Hey there, friend! If you’re looking to whip up something that’s not only delicious but also healthy, you’ve come to the right place. I absolutely love chicken and spinach recipes healthy—they’re like a little hug on a plate! This particular recipe is super easy, making it perfect for beginners who want to impress themselves (and maybe some dinner guests too!). With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a vibrant, nourishing dish ready in no time. Plus, the combination of juicy chicken and fresh spinach is not just tasty; it’s packed with nutrients that make your body happy. Trust me, once you try this out, it might just become your go-to dinner recipe!
Ingredients List
Gather up these simple ingredients to make your chicken and spinach dish come to life! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for that perfect sizzle
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (the more garlic, the better, right?)
- 1 teaspoon salt, to enhance all those flavors
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, for a little kick
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika, adding a touch of smokiness
- 1/4 cup chicken broth, to keep everything juicy
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, fresh for that zesty brightness
Make sure you have everything on hand, and let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Chicken and Spinach
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this fabulous chicken and spinach dish! The steps are super simple, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen pro in no time. Just follow along, and you’ll have a tasty meal on your table before you know it!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- First, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. You want it hot enough that the oil shimmers but not smoking—this is key for getting that perfect sear on your chicken!
- While the oil is heating up, season your 2 chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and paprika on both sides. This will add tons of flavor, so don’t be shy!
- Once the oil is ready, carefully place the seasoned chicken in the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side without moving it around too much—you want that lovely golden crust to form!
- Flip the chicken over and cook for another 6-7 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through (check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety!).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t worry if the skillet looks a little messy; all those browned bits are packed with flavor!
- Now, add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—garlic can go from perfect to burnt in a flash!
- Next, toss in the 2 cups of fresh spinach and cook it until it’s wilted down, which should take just a couple of minutes.
- Pour in 1/4 cup of chicken broth and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, stirring everything together to combine. This will create a lovely sauce that coats the chicken.
- Finally, return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the spinach mixture, and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through. Voila! You’re ready to serve!
Trust me, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep and cook time—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Super easy steps, perfect for beginners who want to shine in the kitchen.
- Healthy ingredients that are packed with nutrients; you’ll feel good about what you’re eating!
- Flavorful combination of tender chicken and fresh spinach, with a zesty kick from lemon juice.
- One-pan dish means less mess and easy cleanup—who doesn’t love that?
Tips for Success
To make sure your chicken and spinach dish turns out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First off, always use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture—trust me, it makes a world of difference! When cooking the chicken, don’t overcrowd the skillet; if you’re making more than two breasts, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking. Also, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes after cooking; this helps keep it juicy! If you find the spinach wilting too quickly, lower the heat a bit to avoid burning. Finally, feel free to adjust the spices to your liking—this recipe is all about making it your own!
Variations of Chicken and Spinach Recipes Healthy
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this chicken and spinach recipe! For a Mediterranean twist, try adding some sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese; it’s a flavor explosion! You can also toss in some fresh herbs like basil or oregano for an aromatic lift. Want a little heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick. For an even heartier meal, add some cooked quinoa or brown rice to the skillet for a complete dish. The possibilities are endless—don’t be afraid to get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (which I hope you do, because it’s that good!), it’s super important to store them properly. Allow the chicken and spinach to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just pop it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally. This way, you’ll keep that delicious flavor intact! Enjoy your tasty leftovers!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition in this delightful chicken and spinach dish! Each serving packs a punch with approximately 300 calories, making it a great option for a healthy meal. You’ll also get around 10 grams of fat, with only 2 grams being saturated fat. On the protein front, it’s a powerhouse with about 45 grams per serving, perfect for keeping you full and satisfied. Plus, it has just 5 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber, along with a smidge of sugar at 1 gram. Keep in mind these values may vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but overall, you’re in for a nutritious treat!
FAQ Section
Got some questions about chicken and spinach recipes healthy? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few common ones that pop up, especially for beginners:
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen spinach works well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the skillet so your dish doesn’t get soggy.
What can I serve with this dish?
This chicken and spinach recipe pairs beautifully with a side of brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal. You could also serve it over whole grain pasta or with a fresh salad for something lighter!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This dish keeps well in the fridge for a few days, making it a great option for meal prep. Just reheat gently when you’re ready to eat.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It’s perfect for meal prepping. Just portion it out in airtight containers, and you’ll have healthy lunches or dinners ready to go for the week!
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
No problem! You can substitute with water, but consider adding a bit more seasoning to boost the flavor. Alternatively, vegetable broth works well too if you prefer a different base.
Chicken and Spinach Recipes Healthy: 7 Easy Steps to Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A healthy and easy recipe for chicken and spinach that is perfect for beginners.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Place chicken in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring well.
- Return chicken to the skillet and coat with the spinach mixture.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
- Serve warm and enjoy your meal.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken and spinach recipes healthy
