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Low Carb Creamy Spinach Chicken – Comforting, Flavorful, and Weeknight-Friendly

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6–8 chicken thighs)
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Butter: 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
  • Chicken broth: 3/4 cup (low sodium preferred)
  • Heavy cream: 1 cup
  • Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated
  • Cream cheese (optional): 2 ounces for extra thickness
  • Baby spinach: 5–6 cups (about 5 ounces)
  • Italian seasoning or dried herbs: 1 teaspoon
  • Red pepper flakes (optional): a pinch
  • Lemon: 1, for zest and juice
  • Fresh parsley or basil (optional): for garnish

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning.
  2. Sear to lock in flavor: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken and cook 4–6 minutes per side until golden. Remove to a plate; it will finish cooking in the sauce.
  3. Build the base: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same pan. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, scraping up browned bits.
  4. Deglaze: Pour in chicken broth. Simmer 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Creamy goodness: Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream, remaining Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let it gently bubble for 2–3 minutes.
  6. Cheesy lift: Add Parmesan and whisk until smooth. If you want extra thickness, melt in cream cheese. The sauce should coat a spoon.
  7. Add spinach: Stir in spinach in batches until wilted and silky.
  8. Finish the chicken: Return chicken and any juices to the pan. Simmer 4–6 minutes, spooning sauce over the top, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Brighten it up: Add lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  10. Serve: Top with chopped parsley or basil. Spoon extra sauce over each piece.