Ingredients

For the Smothered Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

For the Creamed Spinach:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 10 oz (about 300g) fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed and drained)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika on both sides.
• Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet).

2. Make the Smothered Sauce:

• In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze. Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
• Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over it. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).

3. Prepare the Creamed Spinach:

• In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
• Add the fresh spinach (in batches if needed) and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. (If using frozen spinach, just heat it through.)
• Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens.

4. Serve:

• Plate the smothered chicken and spoon some of the sauce over the top. Serve alongside or on top of the creamed spinach.

Tips

• You can add mushrooms to the smothered chicken sauce for extra flavor.
• Pair this dish with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.