“My mother-in-law hardly eats anything these days, but she tore this up!

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts (or thighs) with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. If you want to add a little more depth of flavor, you can let the chicken marinate for about 15-30 minutes, but it’s not necessary if you’re short on time.

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add your chicken to the pan and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Depending on the thickness of your chicken, this could take a little longer, so be sure to check with a thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

2. Make the Creamy Sauce

Once your chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat, scraping up any tasty brown bits left from cooking the chicken. Add your frozen spinach or kale (if you like greens) and sauté until softened—about 3 minutes.

Next, pour in your chicken broth (or white wine, if you’re feeling adventurous). Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly. Then, stir in the sour cream or cream cheese for that creamy texture that makes this dish so comforting. Continue to stir until everything is smooth and well combined.

For an extra burst of flavor, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to cut through the richness of the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

3. Combine and Melt the Cheese

Once your sauce is ready, return the chicken to the skillet and spoon some of that luscious sauce over the top. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken, allowing it to melt into the sauce and create a gooey, cheesy coating.

Cover the pan with a lid and let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to reheat and soak up the delicious sauce.

4. Serve and Garnish

Once the chicken is coated in melted cheese and the sauce is bubbling, it’s time to serve! Garnish the dish with some freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.

You can serve this dish with your favorite sides—whether it’s mashed potatoes, rice, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables, this dish pairs beautifully with almost anything!

Why This Dish Was Such a Winner

Now, let’s talk about why this dish made such an impression on my mother-in-law, who’s notoriously picky about what she eats:

1. Creamy Comfort: The creamy sauce, made with sour cream or cream cheese, added richness and depth without being overwhelmingly heavy. It was the perfect balance of creamy and flavorful, which made it feel like a treat without being too indulgent.

2. Savory and Flavorful: The chicken was cooked to perfection—golden brown on the outside, juicy on the inside. The garlic, onion, and paprika gave the dish a savory, aromatic quality that my mother-in-law couldn’t resist.

3. A Little Bit of Everything: The spinach or kale added a touch of green to the dish, making it feel wholesome and balanced. The melted cheese took everything to the next level, adding a gooey, comforting element that was hard to pass up.

4. Familiar Yet Special: The flavors were comforting and familiar—like something you might have had growing up—but the extra touches (like the lemon juice and the creamy sauce) elevated it to something special. It felt like a dish you could make every week, but also one you’d serve to guests.

5. Easy to Prepare: Despite how rich and indulgent the dish tasted, it was surprisingly easy to make! No complicated steps, no long prep time. Just a few simple ingredients and a little love.

Conclusion

Sometimes, the best dishes are the ones that bring people together with just the right combination of flavors. This recipe was a perfect example of how a simple, yet delicious dish can leave a lasting impression, especially when shared with loved ones. It’s the kind of meal that’s full of flavor, comfort, and warmth—and judging by the way my mother-in-law couldn’t stop eating, I know it’s a keeper!

Whether you’re cooking for a picky eater, hosting a family dinner, or just craving something delicious, this recipe is sure to win over even the most selective palates. Give it a try, and you’ll soon see why it’s a dish that everyone—no matter how finicky—can’t help but love!