Description
Hearty Southern smothered chicken with creamed spinach delivers comfort on a plate, blending rich flavors and soul-warming goodness. Juicy chicken nestled in a velvety sauce promises a delightful meal you’ll savor with pure Southern hospitality.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Cooking Fats and Dairy:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- Additional Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Fresh Ingredients:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (60 grams) fresh spinach, chopped
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Meticulously dry chicken breasts using clean paper towels, ensuring surface moisture is completely removed for optimal seasoning adherence.
- Create a flavor-packed seasoning blend by generously coating both sides of chicken with aromatic garlic powder, smoky paprika, and balanced salt and pepper mixture.
- Select a robust, heavy-bottomed skillet and warm olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers with culinary potential.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the heated skillet, allowing each piece to develop a gorgeous golden-brown exterior through precise searing.
- Cook chicken for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, monitoring the development of a rich caramelized crust and ensuring internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F/74°C.
- Once perfectly cooked, transfer chicken to a clean serving platter, allowing residual heat to settle and juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Maintain the skillet’s flavorful remnants for potential sauce creation or subsequent cooking steps, preserving the accumulated culinary essence from the searing process.
Notes
- Always pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in juicy flavors.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, preventing overcooking and keeping chicken tender and moist.
- Swap chicken breasts with thighs for a richer taste, or use plant-based chicken alternatives for a vegetarian version.
- Rest the chicken for 5-10 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices, guaranteeing a succulent and flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg