There’s nothing cozier than a warm skillet dinner bubbling on the stove, especially when the leaves are turning and the air gets crisp. Creamy Gluten Free Chicken & Spinach Skillet isn’t just another weeknight dinner, it’s one of my personal favorites, and it’s earned that spot for good reason. This dish brings together tender chicken, velvety dairy-free cream sauce, and fresh baby spinach into a one-pan meal that’s both comforting and nourishing.
Ciao! I’m Sam, a Tuscan-born chef now living in the U.S., and here at GoldenGlutenFree.com, I share gluten-free recipes inspired by the food I grew up with. I wasn’t always gluten-free. For years, I trained under classic Italian chefs, kneading pasta and baking crusty pane like it was second nature. But persistent fatigue eventually led me to discover my gluten intolerance, and that changed everything.
I wasn’t ready to let go of my love for rich, homey meals. So I challenged myself to recreate the classics, without wheat, without compromise. And this Creamy Gluten Free Chicken & Spinach Skillet is proof that food can still be joyful, filling, and simple. Best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes and uses only one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just for yourself, this recipe brings the flavors of Tuscany into your kitchen, the gluten-free way.
Creamy Gluten Free Chicken & Spinach Skillet
Equipment
- skillet
- knife
- cutting board
- wooden spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut cream or other dairy-free cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth gluten-free certified
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 5 oz fresh baby spinach
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast or dairy-free parmesan (optional)
Optional Add-ins
- red chili flakes for heat
- mushrooms thinly sliced
- cooked gluten-free pasta or rice to serve
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté diced onion and minced garlic for about 3 minutes, until fragrant and translucent.
- Add coconut cream and chicken broth. Stir in Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add spinach and stir until wilted. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over top, and cook together for 2–3 more minutes.
- Finish with nutritional yeast or dairy-free parmesan. Serve hot over rice or gluten-free pasta, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients for Creamy Gluten Free Chicken & Spinach Skillet
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this comforting skillet. This recipe is naturally gluten-free, and substitutions are suggested for dairy-free needs.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut cream (or other dairy-free cream)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (check label for gluten-free certification)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 5 oz fresh baby spinach
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast or dairy-free parmesan (optional)
Optional add-ins:
- Red chili flakes for heat
- Mushrooms, thinly sliced
- Cooked gluten-free pasta or rice to serve
If you love one-skillet dinners like this one, check out my Lemon Herb Gluten Free Chicken Skillet or Quick Gluten-Free Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies, perfect for busy evenings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is designed to be beginner-friendly. All you need is a skillet and 30 minutes!
1. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken breast and cook for about 4–5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Build the Sauce
Pour in the coconut cream and chicken broth. Stir in Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Add Spinach and Chicken
Add the baby spinach and stir until wilted. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over it. Let everything cook together for another 2–3 minutes so flavors blend.
5. Finish with “Cheese”
Sprinkle in nutritional yeast or dairy-free parmesan for a cheesy kick. Serve hot!
Want a heartier dish? Try it over gluten-free pasta or a bed of rice.
Tips for Success
Making this Creamy Gluten Free Chicken & Spinach Skillet is easy, but here are a few chef-approved tricks:
- Slice chicken evenly for consistent cooking. Thin strips or bite-sized pieces work best for quick searing.
- Don’t boil the sauce, simmering keeps it creamy and prevents separation, especially if using dairy-free cream.
- Use fresh spinach instead of frozen for better texture and color. If you only have frozen, thaw and drain it first.
- Add acid last, a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish, but too early in the process, it can curdle the sauce.
If you’re into comforting meals that nourish without weighing you down, don’t miss my Gluten-Free Casseroles section or Simply Gluten-Free Full Plate Dinners for more inspiration.
Variations You’ll Love
This gluten-free chicken skillet recipe is a flexible base, feel free to tweak it based on what you have or your dietary needs.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Already is! Thanks to coconut cream. You can also use oat or cashew cream if preferred.
- Add Whole Grains: Serve over quinoa or brown rice.
- Use Chicken Thighs: Prefer darker meat? Boneless, skinless thighs are a rich alternative.
- Add Mushrooms or Peas: Stir in sliced mushrooms with the onions, or toss in peas for color and sweetness.
- Craving Spice? A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat.
Want more hearty ideas? Try my Classic Gluten-Free Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes or the BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with Roasted Potatoes for rustic comfort food done gluten-free.
Storage & Meal Prep
This Creamy Gluten Free Chicken & Spinach Skillet is a meal prep hero. Here’s how to store and enjoy leftovers:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The sauce may thicken slightly, just add a splash of broth when reheating.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
- Reheat: Warm gently on low heat to preserve creaminess. Stir frequently.
It pairs wonderfully with any side, gluten-free bread, mashed cauliflower, or even a crisp salad.
FAQs About Creamy Gluten Free Chicken & Spinach Skillet
What cream should I use for a dairy-free version?
Coconut cream works well and keeps it silky. Cashew cream or oat-based cream also blends beautifully without curdling.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture to avoid watering down the sauce.
Is this dish low carb?
Yes, it’s naturally low-carb, especially if served without rice or pasta.
Can I meal prep this dish?
Absolutely! It reheats well and is a great make-ahead dinner.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Gluten Free Chicken & Spinach Skillet is the definition of comfort food with a nourishing twist. Made in one pan, full of flavor, and free from gluten, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Whether you’re cooking for two or prepping meals for the week, this dish delivers richness without the heaviness, and without gluten.
If you enjoyed this recipe, explore more cozy classics like Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Soup or Gluten-Free Orange Chicken for your next dinner idea.