Description
A budget-friendly, one-skillet dinner featuring seared chicken thighs in a rich, creamy sauce with spinach and artichoke hearts. Ready in 30 minutes and perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (approx. 600g / 1.3 lbs)
- 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 14 oz canned artichoke hearts, rinsed and chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Thaw spinach and squeeze out all excess water. Chop artichoke hearts.
- Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Simmer gently for 2 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Stir in the drained spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, and dried basil. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to meld flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Return chicken thighs to the skillet, nesting them into the sauce. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the chicken and sauce. Cover and simmer on low for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure you squeeze all water out of the frozen spinach to prevent a runny sauce. Searing the chicken is crucial for flavor development. This dish reheats well in the fridge for up to 4 days but is not recommended for freezing due to the cream sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: budget-friendly dinner, one skillet meal, creamy chicken, spinach artichoke, quick dinner, meal prep, comfort food