Chicken and spinach with garlic
Chicken with spinach and garlic – a delicious and healthy recipe
When we think of recipes that perfectly combine juicy meat with fresh vegetables, chicken with spinach and garlic undoubtedly ranks at the top of the list. This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it also offers an explosion of flavors, making it ideal for quick lunches or delightful dinners with loved ones.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Necessary ingredients:
- 1 kg chicken thighs (preferably skinless for a healthier option)
- 500 g fresh spinach (or frozen, but make sure it is well drained)
- 1 bunch of green garlic (for flavor and freshness)
- 1 head of dry garlic (an essential element for taste)
- 1 onion (for its natural sweetness)
- 1 cup white wine (optional, but adds a touch of sophistication)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 50 ml olive oil (to add a splash of flavor)
- Sweet or hot paprika (for a hint of warmth)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for a fresh and vibrant taste)
Step-by-step preparation:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the chicken well, then dry it with a kitchen towel. This step is important for achieving an even and beautiful browning. Also, wash the spinach and green garlic well, drying them lightly.
2. Seasoning the chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Make sure to coat them evenly with the spices. This step will enhance the flavor of the chicken.
3. Browning the chicken: In a large skillet, heat half of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and let them brown on both sides for about 5-7 minutes, until they become golden.
4. Adding wine and garlic: Once the chicken is browned, deglaze the pan with white wine. This will add a pleasant distinctive flavor. Add the chopped green garlic and let everything simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, until the garlic becomes soft.
5. Preparing the spinach: In another skillet, heat the remaining olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the fresh spinach and cover the skillet with a lid. This technique will help the spinach wilt quickly and retain its vibrant color.
6. Finalizing the dish: After the spinach has wilted, crush the dry garlic and add it to the skillet along with the lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it sauté together for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
7. Serving: Arrange the chicken thighs on a platter and serve them alongside the flavored spinach. You can garnish the dish with lemon slices or fresh green garlic leaves for a more appealing look.
Useful tips:
- If you want an even healthier dish, you can replace the chicken thighs with chicken breast.
- Use fresh spinach, but if it is not available, frozen spinach is an excellent alternative, ensuring it is well drained.
- Add some roasted cashews or almonds on top of the spinach for extra texture and flavor.
- You can serve this dish with a side of rice or mashed potatoes for a complete lunch or dinner.
- A dry white wine pairs perfectly with this dish, complementing the flavors and providing a remarkable culinary experience.
Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Spinach is rich in iron, vitamin K, and antioxidants, while chicken provides lean proteins essential for a balanced diet. Additionally, garlic has antibacterial and antioxidant properties, beneficial for the immune system.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but make sure it is completely thawed before cooking to achieve even cooking.
2. What can I do if I don’t have green garlic?
You can use dry garlic, but the flavor won’t be as fresh. In this case, increase the amount of dry garlic to 2-3 cloves.
3. How can I adapt the recipe for a vegetarian diet?
You can replace the chicken with marinated tofu or portobello mushrooms, and the rest of the ingredients remain unchanged.
I hope this chicken with spinach and garlic recipe brings a touch of flavor to your kitchen. Try it and enjoy a tasty and healthy dish, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 1 kg chicken thighs 500g spinach 1 bunch green garlic 1 head garlic (dried) 1 onion 1 cup white wine salt pepper 50 ml olive oil sweet or hot paprika 2 tablespoons lemon juice
