Smoked Paprika Chicken with Creamed Spinach is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family dinner. The chicken thighs are seasoned with smoked paprika and seared to perfection in a cast-iron skillet, then served alongside a rich and creamy spinach side dish. This recipe is gluten-free, low-carb, and keto-friendly, making it a great balanced meal for any occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Creamed Spinach:

1 cup heavy cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (preferably freshly shredded)
6 oz fresh spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh lemon zest (for garnish)

For the Smoked Paprika Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

How to Make Creamed Spinach

In a large skillet, add the heavy cream and minced garlic. Bring to a brief boil.
Add the shredded Parmesan cheese and stir continuously over low-medium heat until it melts (about 2-4 minutes).
Add fresh spinach, stirring into the sauce on low-medium heat until it wilts.
Remove from heat and cover to allow the spinach to continue wilting.
Season with salt and pepper, then top with fresh lemon zest before serving.

How to Make Smoked Paprika Chicken

Generously season the chicken thighs with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes, then add olive oil.
Place the chicken in the skillet and cook on medium heat for 5 minutes without moving it to develop a sear.
Flip the chicken, reduce heat to low-medium, and cook for another 5 minutes or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of butter to coat the chicken.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve alongside the creamed spinach.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: 787 kcal
Protein: High
Carbohydrates: Low (Keto-friendly)
Fat: High (due to cream and cheese)

Why You’ll Love This Smoked Paprika Chicken with Creamed Spinach

This dish is simple to prepare yet feels like a restaurant-quality meal. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Bold and Smoky Flavor – Smoked paprika enhances the natural richness of the chicken, adding a deep, smoky taste.
Rich and Creamy Side Dish – The creamed spinach is silky, cheesy, and indulgent, creating the perfect contrast to the crispy, seared chicken.
Healthy and Nutritious – High in protein, healthy fats, and fiber, this meal is packed with essential nutrients.
Keto and Low-Carb Friendly – With minimal carbs, this dish fits perfectly into a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
Quick and Easy to Prepare – Everything comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

The Secret to Perfectly Seared Chicken

Cooking chicken thighs to crispy, golden perfection is easier than you think. Follow these key tips:

Use Boneless, Skinless Thighs – They cook faster and remain juicy compared to chicken breasts.
Preheat Your Skillet Properly – A hot cast-iron skillet ensures an even sear and locks in moisture.
Let It Cook Undisturbed – Resist the urge to move the chicken around too soon—leaving it undisturbed for 5 minutes creates a deep golden crust.
Finish with Butter – Adding butter at the end enhances the richness and keeps the chicken tender.

The Benefits of Smoked Paprika in Cooking

Smoked paprika is the star ingredient in this dish, adding a subtle heat and deep smoky flavor that takes the chicken to the next level. This spice is not only flavorful but also packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Rich in Antioxidants – Helps reduce inflammation and supports immune function.
Enhances the Depth of Flavor – Adds a smoky, slightly sweet taste without overpowering the dish.
Great Alternative to Spicy Seasonings – If you enjoy mild heat without intense spice, smoked paprika is a perfect choice.

Creamed Spinach: A Decadent Yet Nutritious Side

This creamy, cheesy spinach is a perfect side dish that complements the smoky chicken beautifully. The richness of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a silky, indulgent texture, while fresh spinach provides a boost of nutrients.

Health Benefits of Spinach

Spinach is a superfood that adds more than just flavor to this dish:

High in Iron – Supports oxygen transport in the blood.
Loaded with Vitamins A, C, and K – Helps with immune function, skin health, and bone strength.
Great Source of Fiber – Promotes digestion and gut health.
Low in Carbs and Calories – Makes it a great choice for low-carb and keto diets.

Best Side Dishes to Pair with This Recipe

Although this dish is complete on its own, you can pair it with other sides to make it even more satisfying. Some great options include:

Cauliflower Mash – A creamy, low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Adds a crispy, caramelized texture.
Steamed Asparagus – Light and fresh, complementing the richness of the meal.
Garlic Butter Mushrooms – Earthy mushrooms pair beautifully with creamy spinach.
Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles) – A great low-carb alternative to pasta.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

This dish is great for meal prep and reheats beautifully:

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze the chicken separately from the creamed spinach for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
- Warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat with a little butter to keep it crispy.
- Reheat the creamed spinach in a saucepan, adding a splash of cream to maintain the texture.

How to Customize This Recipe

This recipe is versatile, and you can modify it to fit different dietary preferences or flavor profiles:

Make It Dairy-Free – Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and dairy-free cheese for a plant-based version.
Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs – If you prefer white meat, adjust the cooking time to prevent dryness.
Add More Vegetables – Toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for added texture and nutrients.
Spice It Up – Add a dash of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Make It Lighter – Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a healthier creamed spinach option.

A Meal That Works for Any Occasion

This Smoked Paprika Chicken with Creamed Spinach is an excellent choice for various occasions:

Family Dinners – A hearty and filling meal that kids and adults will love.
Romantic Date Night – Elegant enough to impress, yet simple to prepare.
Meal Prep – Make ahead and enjoy delicious, healthy meals throughout the week.
Dinner Parties – A crowd-pleasing dish that pairs well with multiple sides.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Unlike many chicken recipes, this dish balances bold flavors with creamy richness, making it both satisfying and nutrient-dense. Here’s what makes it special:

A Perfect Balance of Textures – Crispy chicken contrasts beautifully with the smooth, creamy spinach.
A One-Pan Wonder – The chicken and spinach can be cooked in the same skillet, making cleanup easy.
Full of Healthy Fats and Protein – Ideal for anyone following a keto, low-carb, or high-protein diet.
Simple Yet Gourmet – Looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality meal but is easy to make at home.

Conclusion

Smoked Paprika Chicken with Creamed Spinach is a rich, flavorful, and satisfying dish that delivers the perfect combination of savory, smoky, and creamy flavors. With crispy, seasoned chicken thighs and indulgent creamed spinach, this meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special occasions.

Not only is this dish delicious and comforting, but it’s also low in carbs, gluten-free, and full of essential nutrients. It’s a meal that tastes indulgent while keeping you on track with your health goals.

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