Here is a long, detailed recipe for White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Delight, a creamy, savory dish featuring tender chicken, a luxurious white cheddar cheese sauce, and vibrant spinach. This recipe layers flavor and texture for an indulgent, restaurant-worthy meal.
🍽️ White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Delight
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Intermediate
Perfect for a cozy dinner, meal prep, or even entertaining guests.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
For the White Cheddar Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, adds warmth)
- 2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded (block cheese melts best)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 4 oz cream cheese (optional, for velvety texture)
For the Spinach:
- 6–8 oz fresh baby spinach (roughly 6–7 cups)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Pinch of salt
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil
- Extra shredded cheddar or Parmesan
- Cracked black pepper
- Toasted breadcrumbs (for a crunchy topping)
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1.
Season and Sear the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and sear for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
- Remove chicken and let rest on a plate, tented with foil.
🔥 Tip: If the chicken is thick, you can butterfly it or pound it to even thickness for quicker, more even cooking.
2.
Sauté the Spinach
- In the same pan (wipe excess oil if needed), add 1 tbsp olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add spinach and a pinch of salt. Stir until just wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
- Transfer spinach to a plate and set aside.
🍃 Tip: You can drain or lightly squeeze the spinach if it releases excess moisture.
3.
Make the White Cheddar Sauce
- In a medium saucepan (or wipe the skillet clean and reuse), melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking to avoid lumps.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, whisking frequently, until thickened (about 5–6 minutes).
- Lower the heat and stir in shredded white cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese.
- Stir until fully melted and smooth. If too thick, thin with a splash of milk or chicken broth.
🧀 Tip: Use freshly grated cheese from a block—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents and won’t melt as smoothly.
4.
Assemble the Dish
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking, or keep it stovetop for a one-pan approach.
- Option 1 (Stovetop): Return chicken and spinach to the skillet with the sauce. Spoon sauce over chicken and simmer gently for 5–10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Option 2 (Baked): Place chicken in a baking dish, top with sautéed spinach, then pour sauce over everything. Sprinkle with extra cheese and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
5.
Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, extra cheese, or toasted breadcrumbs for crunch.
- Serve with your choice of side (see below!).
🍽️ Recommended Sides
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered noodles or orzo
- Roasted garlic rice
- Steamed or roasted vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, or carrots)
- Crusty bread or garlic toast
🔁 Variations
- Add mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms with spinach for added umami.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
- Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower mash or sautéed zucchini noodles.
- Add bacon: Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon on top before serving or baking.
🥡 Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze without spinach (it gets soggy) for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Gently warm in a pan with a splash of milk or cream to rehydrate the sauce. Avoid microwaving on high—it can cause cheese sauce to break.
🧾 Bonus: Make It a Casserole
- Cut chicken into bite-size pieces.
- Toss cooked pasta or rice into the white cheddar sauce.
- Fold in spinach and chicken.
- Transfer to a casserole dish, top with cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
Would you like a printable version, meal prep schedule, or gluten-free adaptation of this recipe?