Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine salt and pepper (to taste), 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Add the chicken pieces and toss until fully coated.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding). Cook until golden and no longer pink in the center, about 5–7 minutes, turning as needed. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of the butter to the same skillet. When melted, add the minced garlic and sauté about 1 minute, until fragrant (do not let it brown).
- Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet with a spatula to loosen browned bits. Bring to a boil, then let reduce for 2–3 minutes.
- Lower the heat to medium (or medium-low) and stir in 1 cup heavy cream, the juice and zest of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Simmer gently about 5 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and 2 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach. Cook, stirring, until the butter melts and the spinach wilts (about 30–60 seconds).
- Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken with the sauce and simmer 2–3 minutes more, until the chicken is heated through and the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove from heat and, if desired, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
Sauce Consistency:If you find the sauce too thin, you can thicken it by adding a cornstarch-water mixture and simmering for a few extra minutes.
Spinach Substitute:Not a fan of spinach? Feel free to swap it out for other leafy greens like kale or even some chopped asparagus
Cheese Options:While Parmesan is our go-to for this dish, you could also use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a different twist.
Lemon Alert:Make sure to zest your lemon before juicing. And remember, zest only the yellow part, avoiding the white pith to prevent bitterness.
Skillet Size:A large skillet is best for ensuring the chicken cooks evenly without crowding, which can make it steam instead of sear.
Spinach Substitute:Not a fan of spinach? Feel free to swap it out for other leafy greens like kale or even some chopped asparagus
Cheese Options:While Parmesan is our go-to for this dish, you could also use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a different twist.
Lemon Alert:Make sure to zest your lemon before juicing. And remember, zest only the yellow part, avoiding the white pith to prevent bitterness.
Skillet Size:A large skillet is best for ensuring the chicken cooks evenly without crowding, which can make it steam instead of sear.
