Name: One Pot Creamed Spinach Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 teaspoon dried herbs of choice (oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 shallots, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon butter; Salt, to taste; 6 ounces fresh baby spinach

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One Pot Creamed Spinach Chicken is a flavorful, comforting dish made with juicy seared chicken thighs in a rich, creamy spinach sauce. With just one pan and minimal prep, this 30-minute recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that tastes like a restaurant-quality meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish brings together the richness of a creamy sauce, the earthiness of fresh spinach, and the savory depth of perfectly seasoned chicken—all in a single skillet. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for company. The creamy base is balanced and not too heavy, and the dish pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

One Pot Creamed Spinach Chicken

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken thighs
dried herbs (oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning)
garlic powder
sweet or smoked paprika
salt
freshly ground black pepper
olive oil
shallots, thinly sliced
garlic, minced
chicken broth
sour cream
heavy cream
butter
fresh baby spinach

Directions

Prepare chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine dried herbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken.
Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, add the thinly sliced shallots and sauté for about 1 minute until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 15 seconds until fragrant.
Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and whisk in the sour cream. Bring to a gentle boil, whisking continuously. Stir in heavy cream and butter, cooking for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add spinach: Stir in the fresh baby spinach and cook until wilted. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth to loosen it.
Finish the dish: Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for another minute until heated through. Remove from heat and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Make it dairy-free: Use full-fat coconut milk and a dairy-free sour cream alternative.
Use chicken breasts: Swap thighs for boneless chicken breasts, adjusting cooking time as needed.
Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the shallots for an earthy flavor boost.
Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce for heat.
Lower-fat version: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and light cream instead of heavy cream.

Storage/Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Freezer: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw and drain the frozen spinach before adding. Use about 1/2 the volume of fresh spinach since it’s more compact.

What’s the best cut of chicken for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless thighs are ideal for their flavor and tenderness, but breasts can work too if cooked carefully.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well. Prepare it a day in advance and reheat gently before serving.

Is this dish keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in fats and protein, making it a great keto option.

What should I serve this with?

Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Can I use light cream instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce may be slightly thinner. You can cook it a bit longer to thicken if needed.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Can I add cheese to the sauce?

Yes, a handful of grated Parmesan or mozzarella adds richness and flavor.

Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?

Yes, use full-fat Greek yogurt for a similar tang and creamy texture.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

Simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes or add a spoonful of grated cheese or a cornstarch slurry.

Conclusion

One Pot Creamed Spinach Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying meal that comes together quickly with minimal cleanup. It’s rich without being too heavy, easy to customize, and sure to become a go-to recipe in your dinner rotation. Perfect for busy nights or when you want something comforting and delicious without the fuss.

Jessica