Sheet-Pan

Chicken And Spinach

Name: Chicken And Spinach
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 cups (40g) fresh spinach leaves; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth; 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream; 1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons (30g) olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

By Reuben Jardine · June 19, 2026 · Sheet-Pan

Prep15 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

As a home cook, I'm always looking for recipes that are easy to make, delicious, and can be reheated without losing their flavor. Chicken and spinach is one of my favorite dishes that fits all these criteria. It's a perfect meal prep recipe that can be made ahead of time and reheated when you need it.

I remember the first time I made this recipe, I was amazed at how well the flavors came together. The chicken was tender, the spinach was fresh, and the sauce was rich and creamy. It was a hit with my family and friends, and I've been making it ever since.

What makes this recipe special is the way the chicken and spinach are cooked together in a way that brings out the best flavors in each ingredient. The chicken is cooked to perfection, with a nice brown crust on the outside and juicy meat on the inside. The spinach is wilted just enough to bring out its natural sweetness, without becoming too soggy.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants a delicious and easy meal that can be made ahead of time. It's great for busy weeknights, or for a special occasion when you want to impress your guests. And the best part is that it reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it for days to come.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to make chicken and spinach that's not only delicious, but also easy to make and reheat. I'll give you tips and tricks for getting the best flavors out of your ingredients, and for making the recipe your own. So let's get started and make some delicious chicken and spinach!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
It's perfect for meal prep and can be reheated for up to 3 days.
The chicken and spinach are cooked together in a way that brings out the best flavors in each ingredient.
The sauce is rich and creamy, and adds a nice tanginess to the dish.
This recipe is great for busy weeknights or for a special occasion when you want to impress your guests.
It's a healthy and delicious option that's perfect for anyone looking for a low-carb meal.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe is the way the chicken and spinach are cooked together. By cooking the chicken in a hot skillet with some oil, we get a nice brown crust on the outside, which adds flavor and texture to the dish. Then, by adding the spinach to the skillet and wilting it just enough, we bring out its natural sweetness and add depth to the sauce.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of aromatics like garlic and onion. These ingredients add a rich, savory flavor to the dish that complements the chicken and spinach perfectly. And by cooking them in the skillet with the chicken, we get a nice caramelized flavor that adds to the overall flavor of the dish.

Finally, the sauce is what brings everything together. By using a combination of chicken broth, cream, and Parmesan cheese, we get a rich, creamy sauce that coats the chicken and spinach and adds a nice tanginess to the dish. And by simmering the sauce for a few minutes, we get a nice thickened sauce that's perfect for serving over the chicken and spinach.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including chicken breasts, fresh spinach, garlic, onion, and a few pantry staples like chicken broth, cream, and Parmesan cheese. You'll also need some oil for cooking, and some salt and pepper for seasoning.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose fresh and high-quality items. Fresh spinach is essential for this recipe, as it will wilt and add flavor to the dish. You can also use frozen spinach if you can't find fresh, but be sure to thaw it first and squeeze out as much water as possible.

1 1/2 pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breastsLook for fresh and high-quality chicken breasts that are free of added hormones and antibiotics. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2 cups (40g) fresh spinach leavesFresh spinach is essential for this recipe, as it will wilt and add flavor to the dish. You can also use frozen spinach if you can't find fresh, but be sure to thaw it first and squeeze out as much water as possible.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish, and is essential for bringing out the flavors of the chicken and spinach. You can also use garlic powder if you don't have fresh garlic.
1 medium onion, choppedOnion adds a sweet and caramelized flavor to the dish, and is essential for adding depth to the sauce. You can also use shallots or scallions if you prefer.
1/2 cup (120ml) chicken brothChicken broth adds moisture and flavor to the dish, and is essential for creating a rich and creamy sauce. You can also use vegetable broth or stock if you prefer.
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy creamHeavy cream adds a rich and creamy texture to the sauce, and is essential for balancing out the flavors of the dish. You can also use half-and-half or whole milk if you prefer.
1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor to the dish, and is essential for adding depth to the sauce. You can also use other types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, if you prefer.
2 tablespoons (30g) olive oilOlive oil is used for cooking the chicken and spinach, and adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish. You can also use other types of oil, such as coconut or avocado oil, if you prefer.
1 teaspoon saltSalt is used to season the dish and bring out the flavors of the ingredients. You can also use other types of salt, such as sea salt or kosher salt, if you prefer.
1/2 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper is used to season the dish and add a nice kick of flavor. You can also use other types of pepper, such as white pepper or cayenne pepper, if you prefer.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large skillet with a heavy bottomCutting boardKnifeMeasuring cups and spoonsWhiskInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Chicken And Spinach

1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.
4
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and starting to caramelize.
5
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
6
Add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until they wilt, about 1-2 minutes.
7
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Pour the sauce over the spinach and onion in the skillet, and stir to combine.
8
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over the top of each breast.
9
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened.
10
Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the chicken and spinach hot, spooning some of the sauce over the top of each breast.
11
Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Expert Tips

Use fresh and high-quality ingredients to get the best flavors out of your dish.
Don't overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough.
Use a thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving, as this will help the juices to redistribute and the meat to stay tender.
You can also add other ingredients to the sauce, such as diced bell peppers or chopped mushrooms, to add more flavor and texture.
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to find the one you like best.
Consider serving the chicken and spinach with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad for a well-rounded meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry and tough.
Not using a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken.
Not letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Using low-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not whisking the sauce properly, which can result in a lumpy or uneven texture.
Not cooking the spinach long enough, which can result in a bitter or unpleasant flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced bell peppers or chopped mushrooms to the sauce for added flavor and texture.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to change up the flavor of the dish.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the sauce for added freshness and flavor.
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a more tender and juicy texture.
Add some spice to the dish by using red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos.
Serve the chicken and spinach with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad for a well-rounded meal.
Use a different type of protein, such as shrimp or tofu, for a vegetarian or vegan option.

What to Serve With Chicken And Spinach

This chicken and spinach recipe is perfect for serving with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad. You can also serve it with some crusty bread or over rice or pasta for a more filling meal.

Some other ideas for serving this dish include:

Roasted vegetablesSaladCrusty breadRicePastaGarlic bread

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This chicken and spinach recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply cook the chicken and spinach, then let it cool before refrigerating or freezing.

To reheat the dish, simply microwave it for 30-60 seconds, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbly.

You can also freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Simply cook the chicken and spinach, then let it cool before freezing. To reheat, simply thaw the dish overnight in the fridge, then microwave it for 30-60 seconds, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbly.

When storing the dish, be sure to keep it in an airtight container to prevent drying out or contamination. You can also add a splash of chicken broth or cream to the dish before reheating to keep it moist and flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best type of chicken to use for this recipe. They are lean and tender, and cook quickly and evenly.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach instead of fresh. Simply thaw the spinach and squeeze out as much water as possible before using it in the recipe.

How do I know if the chicken is cooked through?

The best way to know if the chicken is cooked through is to use a thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C).

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply cook the chicken and spinach, then let it cool before refrigerating or freezing.

How do I reheat the dish?

To reheat the dish, simply microwave it for 30-60 seconds, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbly. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350 F (180 C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbly.

Can I freeze the dish?

Yes, you can freeze the dish. Simply cook the chicken and spinach, then let it cool before freezing. To reheat, simply thaw the dish overnight in the fridge, then microwave it for 30-60 seconds, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbly.

How long does the dish last in the fridge?

The dish will last for up to 3 days in the fridge. Simply cook the chicken and spinach, then let it cool before refrigerating.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to change up the flavor of the dish.

The Full Recipe

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