This creamy garlic chicken with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes is a fantastic dairy-free dinner recipe that’s both comforting and packed with flavor. You’ll love how easy it is to create a rich sauce without any dairy, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well too, but adjust cooking time.
- Dairy-Free Milk: Unsweetened almond milk or cashew milk are great choices.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use oil-packed for best flavor, drain them before use.
- Nutritional Yeast: Adds a cheesy, umami flavor without dairy.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts down beautifully.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 cup unsweetened dairy-free milk (almond or cashew recommended)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Tools Needed: Large skillet
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the dairy-free milk and vegetable broth. Stir in the nutritional yeast, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Combine and Simmer
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to finish cooking through. The sauce will thicken slightly.
5. Wilt the Spinach
Stir in the fresh spinach a handful at a time, allowing it to wilt into the creamy sauce. Continue stirring until all the spinach has softened. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve Your Dairy-Free Dinner
Serve your creamy garlic chicken with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes immediately. It’s delicious over rice, pasta, or with a side of crusty bread. This dairy-free dinner recipe is sure to impress!
Variation Ideas:
- Add chopped mushrooms along with the onions for extra earthiness.
- Stir in a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a brighter flavor.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Add a dash of smoked paprika for a different smoky note.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover creamy garlic chicken with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of dairy-free milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can you make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dairy-free dinner recipe a day in advance. The flavors often deepen overnight.
What dairy-free milk is best for a creamy sauce?
Unsweetened almond milk or cashew milk are excellent choices due to their neutral flavor and ability to create a smooth, creamy texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this creamy garlic chicken recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you don’t serve it with gluten-containing sides like regular pasta.
How can you make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce. Cook for another minute until thickened.
Can you use frozen spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw it and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the skillet.
What other vegetables can you add?
Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking.