Pan Fried Chicken with Spinach and Pine Nuts is a delicious and healthy dish that combines tender chicken breasts with the earthy flavors of spinach and the rich, nutty taste of pine nuts. This recipe offers a simple yet elegant meal that is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With roots in Mediterranean cuisine, this dish showcases the use of fresh ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques, making it a favorite among home cooks who appreciate flavorful and nutritious meals.
The main keyword, Pan Fried Chicken with Spinach and Pine Nuts, highlights the core ingredients and method of preparation. This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a treat for the eyes, with its vibrant colors and appealing presentation. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this delightful meal.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (for pan frying)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Fresh Spinach: 4 cups, washed and dried
- Pine Nuts: ¼ cup, toasted
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
- Feta Cheese: ¼ cup, crumbled (optional)
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional, for heat)
Related Keywords
- How do you pan fry chicken without drying it?: Ensure that you don’t overcook the chicken by maintaining a medium heat and turning the breasts only once during cooking.
- What is the healthiest way to cook chicken in pan?: Use minimal oil and keep the heat controlled to cook chicken thoroughly without burning.
- How to pan fry chicken without oil?: Use a non-stick skillet and a little water or chicken broth to prevent sticking.
- Recipe with chicken and pine nuts: Incorporate toasted pine nuts into the spinach for added crunch and flavor.
- Chicken stuffed with spinach: You can also stuff the chicken breasts with spinach and pine nuts before frying.
- Spinach feta stuffed chicken breast quick and easy: Incorporate feta into the filling for a creamy texture.
- Chicken wrapped spinach feta: Wrap chicken breasts with spinach and feta for a different presentation.
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Pan Fry the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Preparing the Spinach and Pine Nuts
- Toast the Pine Nuts: In a small dry skillet, toast the pine nuts over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet with the garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted and tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet with the spinach. Add the lemon juice and toasted pine nuts. Toss everything together to combine and heat through.
Assembling the Dish
- Slice the Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips and place them on a serving platter.
- Top with Spinach and Pine Nuts: Spoon the spinach mixture over the chicken. If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and red pepper flakes on top for additional flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the dish warm, garnished with extra lemon wedges if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Cooking Tips: To prevent the chicken from drying out, avoid overcooking and allow it to rest before slicing. Use a sharp knife to slice the chicken for clean cuts.
- Variations: For a creamier texture, add a dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of cream to the spinach mixture. You can also add sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
- Substitutions: Swap pine nuts with almonds or walnuts if desired. For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with tofu or tempeh.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 1g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 420mg
Pan Fried Chicken with Spinach and Pine Nuts is a delicious and healthy meal that is sure to impress. The combination of juicy chicken, nutrient-rich spinach, and crunchy pine nuts creates a dish that is as nutritious as it is tasty. This recipe is easy to follow and quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners.
We hope you enjoy making this dish as much as we do. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and make it your own. Don’t forget to leave a comment below sharing your experience, and subscribe to our newsletter for more delightful recipes. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out our Chicken Stuffed with Spinach and Spinach Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast recipes for more culinary inspiration. Happy cooking