Craving comfort food in a flash? Creamy Chicken Spinach Skillet is your answer. This quick and easy one-pan wonder bursts with flavor and is endlessly customizable to suit your preferences. Perfect for any weeknight meal!
Dive into Deliciousness: Reasons to Love Creamy Chicken Spinach Skillet:
- Flavorful fusion: This dish combines the comforting richness of creamy sauce with the tender chicken and vibrant freshness of spinach, creating a symphony of textures and tastes in every bite.
- Weeknight hero: Quick and easy to prepare, this skillet meal comes together in minimal time, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights.
- One-pan wonder: Cleanup is a breeze! This recipe utilizes just one skillet, minimizing dishes and maximizing your relaxation time.
- Customizable canvas: Feel free to personalize your skillet with a variety of ingredients. Add different vegetables, swap the protein, or experiment with different cheeses – the possibilities are endless!
- Family-friendly: This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The creamy sauce and familiar flavors of chicken and spinach make it a crowd-pleaser.
- Comforting and satisfying: This warm and hearty meal offers a satisfying and flavorful experience, perfect for a cozy night in.
Keeping Your Leftover Chicken Fresh: Storage Tips
To ensure the safety and quality of your leftover chicken, follow these storage tips:
Cooling:
- Cool quickly: Don’t leave cooked chicken out at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F). This is the “danger zone” where bacteria can multiply rapidly.
- Divide and conquer: Divide large portions into smaller, shallower containers to promote faster cooling.
Refrigeration:
- Store within 2 hours: Refrigerate leftover chicken within 2 hours of cooking or cooling.
- Airtight containers: Use airtight containers or wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying and absorbing other flavors.
- Proper labeling: Label the container with the date it was cooked to avoid confusion and ensure timely consumption.
- Consumption window: Consume refrigerated leftover chicken within 3-4 days for optimal quality.
Freezing:
- Freeze for long-term storage: If you won’t be using the leftovers within 3-4 days, consider freezing them for longer storage.
- Freezing containers: Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
- Freezing duration: Frozen leftover chicken can be stored for up to 4 months while maintaining good quality. However, for the best flavor and texture, consume it within 2-3 months.
- Thaw safely: Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water in a sealed bag. Never thaw at room temperature.
Reheating:
- Heat thoroughly: Reheat leftover chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
- Gently reheat: Reheat slowly and gently over low heat or in the microwave using short bursts with stirring to prevent drying out.
By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your leftover chicken safely and deliciously for days to come!
Skillet Savvy: Tips for Mastering Skillet Cooking
Skillet cooking offers a versatile and efficient way to whip up delicious meals. Here are some tips to help you master this method:
Choosing the Right Skillet:
- Material: Opt for cast iron, stainless steel, or seasoned carbon steel skillets for their even heat distribution and durability.
- Size: Choose a skillet large enough to hold your ingredients comfortably without overcrowding, preventing even cooking.
Heat and Preheating:
- Gradual is key: Start with medium heat for most applications, allowing the pan to heat evenly. Avoid using high heat initially, as it can scorch food and damage the pan.
- Preheating matters: Preheat your skillet for several minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. A drop of water should sizzle and evaporate quickly when the pan is ready.
Seasoning and Oil:
- Cast iron needs love: Season your cast iron skillet regularly for a non-stick surface and to prevent rust.
- Oil for the win: Use a thin layer of cooking oil appropriate for your chosen heat level. Avoid using olive oil at high temperatures, as it has a lower smoke point.
Cooking Techniques:
- Sear first, then finish: For meats and certain vegetables, sear them first over high heat to create a flavorful crust, then lower the heat to finish cooking through.
- Don’t overcrowd: Cooking too much food at once can lead to uneven cooking, steaming, and sticking. Cook in batches if needed.
- Let it rest: Allow cooked meats to rest for a few minutes after removing them from the heat. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
Cleaning and Maintenance:
- Clean promptly: While the pan is still warm, add a little water and scrape away any food particles with a wooden or silicone utensil.
- Don’t use harsh detergents: Avoid using harsh soaps on cast iron, as it can strip the seasoning. Opt for hot water and a gentle scrub.
- Dry thoroughly: Always dry your skillet completely after washing to prevent rust. You can even heat it on low heat for a few minutes to ensure all moisture evaporates.
With these tips and a little practice, you’ll be a skillet cooking pro in no time!
More Great Chicken Recipes
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Making the Recipe
Creamy Chicken Spinach Skillet
Craving comfort food in a flash? Creamy Chicken Spinach Skillet is your answer. This quick and easy one-pan wonder bursts with flavor and is endlessly customizable to suit your preferences. Perfect for any weeknight meal!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoons ground cumin
- 4 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- ½ cup onion minced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup spinach
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 4 oz. cream cheese cubed
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet large enough to hold your chicken.
- Combine the salt, pepper and cumin. Season the chicken breasts.
- Once pan is heated, sear the chicken for about 4 minutes on each side, until golden browned.
- Remove the chicken breasts and set aside. Cover to keep warm.
- Reduce heat to medium and add additional tablespoon straight to the pan.
- Add the minced onion and saute until onion is soft. About 4-5 minutes.
- Add in the minced garlic. Saute about a minute.
- Next add the spinach and saute about 2-3 minutes or until soft and almost wilted.
- Pour in the chicken broth and allow to heat for about 1 minute.
- Stir in the cream cheese cubes and continue to stir until completely melted.
- Add in the Mozzarella cheese and continue stirring until everything is completely melted, combined and simmering lightly.
- Uncover the chicken and return to the skillet – you can add in the juices on the plate or pan as well (more flavor!).
- Turn the chicken to coat completely in the creamy cheesy sauce.
- Put a cover on your pan, reduce the heat to a medium-low and cook for about 10 minutes or until your chicken is cooked all the way through. (use a meat thermometer).
- Serve while hot. Goes great with pasta, rice or simply all by itself!
Nutrition
Calories: 347kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 38gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 131mgSodium: 659mgPotassium: 662mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 135mgIron: 1mg
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