Spinach Chicken recipe

Spinach Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the tender juiciness of chicken with the nutritional benefits of spinach. This recipe is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor. The combination of creamy sauce and fresh spinach creates a meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients for the Recipe:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Fresh lemon juice (optional)

Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor:

• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Mushrooms
• Red pepper flakes for a bit of heat

Preparation

Prepping the Chicken:

1. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Prepping the Spinach and Other Ingredients:

1. Wash and dry the spinach leaves.
2. Mince the garlic and finely chop the onion.
3. Grate the Parmesan cheese if not already pre-grated.

Cooking the Chicken

Searing the Chicken:

1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Creating a Flavorful Base:

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant and translucent.

Cooking the Spinach

Adding Spinach to the Dish:

1. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until wilted.
2. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Wilted Spinach Technique:

1. Ensure that the spinach is evenly cooked but still vibrant green.
2. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Making the Sauce

Creamy or Light Sauce Options:

1. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a minute.
2. Add the heavy cream or half-and-half, stirring continuously.

Combining Ingredients for the Sauce:

1. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
2. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.

Bringing It All Together

Mixing Chicken with Spinach and Sauce:

1. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the spinach and sauce.
2. Spoon some sauce over the chicken to coat.

Final Cooking Steps:

1. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. If desired, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the top for a bright finish.

Serving Suggestions

Best Side Dishes:

1. Serve with rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes.
2. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.

Presentation Tips:

1. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
2. Serve in a warm dish to keep the sauce from cooling too quickly.

Storage Tips

Keeping Leftovers Fresh:

1. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:

1. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Variations

Different Cuts of Chicken:

1. Try using chicken thighs for a juicier option.
2. Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the meat.

Adding Other Vegetables:

1. Incorporate mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.
2. Sauté vegetables separately and add them in when combining the chicken and sauce.

Tips for Success

Ensuring Tender Chicken:

1. Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
2. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices.

Enhancing the Flavor:

1. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
2. Season well with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors.

FAQs

1. Can I Use Frozen Spinach?
   • Yes, thaw and drain the frozen spinach well before adding it to the skillet to avoid excess water in the sauce.
2. How Long Does This Recipe Take?
   • The recipe takes about 30-40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick yet impressive meal.
3. Can I Make It Ahead?
   • You can prepare the chicken and spinach separately ahead of time and combine them when ready to serve. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
4. What Type of Chicken is Best?
   • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but you can use chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
5. How Do I Prevent the Sauce from Separating?
   • Keep the heat low when adding the cream to the sauce, and stir continuously to maintain a smooth consistency.

Conclusion

Spinach Chicken is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of tender chicken and fresh spinach in a creamy sauce. This recipe is easy to follow and delivers restaurant-quality results right at home. Try it for a delightful dinner that everyone will love!

Yield: 4

Spinach Chicken recipe

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Spinach Chicken is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of tender chicken and fresh spinach in a creamy sauce. This recipe is easy to follow and delivers restaurant-quality results right at home. Try it for a delightful dinner that everyone will love!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients

• Chicken
• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning
• 1/3 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Sauce
• ½ cup dry white wine, see notes
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons flour
• ¾ cup chicken broth
• 1 chicken bouillon
• 1 ¼ cups half and half, (half cream/half milk)
• 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice, optional
• Seasonings
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon parsley

Instructions

Prep Work

• Combine the chicken broth, chicken bouillon, half and half, and seasonings in a large measuring cup with a spout and set aside. Measure out remaining ingredients prior to beginning.

Make the Chicken

• Slice the chicken in half lengthwise to create 2 thinner slices. Cover with saran wrap and use the textured side of a meat mallet to pound it to ½ inch thick. Pat completely dry. Season each side with lemon pepper seasoning, then dredge in flour and tap off excess.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, until a golden crust has developed. Set aside.

Make the Sauce

• Add the wine, butter, and garlic to the skillet over medium heat and use a silicone spatula to “clean” the bottom and sides of the skillet. Let it reduce by half, about 4 minutes.
• Add the flour and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes. Add the chicken broth mixture in small splashes, stirring continuously. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
• Add the softened cream cheese and stir to combine. Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese. Once incorporated, add the spinach and stir to combine. Let it wilt, about 1-2 minutes. Add the chicken back to the skillet along with any juices from the plate. Spoon the sauce on top. Cover partially and let it heat through for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice if desired and serve!