If you’re craving a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and low in carbs, this Smoked Paprika Chicken with Creamed Spinach delivers every time. Juicy, golden-browned chicken thighs are seasoned with smoky paprika and garlic, then nestled in a rich, creamy spinach sauce for a dinner that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
This dish brings restaurant-quality flavor to your table in under 40 minutes. It’s perfect for keto, gluten-free, or high-protein diets — and best of all, it’s made entirely in one pan for easy cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in protein and low in carbs
- Creamy, smoky, and full of flavor
- One-pan, 30-minute recipe for easy weeknight dinners
- Great for meal prep or entertaining guests
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamed Spinach:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 5 oz fresh baby spinach
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season and sear the chicken
Pat chicken dry and season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. Make the creamed spinach
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and thickened. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
3. Combine and serve
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamy spinach sauce over the top. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through. Serve warm.
Pro Tips & FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes — chicken breast works well, but make sure not to overcook it to keep it juicy.
Is this meal prep friendly?
Definitely! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Can I make it dairy-free?
You can substitute coconut cream and nutritional yeast for the heavy cream and Parmesan to make it dairy-free.
Nutrition Summary
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Sugar | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 serving | 420 | 38g | 6g | 28g | 2g | 1g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.
