Creamy Spinach Chicken and Rice is perfect for those busy evenings when you crave comfort without the fuss. Tender bites of chicken nestled in a velvety parmesan blanket of creamy rice, infused with flavorful spinach and garlic.
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Why you will love this recipe
- Time-Saving: In a busy world, this recipe is your weeknight hero. The combination of sautéing, and simmering, in a single pot means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious, comforting meal with loved ones.
- Adaptable and Versatile: Don't be afraid to make this recipe your own! Make in an instant pot, change up some ingredients to your preference.
- Leftovers that Impress: Unlike many dishes that lose their appeal when reheated, this Creamy Spinach Chicken and Rice is just as delicious the next day. Make it for meal prep or just to last for a few dinners.
- Family-Friendly Comfort: This recipe is designed to appeal to all ages. The familiar and comforting combination of chicken and rice, elevated by the creamy parmesan goodness, makes it a family-friendly dish that even picky eaters will love.
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Ingredients
- Chicken thighs- chicken thighs are flavorful and tender meat, rich in both dark meat and natural juices.
- Garlic- Whether minced, sliced, or crushed, garlic adds a savory, slightly pungent flavor that complements the other ingredients. In this recipe, it enhances the overall taste of the chicken, spinach, and creamy sauce.
- Spinach- Spinach is a nutrient-packed leafy green that adds vibrant color and a mild, earthy flavor to the dish. When cooked, spinach wilts down, contributing both texture and a nutrient boost. It pairs well with the creamy elements and complements the savory notes of the chicken and garlic.
- Heavy cream- It serves as a base for the sauce, binding the flavors together and adding a decadent touch.
- Parmesan- Parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese with a distinct savory and salty flavor. When grated and added to the dish, Parmesan enhances the overall umami taste. It contributes a depth of flavor to the creamy sauce, creating a perfect balance between richness and sharpness. The cheese also adds a gratifying texture.
- White cooked rice- White rice is a versatile and neutral base that complements the bold flavors of the chicken, garlic, spinach, cream, and Parmesan. It soaks up the creamy sauce, making every bite flavorful and satisfying. The rice adds a comforting element to the dish and completes the overall texture.
- Salt and pepper
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
- White Rice- Feel free to substitute with healthier alternatives such as brown rice, wild rice, or even pasta.
- Spinach- Can be substituted with pre-blanched broccoli. Also, you can omit it completely but you will miss out on the beautiful contrast and nutrients they add to the recipe.
- Chicken Thighs- Chicken breast is a lean substitute that will work well in this recipe.
Chicken and rice in the Dutch oven
Follow all steps the same way but in a Dutch oven. This Dutch oven version of the recipe retains all the creamy goodness and flavor of the original, with the added benefits of cooking in a well-insulated and versatile pot. Enjoy your delightful and comforting one-pot meal!
Cheesy chicken and rice in a instant pot
Set the Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode. Add olive oil, diced chicken, minced garlic, and thyme. Sauté until the chicken is browned on all sides. Use 1 cup of uncooked rice for the instant pot method. Then follow the remaining steps and once done hit cancel and close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to "Sealing," and select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" function. Set the time to 6 minutes at high pressure.
Instructions
Step 1: Clean and season Chicken: Clean Chicken thighs and remove veins and extra fat. Then Cut into 2-inch cubes. Season with 1-2 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper add a drizzle of oil. If time permits let the seasonings absorb into the meat.
Step 2: Brown Chicken: Add diced chicken thighs into a preheated large and deep skillet on medium heat. Brown the chicken until golden and crisp on the outside, make sure not to overcook. If the meat is not fully cooked that ok it will finish cooking in the chicken spinach sauce.
Step 3: Grate Parmesan and Chop Spinach: Grate parmesan cheese I prefer to not use pretreated cheese because it has anti-caking agents and when melted it comes out a different texture. Chop the spinach down a little this step is optional but I know my kids won't eat long stringy pieces of spinach, cutting it into smaller pieces blends better in the rice and chicken.
Step 4: Add Rice and simmer to Perfection: Now back to your skillet move the chicken to the sides and add in minced garlic about 4-5 garlic cloves. Sauté until fragrant then add in 5 oz of chopped spinach and wilt. Next, add the 1 cup of heavy cream bring to a slight simmer, and add in 1 cup of shredded parmesan cheese and 4 cups of cooked white rice. Mix until all ingredients are blended. Do a taste test and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Equipment Recommendation
- Large skillet or sauté pan with a lid
- Wooden spatula for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
Top tip
Garnish with more grated parmesan cheese and herbs such as parsley or basil.
Recipe FAQs
What to serve with chicken and rice
Some great options that will go well with this creamy garlic parm chicken:
How to make chicken juicy inside?
First, do not overcook the chicken cook just to 165F or just below and it will finish cooking in the sauce. The second way is to use a meat tenderizer mallet. Pound the chicken on both sides and then cut it into pieces and proceed with the recipe.
Can I make this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, This recipe is perfect for meal prep or as leftovers it reheats nicely and the flavor only gets better with time.
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Creamy Spinach Chicken and Rice
Equipment
- 1 large skillet with lid
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 knife
- 1 Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Thighs
- 4-5 cloves Garlic
- 5 oz Spinach
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 4 cups Cooked White Rice
- 1½ teaspoon Sea Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Clean and season Chicken: Clean Chicken thighs and remove veins and extra fat. Then Cut into 2-inch cubes. Season with 1-2 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper add a drizzle of oil. If time permits let the seasonings absorb into the meat.
- Brown Chicken: Add diced chicken thighs into a preheated large and deep skillet on medium heat. Brown the chicken until golden and crisp on the outside, make sure not to overcook. If the meat is not fully cooked that ok it will finish cooking in the chicken spinach sauce.
- Grate Parmesan and Chop Spinach: Grate parmesan cheese I prefer to not use pretreated cheese because it has anti-caking agents and when melted it comes out a different texture. Chop the spinach down a little this step is optional but I know my kids won't eat long stringy pieces of spinach, cutting it into smaller pieces blends better in the rice and chicken.
- Add Rice and simmer to Perfection: Now back to your skillet move the chicken to the sides and add in minced garlic about 4-5 garlic cloves. Sauté until fragrant then add in 5 oz of chopped spinach and wilt. Next, add the 1 cup of heavy cream bring to a slight simmer, and add in 1 cup of shredded parmesan cheese and 4 cups of cooked white rice. Mix until all ingredients are blended. Do a taste test and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
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