Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken is a quick pan-seared chicken breast topped with a luxurious cream cheese and sour cream sauce loaded with fresh spinach and artichoke hearts. It comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients, making it both weeknight-friendly and impressive enough for entertaining.
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Instructions
1
Place the chicken on a cutting board and cover with a sheet of plastic to prevent splatter. Use a mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken out to an even thickness (about 3/4-inch thick). Slice each chicken breast in half to create two pieces each. Or, use thin sliced chicken breast filets. Season the breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2
Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium. Once hot, swirl the oil to coat the surface of the skillet. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on each side and cooked through (5-7 minutes each side).
3
While the chicken is cooking, roughly chop the spinach into smaller pieces. Drain the artichoke hearts and roughly chop them as well. Mince the garlic.
4
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it to a clean plate and cover to keep warm. Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet and continue to sauté over medium for one minute or just until the garlic begins to soften.
5
Add the chicken broth to the skillet and stir to dissolve the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Cut the cream cheese into chunks and add it to the skillet along with the sour cream. Whisk the ingredients together and continue to cook over medium, whisking continuously, until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the milk and stir until smooth again.
6
Add the Parmesan, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and some freshly ground pepper to the skillet. Continue to heat and whisk for a couple minutes more. Finally, stir the spinach into the sauce, a handful or two at a time, until wilted (this should only take about a minute), then stir in the artichoke hearts.
7
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamy spinach artichoke sauce over top. Serve hot.
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Tips & Notes
Pro tips
Pat chicken breasts dry before searing to achieve a golden, flavorful crust and ensure even cooking.
Don't overcrowd the pan when searing chicken; work in batches if needed to maintain heat and browning.
Stir the sour cream and cream cheese into the warm broth off heat or over low heat to prevent curdling.
Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt and pepper, as the sour cream can mute seasoning.
Substitutions
Sour cream → Greek yogurt (use full-fat for creaminess; sauce will be slightly tangier)
Cream cheese → mascarpone (richer flavor, slightly less tang)
Fresh spinach → 10 oz. frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry (reduces liquid content)
Jarred artichoke hearts → fresh artichoke hearts, trimmed and halved (use 1 lb. fresh; cooking time may increase)
Storage & make-ahead
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.
Common Questions
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes. Use 2 cups frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry to remove excess moisture, so the sauce stays creamy and not watery.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer, or until no pink remains inside. Chicken breasts typically need 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness.
Can I make this ahead?
Cook the chicken and sauce separately, then combine and reheat gently in a skillet or oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
What should I serve this with?
Pair with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Can I use canned artichokes instead of jarred?
Yes. Drain and rinse canned artichoke hearts thoroughly, then chop if they are whole rather than quartered.