Lily’s Dreamy Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Skillet

For those eager to replicate the magic of restaurant dining in their own kitchen, allow us to introduce you to a dish that transforms ordinary weeknights into a special occasion: succulent chicken, pan-seared to perfection and generously smothered in a rich, velvety lemon cream sauce, brimming with vibrant spinach and tender artichoke hearts.

This remarkable recipe is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a blessing for your busy schedule. Requiring only 30 minutes from start to finish and a single skillet, it promises a gourmet experience without the usual culinary fuss or daunting cleanup. It’s the ideal solution for those craving sophisticated flavors with the ease of a home-cooked meal.

You might recognize the flavor profile from its charming cousin, our popular Salmon Florentine. We’ve taken that cherished creamy base, infused it with the earthy depth of artichokes, and elevated it further with a delicate crumbling of goat cheese, adding a delightful tang that truly sets this dish apart. Each bite is a harmonious blend of creamy, zesty, and savory notes, promising pure bliss.

Why This Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Will Become Your New Favorite

This isn’t just another chicken dinner; it’s an experience designed for ultimate enjoyment and convenience. Here’s why this creamy spinach artichoke chicken recipe is destined to become a staple in your culinary repertoire:

• Effortlessly Quick & Simple: Forget complicated steps and lengthy prep times. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still crave something extraordinary. From searing the chicken to simmering the luscious sauce, you’ll be amazed at how quickly this gourmet dish comes together.
• Seamless Cleanup with One Skillet: The thought of piles of dishes after a delicious meal can be daunting. With this one-skillet wonder, cleanup is virtually a breeze. All the magic happens in a single pan, saving you precious time and effort in the kitchen. Enjoy your meal without the dread of post-dinner chores!
• Restaurant-Quality Flavors at Home: Why dine out when you can recreate upscale restaurant flavors in your own kitchen? This recipe is a fantastic copycat of Bonefish Grill’s famous Lily’s Chicken, delivering rich, complex tastes that will impress without the hefty price tag. Experience gourmet dining from the comfort of your home.
• A Complete & Versatile Meal: This dish is a standalone star, offering a balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and a delectable sauce. It’s easily customizable and can be transformed into a more elaborate feast with simple additions, allowing you to tailor it to any occasion or dietary preference.
• The Irresistible Creamy Sauce: The star of this dish is undoubtedly the luxurious lemon cream sauce, infused with spinach and artichokes. It’s so incredibly versatile and flavorful that you’ll want to drizzle it over everything – from pasta and rice to roasted vegetables or even crusty bread. Get ready for a sauce that elevates every bite to pure bliss.

Essential Ingredients for Your Skillet Masterpiece

Crafting this incredible spinach artichoke chicken relies on a harmonious blend of fresh and flavorful ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some helpful tips for selection and preparation:

• Chicken Cutlets: We recommend using thin-sliced chicken breasts or chicken pounded to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This ensures quick, even cooking and keeps the chicken wonderfully tender. If using thicker breasts, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Chicken thighs can also be used for a richer flavor, adjusting cooking time as needed.
• Fresh Spinach: Baby spinach leaves are ideal for their tender texture and mild flavor. If fresh spinach isn’t available, you can use frozen spinach, ensuring it’s thoroughly defrosted and all excess liquid is pressed out before adding to the sauce. This prevents a watery sauce.
• Artichoke Hearts: Opt for canned or jarred quartered artichoke hearts. Ensure they are well-drained. While marinated artichokes can add a unique flavor, we typically use plain canned artichokes to allow the other flavors to shine. Roughly chop larger pieces if necessary for better integration into the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: This is the secret to achieving that luxuriously thick and creamy sauce. While half and half or even whole milk can be used as alternatives, heavy cream will yield the richest and most decadent result, closely mimicking the restaurant experience.
• Goat Cheese or Feta Cheese: These are sprinkled over the top at serving time to provide a delightful tangy counterpoint to the rich cream sauce. The original restaurant version often uses delicate slices of fresh goat cheese, which melts slightly into the warm sauce, adding a gourmet touch. Feta offers a saltier, more crumbly texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Used for searing the chicken and creating the roux, butter adds a foundational richness. Unsalted butter allows you to control the seasoning precisely. Olive oil can be used for searing the chicken as an alternative.
• All-Purpose Flour: A small amount of flour helps create a roux, which thickens the sauce to a perfect, spoonable consistency. For a gluten-free option, you can use cornstarch slurry (mixed with a little cold water) or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, though the texture might vary slightly.
• Minced Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is paramount for aromatic depth. Avoid garlic powder for this recipe; the fresh garlic truly brightens the sauce.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: The juice of one fresh lemon adds a vital zest and brightness that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce, preventing it from tasting too heavy. Freshly squeezed is always best for maximum flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is preferred to control the overall saltiness of the dish. Vegetable broth can be a suitable substitute.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully into the sauce, adding a savory, umami depth that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Please refer to the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients with precise measurements and detailed step-by-step instructions.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken

Follow these easy, visual steps to create a show-stopping creamy spinach artichoke chicken in just one skillet:

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken. Begin by seasoning your chicken cutlets generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. In a large, sturdy skillet, melt 1 Tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the seasoned chicken in a single layer in the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until beautifully golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the cooked chicken to a serving dish and tent it loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm and allow the juices to redistribute.

Step 2: Build the Roux and Aromatics. With the same skillet still on the heat, melt the remaining 1 Tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant but not browned. Sprinkle the flour into the pan and stir vigorously for about 1 minute, creating a smooth roux. This step helps thicken the sauce and cooks out the raw flour taste.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Lemon Sauce. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese into the roux. Continue whisking to ensure there are no lumps and the sauce is smooth. Bring the cream sauce to a gentle boil over medium heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens to a luxurious, creamy consistency. The lemon juice will add a wonderful brightness to balance the richness.

Step 4: Incorporate Spinach and Artichokes. Add the drained artichoke hearts and fresh baby spinach leaves to the simmering cream sauce. Stir gently until the spinach begins to wilt, which should only take about 1 minute. The residual heat from the sauce will be sufficient to cook the spinach without overcooking it, keeping it vibrant green.

Step 5: Final Assembly and Serving. Return the seared chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy spinach and artichoke sauce. Spoon the luscious sauce generously over the chicken, ensuring each piece is beautifully coated. Just before serving, sprinkle generously with crumbled goat cheese or feta for that signature tangy finish. Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite!

Expert Tips for the Perfect Spinach Artichoke Chicken

Achieving restaurant-quality results at home is easier than you think with these expert tips:

• Mise en Place is Key: “Mise en place” (everything in its place) is crucial for this fast-moving recipe. Before you even turn on the stove, prep and measure all your ingredients – chop garlic, drain artichokes, measure liquids, and have your chicken ready. Once the cooking process starts, it moves very quickly, and having everything at hand will ensure a smooth experience.
• Ensure Even Chicken Thickness: For perfectly cooked, tender chicken, make sure your chicken breasts are pounded to an even ½-inch thickness. This not only speeds up cooking but also prevents dry, overcooked spots and raw areas. If using pre-sliced cutlets, inspect them for evenness.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: When searing the chicken, cook it in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding lowers the skillet’s temperature, steaming the chicken instead of searing it, which prevents that desirable golden-brown crust.
• Monitor Chicken Temperature: The exact cooking time for chicken will vary based on its thickness and your stove’s heat. Always use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, ensuring it reaches a safe and juicy 165°F (74°C). This prevents both undercooking and overcooking.
• Whisk the Sauce Continuously: When adding liquids to the roux, whisk constantly and gradually to prevent lumps and ensure a silky-smooth sauce. Keep an eye on the sauce as it simmers; it should thicken but remain pourable.
• Fresh Lemon for Brightness: While bottled lemon juice can be convenient, fresh lemon juice provides a vibrant, zesty flavor that truly elevates this creamy dish. Don’t skip this fresh element!
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your sauce before the final assembly. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remember that chicken broth and Parmesan cheese contribute to the saltiness, so season gradually.

Storing & Reheating Your Leftovers

This creamy spinach artichoke chicken is just as delightful the next day, making it perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to properly store and reheat your delicious leftovers:

Storage: To maintain freshness and quality, transfer any leftover spinach artichoke chicken and its luxurious lemon sauce to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly, and it will keep beautifully for 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken is completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation.

Reheating:

• Skillet Method (Recommended): For the best results, reheat the chicken and sauce gently in a skillet over low to medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce appears too thick, whisking gently to bring it back to its original consistency. Heat until warmed through, being careful not to boil vigorously, which can cause the sauce to break.
• Microwave Method: Alternatively, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave. Place the chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can dry out the chicken and alter the sauce’s texture.

Transforming Your Dish into a Complete Feast

Take your creamy spinach artichoke chicken from a simple dinner to a memorable dining experience with these delightful serving suggestions, just like you would at a fine restaurant:

• Start with a Fresh Salad: Begin your meal with a crisp, refreshing green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, or a classic Caesar salad to cleanse the palate.
• Pair with Seasonal Vegetables: Complement the richness of the chicken with a vibrant vegetable side. Excellent choices include roasted asparagus with balsamic reduction, sautéed baby carrots with garlic, or simply steamed or roasted zucchini.
• Grains for Soaking Up Sauce: Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice, quinoa, or al dente pasta (such as fettuccine or linguine) to soak up every last drop of the exquisite creamy sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes are also a heavenly pairing.
• Crusty Bread for Dipping: A warm, crusty baguette or artisan bread is essential for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate. For an extra touch of elegance, offer a pesto dipping sauce alongside.
• Indulgent Dessert Finish: Conclude your gourmet experience with a decadent dessert. A slice of flourless chocolate cake with ganache provides a luxurious contrast to the savory main course.
• Add a Touch of Heat: For those who enjoy a little kick, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes over the finished dish adds a delightful warmth and depth.
• Low-Carb Options: If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative, this dish pairs wonderfully with loaded cauliflower mash or cauliflower rice, allowing you to enjoy all the flavors without the extra carbs.

If you love quick pan-cooked meals with bright, lemony flavors, be sure to check out our Pork Tenderloin Piccata recipe, another easy one-pan dish with an abundance of zesty goodness!