Short Description

Creamy Chicken with Spinach & Carrots is a savory, skillet-style meal that features tender chicken breasts smothered in a velvety cream sauce with wilted spinach and mild spices. Served alongside buttered carrots or potatoes, it’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and casual entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is rich in flavor and beautifully balanced. The chicken is seared until golden and then baked with a creamy spinach topping that locks in moisture and taste. It is easy to prepare, yet elegant enough to serve at a dinner gathering. The vibrant vegetables add both color and nutritional value to the plate, making it a complete and wholesome meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper
Garlic powder
Olive oil or butter

For the creamy spinach topping:

Fresh or frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry if frozen)
Cream cheese
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese, grated
Garlic, minced
Onion, finely chopped
Nutmeg (optional)

For the carrots (side):

Carrots, peeled and sliced
Butter
Honey or brown sugar (optional)
Salt and pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a baking dish.
In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic. Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Stir in cream, spinach, Parmesan, and a pinch of nutmeg. Simmer until thickened.
Spoon the creamy mixture over the chicken. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked.
Meanwhile, cook carrots in boiling water until tender. Drain and toss with butter, and a pinch of sugar or honey if desired.
Serve the chicken hot with carrots or other preferred sides.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes

Variations

Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier cut.
Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the spinach sauce for extra flavor.
Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.
Replace carrots with roasted vegetables or green beans.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or gently on the stovetop.
Not recommended for freezing due to the dairy-based sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the sauce.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the creamy spinach mixture can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

How do I know the chicken is done?

It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and no longer be pink inside.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can try using plant-based cream cheese and non-dairy cream alternatives, but results may vary.

Can I use other meats?

Yes, turkey cutlets or pork chops are suitable alternatives.

What herbs work well in this dish?

Thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning blends complement the flavors nicely.

What’s the best way to keep the chicken moist?

Searing it before baking and topping with sauce helps retain moisture.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, but use a larger baking dish to ensure even cooking.

Is this dish spicy?

No, it’s mild and creamy. You can add red pepper flakes if desired.

What are the best sides?

Potatoes, pasta, buttered carrots, or roasted asparagus pair beautifully.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken with Spinach & Carrots is a cozy and flavorful dish that brings comfort and elegance to your dinner table. With its rich sauce, perfectly cooked chicken, and colorful vegetables, it is sure to become a family favorite and a go-to option for entertaining guests.

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Creamy Chicken with Spinach & Carrots is a savory, protein-packed dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich spinach cream sauce and served with herbed potatoes and sweet glazed carrots. A wholesome and comforting family meal. Keyword: Creamy Chicken with Spinach & Carrots

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Sautéed
Cuisine: American-European Fusion

Instructions

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
In a skillet, heat oil and butter over medium heat. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
Stir in cream and cheese. Cook until thickened. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Return chicken to pan and coat with sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Serve with herbed potatoes and glazed or steamed carrots.

Notes

Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor boost.

Use frozen spinach if fresh is unavailable—just thaw and squeeze out liquid.