Lemon Parmesan Spinach Chicken

Lemon Parmesan Spinach Chicken is a delightful one-skillet dish that combines tender chicken breasts, fresh spinach, and a creamy lemon-parmesan sauce. This dish is the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and creamy flavors, making it a go-to option for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. The bright lemon adds a refreshing zing, while the parmesan cheese brings depth and richness, and the spinach provides a nutritious touch.

This recipe is quick to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and is endlessly versatile. Whether paired with pasta, rice, or served on its own, Lemon Parmesan Spinach Chicken is guaranteed to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the details to create this flavorful and comforting dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright and Refreshing: The lemon-parmesan sauce is tangy yet creamy, offering a perfect flavor balance.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.
Nutritious Touch: The fresh spinach adds a healthy dose of vitamins and a vibrant green color.
One-Pan Wonder: Cooked in a single skillet, this recipe saves time and reduces cleanup.
Versatile: Serve with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, or enjoy as a low-carb meal on its own.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and spinach

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Spinach:

• 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Additional grated parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, and onion powder. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes, or until fragrant.
2. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to deglaze and incorporate the browned bits.
3. Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 3–4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Add the Spinach

1. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring gently until it wilts and is fully incorporated into the sauce, about 2 minutes.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reheat the chicken and meld the flavors.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot.

Ingredient Background

Chicken Breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, making them ideal for this dish. Pounding them to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly and stay tender.

Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan cheese is a key ingredient that provides richness and umami to the sauce. Freshly grated parmesan melts better and offers a more robust flavor than pre-grated options.

Lemon

Lemon juice and zest add brightness and acidity, balancing the creaminess of the sauce and enhancing the dish’s overall flavor.

Spinach

Spinach is a nutrient-dense addition that not only boosts the dish’s health benefits but also adds a vibrant pop of green color. Baby spinach is tender and cooks quickly, making it a perfect choice.

Technique Tips

Pound the Chicken Evenly: Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.

Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Sear the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and prevent steaming.

Deglaze the Pan: After cooking the chicken, use the broth to deglaze the skillet, incorporating all the flavorful browned bits into the sauce.

Simmer Gently: When making the sauce, maintain a gentle simmer to prevent the cream from curdling.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Over Pasta: Serve the chicken and sauce over cooked fettuccine or angel hair pasta for a comforting Italian-inspired meal.

With Mashed Potatoes: Pair the dish with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the luscious sauce.

On a Bed of Greens: Serve the chicken on a plate of arugula or mixed greens for a lighter, low-carb option.

Additional Tips for Success

Season in Layers: Season the chicken, sauce, and spinach at different stages to build depth of flavor.

Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out. If too thin, simmer longer to reduce it.

Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice offers a brighter, more natural flavor compared to bottled lemon juice.

Recipe Variations

Garlic Lemon Chicken: Add more minced garlic to the sauce for an extra burst of savory flavor.

Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with pan-fried tofu or portobello mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Keto-Friendly Option: Use almond flour for dredging the chicken and pair the dish with cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.

Lemon Herb Twist: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the sauce for a fragrant variation.

Freezing and Storing

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. When reheating, use the stovetop over low to medium heat to gently warm the chicken and sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and to prevent the sauce from breaking. If reheating in the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish, and reheat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring between intervals to maintain the creamy texture. Avoid reheating multiple times to preserve the quality and flavor.

Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to the container. Label the container with the date for easy tracking. When ready to serve, thaw the chicken and sauce overnight in the refrigerator. For the best results, reheat on the stovetop, stirring in fresh spinach during the last few minutes to retain its bright color and texture. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream during reheating can help refresh the sauce.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Lighter Sauce: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or unsweetened almond milk to reduce fat and calorie content while maintaining a creamy consistency. You can also thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry if needed. For added flavor, include a dash of nutritional yeast as a dairy-free parmesan alternative.

Extra Veggies: Enhance the dish’s nutritional value by incorporating cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or mushrooms. Sauté these vegetables alongside the spinach to add vibrant colors and a variety of textures. Bell peppers or broccoli florets also work well and can be added during the sauce-making process for a heartier meal.

Lean Protein: Substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs or turkey cutlets for a leaner yet flavorful protein option. These alternatives cook quickly and pair wonderfully with the lemon-parmesan sauce. For a seafood twist, consider using shrimp or scallops, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Elegant Dinner Party: For an upscale presentation, individually plate the chicken breasts and drizzle each with the lemon-parmesan sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of grated parmesan. Pair with roasted asparagus or sautéed haricots verts for a sophisticated touch. Serve alongside a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the citrusy flavors.

Family Dinner: Present the dish family-style by serving it directly from the skillet. Place it in the center of the table with a basket of warm, crusty bread for dipping into the sauce and a simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette. This no-fuss approach makes it easy for everyone to help themselves, creating a warm, communal dining experience.

Special Occasion: Elevate the meal for celebrations by pairing the chicken with garlic parmesan risotto or creamy polenta. Add steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for a complete, indulgent meal. Serve on elegant dinnerware and finish with a light dessert like lemon sorbet or panna cotta for a restaurant-quality experience at home.

Special Equipment

Large Skillet: A wide, heavy-bottomed skillet ensures even cooking and prevents overcrowding, allowing the chicken to sear properly and the sauce to thicken evenly. A cast-iron skillet is particularly effective for retaining and distributing heat.

Zester: Use a fine zester or microplane to easily remove the lemon zest without including the bitter white pith. Lemon zest adds a bright, concentrated flavor that elevates the sauce. A zester is also versatile for grating parmesan cheese or nutmeg.

Meat Mallet: A meat mallet is essential for pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures the chicken cooks uniformly and remains tender and juicy. If you don’t have a meat mallet, the bottom of a heavy skillet or a rolling pin can be used as a substitute.

Tongs: Use tongs for turning the chicken during searing and for tossing the spinach into the sauce without damaging its delicate leaves. They also make it easier to plate the dish neatly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen spinach?
   Yes, thaw and drain frozen spinach before adding it to the skillet.
2. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
   Use half-and-half, coconut cream, or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter alternative.
3. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
   Avoid boiling the sauce after adding the cream. Maintain a gentle simmer instead.
4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work well in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
5. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
   Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened.
6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Reheat on the stovetop and add fresh spinach just before serving.
7. How do I thicken the sauce?
   Simmer the sauce longer to reduce it or add a slurry of cornstarch and water for quick thickening.
8. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
   Yes, substitute the cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative.

Conclusion

Lemon Parmesan Spinach Chicken is a versatile and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy, tangy sauce, tender chicken, and nutritious spinach, it offers a delightful balance of indulgence and healthiness. The simple preparation and elegant presentation make it equally suitable for weeknight dinners and special gatherings.

This recipe is easy to customize, whether you prefer a lighter version or want to add your favorite vegetables. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, comforting meal that’s sure to become a household favorite!

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