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Spinach With Chicken Thighs

Spinach With Chicken Thighs

This cozy one-pan Spinach With Chicken Thighs recipe combines crispy chicken, creamy coconut sauce, and tender spinach for a comforting, flavor-packed meal that comes together with simple ingredients and minimal cleanup.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken & Flavor Base
  • 6 thighs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • Coconut oil or olive oil as needed
  • 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
For the Creamy Spinach Sauce
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cans coconut milk, full-fat 14 oz each
  • 0.25 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 lb frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened coconut flakes for topping

Method
 

  1. Place the chicken thighs on a plate and pat dry thoroughly. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
  2. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook until golden and crispy, about 10–12 minutes. Flip and cook for 3 minutes more, then transfer to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
  3. If the skillet is dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of oil. Stir in the shallot and garlic and cook for about 2 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and cook for 2 minutes until lightly golden. Slowly pour in the coconut milk while whisking, then add 1 cup of water, nutmeg, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Fold in the drained spinach. Taste and adjust seasoning. Nestle the chicken back into the sauce, skin-side up, and simmer for 15 minutes until fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
  5. Turn on the broiler. Ensure the chicken skin is above the sauce. Broil for 3 minutes to re-crisp the skin, sprinkle with coconut flakes, and broil for 1 additional minute. Rest briefly before serving.

Notes

Make sure the spinach is squeezed very dry to avoid thinning the sauce. Full-fat coconut milk creates the creamiest texture. Adjust thickness by simmering longer or adding a splash of water.