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Creamy Garlic Chicken Spanakopita Skillet Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lbfresh baby spinach leaves
washed
- 6 tbspunsalted butter
divided
- 1 ½ lbboneless
skinless chicken breasts or thighs, chopped into 1-inch chunks
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 5 mediumcloves garlic
minced
- 2 tbspall-purpose flour
- ½ chomemade chicken stock or low-sodium broth
plus more as needed
- ½ chalf-and-half
- 6 ozfeta cheese
crumbled
- 3scallions
white and light green parts only, chopped
- 1 smallbunch dill
chopped, plus more for garnish
- 6sheets phyllo dough
thawed and covered with a towel
Directions
- 1
Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add spinach, a handful at a time, until the pan is full; you may have to cook the spinach in batches to ensure that it cooks evenly. Turn the spinach often until just wilted, then transfer to a colander and press out as much water as you can. Continue until all of the spinach is wilted and pressed.
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- 2
Pour off any excess water in the skillet and place back over medium heat. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in the pan and add chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, turning once, until the edges are lightly golden, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- 3
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Melt 2 tablespoons butter in same skillet and add garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, then mix in flour. Stir together until the mixture forms a golden paste. Whisk in 1/2 cup chicken stock. Cook, stirring often, until mixture is thickened and coats the back of a spoon. Whisk in half-and-half.
- 4
Stir together feta cheese, scallions, and dill, allowing the feta to melt. Remove from heat. Return chicken and spinach to skillet, mixing well. If the sauce has thickened too much, add more chicken stock to reach the desired consistency, keeping in mind that the mixture will thicken even more when baking in the oven. Season with salt and pepper.
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- 5
Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan or in the microwave. Lay a sheet of phyllo on a work surface. Brush with melted butter, then scrunch up the sheet and set it on top of the spinach mixture in the skillet. Repeat with remaining phyllo until the skillet is completely covered.
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- 6
Bake until phyllo is golden and crisp on top, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven, garnish with additional dill, and serve warm.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Spanakopita Skillet Recipe
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 14 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a cozy, filling meal with a touch of Mediterranean flair, but short on time? This Creamy Garlic Chicken Spanakopita Skillet Recipe transforms classic Greek flavors into a satisfying, one-pot dish, perfect for any weeknight.
Why This Recipe Works
The brilliance of this recipe lies in its ingenious reimagining of traditional spanakopita. It takes that beloved savory blend of feta cheese, fresh spinach, fragrant dill, and pungent scallions, then marries it with tender chunks of chicken and a rich, garlicky gravy, all prepared in a single skillet. This approach delivers all the comforting, Greek-inspired tastes you love with significantly less cleanup, making it a true weeknight hero.
What to Expect
Prepare your senses for a delightful harmony of textures and tastes. You'll dive into a creamy, intensely flavorful base, brimming with perfectly wilted baby spinach and the briny goodness of crumbled feta. Bright notes of fresh dill and crisp scallions cut through the richness, all enveloped in a luxurious, garlic-infused sauce that coats every tender piece of chicken breast or thigh. The crowning glory is a golden, flaky phyllo dough topping, which provides an utterly irresistible crisp counterpoint to the creamy filling, elevating each forkful into a truly special experience.
Customization & Variations This versatile Greek-inspired skillet is quite adaptable to what you have on hand. While chicken is featured, you could easily opt for either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference for lean or richer meat. For an even more vibrant flavor, ensure you're using fresh dill. If phyllo dough feels intimidating, remember to keep it covered with a damp towel to prevent drying and cracking as you layer.
Serving & Context This Creamy Garlic Chicken Spanakopita Skillet makes an ideal centerpiece for a comforting family dinner or a satisfying meal on a chilly evening. Serve it hot from the skillet, perhaps alongside a simple green salad, and garnish with extra chopped fresh dill for an appealing, aromatic finish.