Creamy Chicken with Spinach and Tarragon (45 Minutes)

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Tired of the same old chicken dishes? Dive into this creamy chicken and spinach delight with a hint of tarragon to shake things up. The tender chunks of chicken breast meld beautifully with the rich sauce, while spinach adds a touch of earthiness. Tarragon elevates the dish with its distinct aroma, making the meal both comforting and gourmet. It’s a straightforward recipe that packs a punch of flavor!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 large chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried tarragon)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Chicken and Onions (10 minutes): In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Creamy Sauce (15 minutes): In the same skillet, add butter and sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth or white wine, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Once reduced by half, reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine.
  3. Add Spinach and Tarragon (7 minutes): Introduce the spinach to the skillet, letting it wilt down. Stir in the tarragon and return the cooked chicken to the pan. Let everything simmer for a few minutes until hot and well-combined.
  4. Season and Serve (3 minutes): Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or tarragon as needed. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.

Notes

When crafting this dish, using fresh tarragon is the key to maximizing the flavor. However, if you’re reaching for dried tarragon, keep in mind that it’s generally more potent, so you’ll want to adjust accordingly. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese just before serving can introduce an added layer of richness, which beautifully complements the creamy chicken.

If you’re looking to scoop up every bit of that delightful sauce, serving the dish over pasta or with a side of crusty bread is a great choice. And if you ever opt for a lighter version of the sauce, substituting half of the heavy cream with milk is a viable option, though the outcome will be less rich. Lastly, letting the chicken rest a bit after cooking can make a world of difference in ensuring it remains juicy and full of flavor.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 425
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 33g
  • Cholesterol: 165mg

Pair this with...

Baked Tomatoes with Cheese

Start by selecting some plump, ripe tomatoes. Slice off the tops and scoop out a bit of the insides, making a small well in each. Drizzle a little olive oil over the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Place them in a baking dish. Now, choose your favorite cheese – mozzarella, cheddar, feta, or even Parmesan all work wonderfully. Generously top each tomato with your cheese of choice. Pop them into a preheated oven and bake until the tomatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Allow them to cool for a moment before serving and top with fresh herbs if desired.

Easy Dinner Rolls

Start by combining warm water, yeast, and a bit of sugar in a bowl, letting it sit until it's frothy. In a larger bowl, mix together softened butter, salt, the rest of your sugar, and some milk. Slowly add in flour, mixing until you have a soft dough. Knead this dough on a floured surface until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size. Once risen, divide the dough into small balls and arrange them on a baking tray. Let them rise again briefly. Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown. Brush with melted butter right out of the oven for a glossy finish.

Caesar Side Salad

Start with fresh romaine lettuce—tear it into bite-sized pieces and toss it into a bowl. Drizzle on some Caesar dressing; you can make your own with garlic, anchovies, egg yolks, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and olive oil, or use a store-bought version for convenience. Give the lettuce a good toss to ensure it's well-coated. Sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese for that sharp, savory punch. Top it off with croutons for that essential crunch. If you're feeling a bit fancy, a couple of anchovy fillets can be added on top. Serve immediately.

For Tomorrow's Dinner

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Juicy Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad (30 Minutes)

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Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!