Name: Lemon Parmesan Spinach Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup chicken broth; ¾ cup heavy cream; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 4 cups fresh spinach leaves

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If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you’ve come to the right place! My Lemon Parmesan Spinach Chicken is one of those recipes that never fails to impress. It’s creamy, comforting, and bursting with fresh flavors from lemon and spinach. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish comes together quickly but looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.

What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. The combination of tender chicken, rich parmesan sauce, and vibrant spinach makes every bite a delight. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to make: You can have this meal on the table in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
Family-friendly: The creamy sauce and mild flavors appeal to both kids and adults alike.
One-pan wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal with loved ones!
Fresh and flavorful: The bright notes of lemon paired with savory parmesan will brighten up any dinner.
Easily adaptable: You can tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients for this delightful Lemon Parmesan Spinach Chicken. Most of these should be easy to find in your pantry or local grocery store!

For the Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper (for seasoning the chicken)
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce

3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup chicken broth
¾ cup heavy cream
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon zest of 1 lemon
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Spinach

4 cups fresh spinach leaves
Additional Parmesan cheese for garnish
Thinly sliced lemon for garnish

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations you can try:

Swap the protein: If chicken isn’t your thing, feel free to use turkey breast or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Add veggies: Toss in some cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
Change the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like feta or mozzarella for a unique twist.
Make it lighter: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you want a lighter version without losing creaminess.

How to Make Lemon Parmesan Spinach Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly so that they remain juicy and tender. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper — this step is vital as it enhances the flavor of the chicken itself!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add your seasoned chicken breasts and let them sear for about 3-4 minutes per side until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Once cooked through, remove them from the pan — we’ll bring them back later!

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In that same pan, add minced garlic and sauté it until fragrant, about one minute. This adds depth to our sauce! Next, pour in the chicken broth along with lemon juice and zest. Scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck at the bottom—those are flavor gold! Bring it all to a gentle boil before reducing heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and let it simmer for about five minutes until it thickens slightly. Finally, mix in your grated Parmesan until it’s melted and creamy.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Combine

Now it’s time for some vibrant greens! Toss in your fresh spinach leaves and stir until they wilt down—this takes only about one minute. Return your cooked chicken back into the pan, spooning that luscious sauce over each piece. Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top if you’re feeling indulgent! Cover with a lid for another two minutes to let everything meld beautifully.

Step 5: Serve It Up!

Garnish with thinly sliced lemon and more Parmesan if desired. And just like that, you’re ready to serve this amazing Lemon Parmesan Spinach Chicken! Enjoy every bite as you share this meal with family or friends — I promise they will love it just as much as I do!

Pro Tips for Making Lemon Parmesan Spinach Chicken

Cooking should be a joyful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your Lemon Parmesan Spinach Chicken to new heights!

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and lemon juice make a noticeable difference in flavor. They brighten the dish and enhance the overall taste profile.
Adjust seasoning to taste: Don’t shy away from tweaking the salt and pepper levels. Personalizing the seasoning ensures that the dish complements your palate perfectly.
Perfectly cook the chicken: To avoid dry chicken, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This guarantees juiciness and tenderness.
Let it rest before serving: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps retain moisture. This results in a juicier piece of chicken that’s also easier to slice.
Experiment with cheese: While Parmesan is delightful, you can mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or asiago for added depth of flavor. Each cheese brings its unique character to the sauce.

How to Serve Lemon Parmesan Spinach Chicken

Presenting your Lemon Parmesan Spinach Chicken beautifully will make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience!

Garnishes

Fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Lemon wedges: Serve alongside lemon wedges for an extra citrus kick that guests can squeeze over their chicken.

Side Dishes

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic pair beautifully with this dish, soaking up the delicious sauce.
Steamed Broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli adds a nutritious touch and contrasts nicely with the creamy chicken.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing side that complements the lemony flavors.
Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, consider cauliflower rice sautéed with herbs. It’s a great base for soaking up any extra sauce from the chicken.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy a delightful meal! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Lemon Parmesan Spinach Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep! Not only does it pack well, but the flavors also deepen over time, making your future meals even more delightful.

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftovers to cool completely.
Transfer to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Let the dish cool completely before freezing.
Place portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to refresh the sauce.
Alternatively, you can microwave in intervals, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I make Lemon Parmesan Spinach Chicken without heavy cream?

Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative if you prefer a lighter option.

How do I ensure my Lemon Parmesan Spinach Chicken stays juicy?

Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness and cooking them over medium-high heat ensures even cooking and helps retain moisture.

What can I serve with Lemon Parmesan Spinach Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or a light salad. Enjoy it with crusty bread to soak up that creamy sauce!

Final Thoughts

I hope this Lemon Parmesan Spinach Chicken brings joy and flavor to your dinner table! It’s a comforting recipe that’s both quick and satisfying. Enjoy making it as much as I do, and don’t hesitate to share your experience. Happy cooking!

Lemon Parmesan Spinach Chicken

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Main
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian-inspired

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Description

Prepare to indulge in a comforting meal with this Lemon Parmesan Spinach Chicken. This dish features tender chicken breasts drenched in a creamy, tangy sauce made from fresh lemon juice and rich parmesan cheese, all beautifully complemented by vibrant spinach. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an effortless yet impressive dinner option. With its delightful flavors and one-pan convenience, this Lemon Parmesan Spinach Chicken is sure to become a staple on your dinner table.

Ingredients

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4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup chicken broth
¾ cup heavy cream
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cups fresh spinach leaves

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Instructions

Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and season with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan.
In the same pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest; bring to a boil.
Lower heat and stir in heavy cream, simmering for about five minutes until slightly thickened. Mix in grated parmesan until melted.
Add spinach to wilt down, then return chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over it. Cover for two minutes.
Serve garnished with lemon slices and additional parmesan.