Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe – Made With Spinach And Bacon

If you are looking for a delicious and filling meal that won’t break the bank then you are going to love this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe. Chicken thighs coated in cream sauce that is bursting with flavor.

It is a complete dinner recipe for those who are following a low carb or Ketogenic diet. Serve it as is for a full meal or over a bed of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

However it is also a great recipe to serve with white rice, mashed potatoes or over a bed of cooked egg noodles for those who aren’t following a low carbohydrate diet.

Not only is the taste of this recipe amazing, it is actually is fairly inexpensive meal to make. And it all starts with low cost chicken thighs.

In comparison to other varieties of protein that are available to purchase at the grocery store chicken thighs are one of the most economical. In fact, if you purchase a family pack of chicken thighs you can save a ton of money at the grocery.

Simply divide the chicken thighs into portions. Then place the chicken thighs in several Food Saver or freezer safe bags with the air removed.

Place the chicken in the freezer (except for the ones that you are going to use for this Garlic Butter Chicken recipe) so that it is available the next time that you need a few chicken thighs for dinner. For example, the night before you want to make Chicken and Rice Casserole pull out a packet of chicken thighs from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator.

Then the next day you are ready to make another terrific dinner!

What Type Of Chicken Thighs To Purchase

When it comes to purchasing chicken thighs I often recommend buying bone in, skin on thighs, especially when making this Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken Thigh Recipe. There is so much added flavor that you get when you cook the meat with the bone and skin.

However, because we are using several ingredients in this recipe there is already a ton of flavor in each bite. Therefore, for this recipe, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs.

Once cooked they will become super moist and tender. And once heated in the creamy sauce scattered with bacon and spinach sauce you won’t believe how delicious the chicken thighs become.

However, if you only have bone in, skin on chicken thighs you can definitely make this recipe. Although the cook time for the chicken thighs will take a little bit longer.

And for those who are wanting to decrease calories and fat from your diet you can certainly make this recipe with thin chicken breasts.

Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

*Although the list of ingredients can appear lengthy, most of the ingredients you will already have in your refrigerator or pantry. Trust me, the multiple ingredients is what makes this recipe so good!

• 3 chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 cloves garlic, finely diced
• 1/2 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 TBSP chicken broth (or dry white wine)
• 1/4 cup cooked, crispy real bacon bits
• 1 cup half and half (or milk)
• 1 1/2 cups baby spinach leaves
• Salt and fresh ground pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dry Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
• Crushed chili pepper flakes, optional
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

INSTRUCTIONS

To start making this garlic butter chicken recipe heat a large skillet set over medium heat add the olive oil. While the oil heats up season the chicken thighs on both sides with salt and pepper.

Once the oil is hot and shimmery add the chicken thighs to the pan. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side.

Continue to cook the thighs until the center of the thickest section of each thigh reaches an internal temperature of 160°F when checked with an instant read digital thermometer. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside while you make the sauce.

In the same skillet, melt the butter in the remaining juices left in the pan. Add the onion and saute for 4-5 minutes or until the onions begin to get tender.

Add the garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds – 1 minute). Then pour in the chicken stock (or white wine), and allow the liquid to reduce down slightly.

Use Dry White Wine Whenever Possible

*If you can make this garlic butter chicken recipe with dry white wine, please do so. Although the chicken stock will add flavor the white wine takes this recipe to a new level!

An no worry about the alcohol content. Once the white wine simmers the alcohol cooks off leaving you only with the magnificent flavor.

So what are types of dry wine that you can use? Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, and Chardonnay are especially good.

Once the liquid reduces down a bit add the bacon bits and then reduce heat to low. Then add the half and half and bring the pot to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

Now it is time to add the dry Italian seasoning to the Garlic Butter Chicken sauce. Then season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. *I will add a few red pepper flakes as well to give the sauce just a little kick.

Stir the sauce and add the spinach leaves. Continue to stir and allow the leaves to wilt in the sauce.

Next, stir in the Parmesan cheese and continue to simmer until the cheese melts. The cheese will add a little thickness to the sauce, however if you want the sauce to be even thicker, make a cornstarch slurry.

Thicken The Sauce (optional)

Do this by mixing the cornstarch and cold water together. Mix until the corn starch dissolves.

Then pour the mixture in the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens. Once the sauce is to your liking, add the cooked chicken thighs back into the skillet and add red pepper flakes (if using).

While the chicken heats use a spoon to pour the sauce over each chicken thigh. Serve warm over rice, pasta or alongside mashed potatoes.

For a low carb alternative serve this garlic butter chicken over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles or serve as is for a stand alone meal.

Enjoy! Mary

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