Looking for a tasty and healthy chicken recipe? The Skinnytaste Chicken Florentine is your go-to dinner choice. It pairs tender chicken with a creamy spinach sauce, making your weeknights special. You can make this restaurant-quality meal in just 40 minutes.
This recipe is great for those who are always on the go. It’s packed with flavor and is good for you. Each serving has 31.5g of protein and only 291 kcal, making it a guilt-free option.
Key Takeaways
- Quick 40-minute preparation time
- High-protein meal with 31.5g protein per serving
- Low-calorie option at 291 kcal per serving
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
- Versatile dish that suits multiple dietary preferences
Introduction to Skinnytaste Chicken Florentine
Turning plain chicken into a tasty dish can be tough. The Skinnytaste Chicken Florentine recipe is a great fix for those wanting low-calorie meals. It makes chicken breast into a special treat.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
Chicken Florentine is special because of its mix of ingredients and cooking methods. It combines key elements to make a simple chicken dish into a gourmet meal:
- Creamy spinach sauce that adds rich flavor
- Lean protein from chicken breast
- Nutrient-dense spinach as a primary ingredient
- Quick and easy preparation method
Health Benefits of Chicken Florentine
Your diet goals are important. This recipe offers great health benefits for those watching their diet:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | Health Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 26g | Muscle maintenance |
| Vitamin A | 2042 IU | Eye and immune health |
| Calcium | 36 mg | Bone strength |
“Eating healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing taste. This Chicken Florentine proves that nutrition can be delicious!” – Gina Homolka, Skinnytaste Founder
Choosing this recipe means picking a meal that supports your health while pleasing your taste. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to eat healthily.
Ingredients You Will Need
To make a tasty spinach and chicken dish, picking the right ingredients is crucial. Your Skinnytaste Chicken Florentine will shine with a mix of fresh produce and pantry staples. These ingredients turn simple items into a creamy chicken dish.
Fresh Ingredients for the Recipe
For a creamy chicken dish, you’ll need these fresh items:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 2 medium leeks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Recommended Pantry Staples
Here are the pantry items you’ll need for this creamy chicken dish:
- 1/3 cup less-fat cream cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fat-free milk
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Olive oil spray
- Salt and pepper to taste
“The secret to a great Chicken Florentine is using the freshest ingredients possible!” – Culinary Chef
Pro tip: Make sure your chicken is cooked to 165°F for safe and tasty results. Getting ready is important to make a delicious spinach and chicken meal that will wow your family and friends.
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Making this tasty Skinnytaste Chicken Florentine is a fun journey for anyone wanting easy dinner ideas. Gina Homolka’s recipes are known for their great taste and health benefits.
Mastering the Chicken Preparation
Start by preparing your chicken with care. Here’s how:
- Choose 12 oz of boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Pound chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness
- Season both sides with:
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Dredge chicken in flour for a light, crispy exterior
Creating the Perfect Spinach and Sauce
The sauce is where the magic happens in this easy chicken recipe. Follow these steps carefully:
- Sauté 2 minced garlic cloves until fragrant (30-60 seconds)
- Add 2 oz baby spinach and cook until wilted (2-3 minutes)
- Incorporate 2 oz cream cheese for richness
- Deglaze pan with 2 tsp chicken broth concentrate
Cooking Techniques
Cooking your chicken needs precision. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until it reaches 165°F. This makes the chicken juicy and perfectly cooked.
| Cooking Stage | Time | Temperature Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken per Side | 3-4 minutes | 165°F internal |
| Garlic Sauté | 30-60 seconds | Fragrant but not burned |
| Spinach Wilting | 2-3 minutes | Tender and bright green |
Pro tip: Let your chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain maximum juiciness!
Follow these steps to make a restaurant-quality Skinnytaste Chicken Florentine. It’s both tasty and healthy.
Tips for Best Results
Making the perfect skinnytaste chicken florentine needs some skill. These tips will help you make this dish as good as a restaurant’s in your kitchen.
Selecting the Perfect Chicken Cuts
Choosing the right chicken is key for skinnytaste chicken florentine. Look for:
- Chicken breasts that are about ½-inch thick
- Fresh, without any discoloration
- Organic or free-range chicken
Mastering Chicken Cooking Techniques
It’s important to avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature
- Cook until it hits 165°F
- Let it rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking
“The secret to perfect chicken is patience and precision.” – Culinary Experts
Smart Ingredient Substitutions
Being flexible is important in recipes like this. You can change things up by:
- Swapping tomatoes for peppers
- Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth
- Trying dairy-free cream alternatives
Cooking Time and Temperature Guide
| Chicken Thickness | Cooking Time | Internal Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| ½-inch thick | 3-4 minutes per side | 165°F |
| ¾-inch thick | 4-5 minutes per side | 165°F |
Pro tip: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without drying out your chicken.
Flavor Enhancements
Improving your healthy chicken recipes is easy. The right mix of cheese, herbs, and spices can turn a simple dish into a feast for your taste buds.
Cheese: The Flavor Amplifier
Cheese is key in making creamy chicken dishes. Parmesan adds a rich, nutty taste that boosts the whole recipe. Here are some cheese choices:
- Grated Parmesan (classic choice)
- Reduced-fat cream cheese for creaminess
- Soft mozzarella for a mild, melty texture
Herb and Spice Magic
Adding the right herbs and spices can take your chicken recipes to the next level. Dried herbs add depth and complexity without overpowering the chicken.
“Herbs are the magic wand of culinary creativity” – Unknown Chef
- Dried oregano for earthy notes
- Fresh thyme for a subtle, aromatic touch
- Basil for a hint of Mediterranean flair
- Crushed red pepper flakes for a mild heat
Try these flavor enhancers to make a creamy chicken dish that will wow everyone. Remember, cooking is an art, and you’re the artist!
Nutritional Information
Finding a low-calorie meal that tastes great is hard. The Skinnytaste Chicken Florentine is a tasty, weight loss friendly option. It’s packed with nutrients. Home Chef’s recipe is a balanced dish that supports your health goals.
Caloric Breakdown: Fuel Your Body Right
This dish has just 291 calories per serving. It’s perfect for those watching their calorie intake. It’s made to give you lots of nutrition without too many calories.
- Calories per serving: 291 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 11.5g
- Protein: 31.5g
- Total Fat: 13.5g
Macronutrient Profile: Nutrition That Matters
Your meal is full of important nutrients. It has the right mix of protein, fats, and carbs. This ensures you get the nutrients you need.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Saturated Fat | 4.5g |
| Cholesterol | 100mg |
| Sodium | 632.5mg |
| Fiber | 2.5g |
| Sugar | 3.5g |
Pro tip: This nutritional powerhouse proves that healthy eating can be both delicious and satisfying!
Serving Suggestions
Looking for easy dinner ideas that impress? Your Skinnytaste Chicken Florentine is incredibly versatile. Serve it over spaghetti, fusilli, or quinoa for a satisfying meal. It suits different taste preferences.
Perfect Pairings
Elevate your skinnytaste chicken florentine with side dishes. Try roasted green beans, a crisp garden salad, or cauliflower mash. These can turn your recipe into a complete and nutritious dinner.
Consider whole grain pasta or brown rice as bases. They boost your meal’s nutritional profile.
Meal Prep and Storage
This recipe is great for busy weeknights. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, use medium heat and add chicken broth to keep it moist.
You can freeze portions for up to 3 months. This makes it an excellent option for advance meal planning.
Pro tip: Always reheat chicken to 165°F. This ensures food safety and keeps the flavor and texture of your Skinnytaste Chicken Florentine the best.