Are you craving a delicious and healthy meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This chicken with frozen spinach recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor, requires minimal ingredients, and is ready in under 30 minutes. This recipe offers a fantastic blend of lean protein and nutritious greens, making it a perfect choice for a quick and healthy dinner or a satisfying lunch. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breast to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Make sure the chicken is no longer pink inside for food safety.
Step 3: Incorporate the Spinach: Add the thawed and squeezed spinach to the skillet. Stir to combine with the chicken and onion mixture.
Step 4: Simmer in Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce heat, and cover. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
Step 5: Finish and Serve: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and serve immediately. This delicious and healthy dish pairs perfectly with a side of rice, quinoa, or crusty bread.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Squeezing the spinach: This step is crucial! Make sure to squeeze out as much excess water from the thawed spinach as possible. This prevents the dish from becoming watery.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you have a large amount of chicken, cook it in batches to ensure even browning.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and oregano to your liking. A dash of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick!
Variations:
- Creamy Chicken Spinach: Stir in a 1/4 cup of heavy cream or crème fraîche during the last few minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Lemon Herb Chicken Spinach: Add the zest and juice of half a lemon along with some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a bright and zesty flavor.
- Add Mushrooms: Enhance the dish with sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This simple chicken with frozen spinach recipe is a true testament to how easy it is to create delicious and healthy homemade cooking. It's a quick dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights, and a wonderful example of the best recipes that are both satisfying and nutritious. Enjoy!