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+ servings
Mary Kelly

Creamy Chicken And Cauliflower Recipe

If you’re like me, you know that a meal doesn’t just end with the main dish. There’s an art to pairing it with the right sides, drinks, and even desserts. For creamy chicken and cauliflower, think of vibrant flavors and complementary textures.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

  • 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 5 cups cauliflower florets
  • 2 medium shallots
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • cups chicken broth
  • ¼ cup dry white wine
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach
  • ½ cup half-and-half
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet, Oven

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
  1. Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. Make sure each piece is generously coated. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs, skin-side down. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
  1. In the same skillet, add a bit of butter if needed. Toss in the diced shallots and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Then, sprinkle in the fresh thyme and stir it in. The aroma will be divine.
Step 3: Make the Roux
  1. Now, add the flour directly to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let it cook for a minute, stirring continuously to avoid any lumps. This roux will provide the lovely creamy base for our sauce.
Step 4: Add Liquids
  1. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and white wine while continuously stirring. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. You’ll notice it thickens as it heats up—magic in action!
Step 5: Add Cauliflower and Chicken
  1. Once you achieve the desired thickness, add the cauliflower florets directly into the skillet. Nestle the chicken thighs back into the mixture. Cover and let it cook for about 20 minutes over low heat until the cauliflower is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Step 6: Finish the Dish
  1. Stir in the baby spinach, half-and-half, Dijon mustard, and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow everything to meld for a few minutes. The spinach will wilt, and the sauce will become luxuriously creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 31gFat: 20.7gSaturated Fat: 6.8gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 59mgSodium: 710mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 69IUVitamin C: 170mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 19mg

Notes

To get the best out of this recipe, consider the following tips:
  • Use Fresh Herbs: The freshness of thyme can’t be replaced. Dried herbs may alter the flavor.
  • Sear Well: Don’t skip the searing step; it adds a great depth of flavor to the chicken.
  • Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thinner sauce, feel free to add a bit more chicken broth when finishing the dish.
  • Experiment With Spices: If you love a kick, consider adding red pepper flakes.
  • Storage: This dish keeps well, so don’t hesitate to make it in larger batches!

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