Grilled Chicken with Creamy Spinach Artichoke
Juicy grilled chicken breasts are topped with a luscious, creamy spinach and artichoke sauce reminiscent of the classic dip but lightened up for a wholesome Mediterranean-style dinner. It’s flavorful, protein-rich, and pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or roasted veggies.
⏱ Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Spinach Artichoke Sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, finely diced
1 cup canned artichoke hearts, chopped (packed in water, drained)
3 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1½ cups frozen, thawed & squeezed)
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half / coconut milk for dairy-free)
½ cup cream cheese (softened)
½ cup grated Parmesan (or Pecorino Romano)
Juice of ½ lemon
Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare chicken
In a bowl, rub chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Preheat grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat.
2. Grill chicken
Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
Transfer to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let rest.
3. Make the sauce
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté onion 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
Stir in chopped artichokes and spinach, cooking until spinach wilts (3 minutes).
4. Add creaminess
Pour in broth and cream. Stir in cream cheese until melted.
Add Parmesan and simmer 3–4 minutes until thickened.
Season with lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
5. Combine
Place grilled chicken on plates. Spoon creamy spinach-artichoke sauce over top.
Notes & Tips
Healthier option: Use Greek yogurt in place of cream cheese for lighter sauce.
Extra flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for a Tuscan twist.
Pairing: Serve over orzo, mashed potatoes, or roasted zucchini for a balanced meal.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes! Boneless thighs work beautifully, just grill 5–6 minutes per side.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes, grill the chicken and make the sauce separately. Reheat sauce gently and combine before serving.
Q: Can it be baked instead of grilled?
Yes — bake chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, then top with sauce.
Nutrition information
Calories: 430
Protein: 42 g
Carbohydrates: 9 g
Fiber: 3 g
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g