce or stir in cream cheese for extra richness and thickness.

→ Is it possible to prepare this in advance?

You can prepare components ahead by sautéing the vegetables and making the sauce, then reheat and add cooked chicken before serving.

→ Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, omit or reduce crushed red pepper flakes for milder flavor or add more for extra heat.