One-Pan Creamy Chicken
Looking for a quick and comforting dinner idea? This Creamy Chicken Skillet is the perfect one-pan meal packed with flavor and made with everyday ingredients. Juicy chicken breasts are seared to perfection, then simmered in a rich, garlic cream sauce with spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a splash of fresh lemon for a bright, zesty finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 –2 tablespoons cream cheese or 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic grated or minced
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Grated parmesan for garnish
- 1 –2 tablespoons cooking oil olive or neutral
Spices and Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried garlic
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- A pinch of curry powder optional
Instructions
Prepare the ingredients
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and score them lightly with a knife to help them cook evenly. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, dried garlic, and a pinch of curry powder if using. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, grate the garlic and ginger, and set everything aside.
Sear the chicken
- Heat a knob of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.In the same skillet, add a little more butter if needed. Sauté the grated garlic, ginger, and sliced cherry tomatoes for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
Make the creamy sauce
- Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese or heavy cream. Let it melt into the tomatoes, creating a smooth and creamy sauce. Add a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.
Add spinach and return the chicken
- Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt for about 1 minute. Return the seared chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes so the flavors combine.
Finish with lemon and parmesan
- Just before serving, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the chicken and sprinkle generously with grated parmesan. Garnish with lemon slices if desired.
Ready to Serve
- Serve hot, straight from the pan. This dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Notes
*Nutrition info is a rough estimate based on the ingredients. Note that values may vary from case to case.
*As with all recipes, there is a number of ways you can get things done. If you believe that some of the instructions can be improved, or have a good alternative solution, feel free to leave a comment.
