7 Delicious Chicken and Spinach Recipes You'll Love

Chicken and spinach make a winning combination in the kitchen, offering a variety of dishes that are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner, an impressive dish for guests, or just trying to incorporate more greens into your diet, these recipes are sure to delight your taste buds. Here's a roundup of seven delightful chicken and spinach recipes that you can easily prepare at home.

1. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken

This dish takes the classic chicken breast and gives it a delightful twist with a spinach and feta stuffing:

• Ingredients:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• ¹⁄₂ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Preparation:
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cut a pocket into each chicken breast. Stuff with the spinach-feta mixture.
• Season the outside with salt and pepper, then sear in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden brown. Finish cooking in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.

2. Creamy Spinach and Chicken Alfredo

This rich and indulgent pasta dish is a favorite for its creamy texture and hearty flavors:

• Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 1 pound fettuccine or pasta of your choice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Preparation:
• Boil pasta according to package instructions.
• In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat, add diced chicken, and cook until browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
• In the same pan, add heavy cream, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and stir in Parmesan until melted. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
• Add chicken back to the pan, combine with sauce, toss with pasta, and serve hot.

💡 Note: For a lighter version, you can substitute half the cream with milk, or use half-and-half.

3. Chicken and Spinach Quiche

Perfect for brunch or a light dinner, this quiche combines the lightness of eggs with the savory flavors of chicken and spinach:

• Ingredients:
• 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• ¹⁄₂ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss)
• Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste
• Preparation:
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Roll out the pie crust into a pie dish. Layer spinach, then chicken, and finally cheese on the crust.
• Whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg together. Pour over the chicken and spinach.
• Bake for 35-40 minutes until the quiche is set and the crust is golden.

4. Chicken and Spinach Enchiladas

A twist on traditional enchiladas, adding spinach boosts the nutritional content and adds a vibrant color:

• Ingredients:
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups enchilada sauce
• 8 flour tortillas
• 1 cup cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, shredded
• ¹⁄₄ cup green onions, chopped
• Preparation:
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Mix chicken with spinach and about half of the enchilada sauce. Warm the tortillas to make them pliable.
• Fill each tortilla with the chicken mix, roll up, and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
• Pour the remaining sauce over the enchiladas, sprinkle with cheese and green onions.
• Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

5. Lemon Garlic Spinach and Chicken Salad

This fresh salad is perfect for a light and zesty meal:

• Ingredients:
• 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 lemon (for zest and juice)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¹⁄₄ cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: cherry tomatoes, avocado, feta cheese
• Preparation:
• In a bowl, whisk together lemon zest, juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
• Toss spinach in the dressing, add sliced chicken, and any additional toppings. Serve immediately.

6. Chicken and Spinach Stir-fry

An Asian-inspired dish that’s quick to make and full of flavor:

• Ingredients:
• 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 2 cups spinach leaves
• 1 red bell pepper, julienned
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with ¹⁄₄ cup water
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Preparation:
• Heat oil in a wok or large frying pan, add chicken and stir-fry until browned. Remove and set aside.
• Add more oil if necessary, sauté onion and bell pepper, then add spinach and stir until wilted.
• Return chicken to the pan, add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch mixture. Stir until sauce thickens, then drizzle with sesame oil. Serve over rice.

7. One-Pot Spinach and Chicken Spaghetti

Minimize cleanup with this delicious one-pot meal:

• Ingredients:
• 1 pound spaghetti
• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 4 cups spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Preparation:
• In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic with some olive oil. Add chicken and cook until browned.
• Add spinach, tomatoes, broth, spaghetti, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, then simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente.
• Stir in Parmesan cheese, season, and serve directly from the pot.

🥗 Note: You can customize this recipe by adding different vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition.

These seven recipes showcase the versatility of chicken and spinach in creating hearty, flavorful, and visually appealing dishes. Whether it's a stuffed chicken breast for a special dinner or a comforting pasta dish for a cozy night in, you now have a collection of meals that can cater to any occasion. Not only do these recipes bring joy through taste, but they also offer a healthy dose of protein and vitamins, making your meals not only satisfying but also nutritious. By incorporating spinach, you're adding a nutrient powerhouse to your dishes, enhancing both flavor and health benefits.

Can I use frozen spinach in these recipes?

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Absolutely! Frozen spinach can be substituted for fresh spinach in most recipes. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture, which can alter the dish’s consistency.

How can I make these dishes lower in calories?

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To reduce calories, consider these tips:

• Use lean chicken breast instead of thigh or skin-on chicken.
• Replace cream with milk or a non-dairy alternative.
• Opt for lighter cheeses or reduce the amount used.
• Increase the amount of spinach or add other vegetables for bulk without added calories.

Are these recipes suitable for meal prepping?

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Yes, many of these dishes, like the Chicken and Spinach Enchiladas or the One-Pot Spaghetti, are excellent for meal prep. They can be made in advance, stored in the fridge, and reheated, saving time during the week.

Can I prepare these recipes if I’m new to cooking?

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Definitely! The recipes listed are designed with simplicity in mind, using basic cooking techniques and readily available ingredients. Start with simpler dishes like the Lemon Garlic Spinach Salad or the Chicken and Spinach Stir-fry, which require less time and fewer steps.