Description
Smoky Spanish-inspired flavors dance through this irresistible smoked paprika chicken, complemented by rich, velvety creamed spinach. Delicate chicken breasts infused with aromatic spices will transport Mediterranean culinary magic directly to your dinner plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 10 oz spinach
- 1.5 lb chicken thighs, skinless, boneless
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
Seasonings and Flavoring:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Salt and black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
Liquids and Fats:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the creamed spinach by heating a large skillet and bringing heavy cream (236 milliliters or ) and finely chopped garlic to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low-medium and gradually incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese fully melts and creates a smooth sauce, approximately 2-4 minutes.
- Gently fold fresh spinach leaves into the creamy mixture, stirring until they just wilt and become tender, maintaining their vibrant green color.
- Season the spinach sauce with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors, then finish with delicate lemon zest for a bright, citrusy note.
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and generously season both sides with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and smoky paprika, ensuring even coverage.
- Place a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and allow it to warm for 3 minutes, creating an ideal cooking surface for perfect searing.
- Drizzle olive oil into the heated skillet and carefully lay the seasoned chicken thighs, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crust.
- Cook the chicken for 5 minutes on each side, ensuring a crispy exterior and fully cooked interior, with an internal temperature reaching 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove the skillet from heat and add a pat of unsalted butter, gently swirling to coat the chicken and create a rich, glossy finish.
- Transfer the chicken to serving plates, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and plate alongside the creamy spinach for a complete, elegant meal.
Notes
- Elevate your weeknight dinner with this restaurant-worthy dish that combines smoky chicken and luxurious creamed spinach in under 30 minutes.
- Smoked paprika transforms ordinary chicken thighs into a deeply flavorful, restaurant-quality main course with minimal effort.
- Cast-iron skillet is crucial for achieving a perfect golden-brown sear and developing rich, caramelized chicken exterior.
- Internal chicken temperature is critical; use a meat thermometer to ensure safe and juicy results every time.
- Fresh lemon zest and parsley brighten the rich, creamy spinach, adding a vibrant, fresh counterpoint to the dish’s deeper flavors.
- Butter added off-heat creates a silky, glossy finish that enhances the chicken’s natural richness without burning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 48 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 230 mg