Grilled Chicken Spinach Rice Delight
Transport yourself to a Mediterranean kitchen with this vibrant and nutritious Grilled Chicken Spinach Rice Delight. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal, this salad marries tender, grilled chicken breasts with fluffy rice pilaf, fresh spinach, sun-ripened tomatoes, and savory olives. Dressed in a zesty Italian dressing, the warm rice gently wilts the spinach, creating a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Although spinach is banned in this cook's domain, those who enjoy it will revel in the health benefits of this colorful dish, packed with protein and nutrients, making it an ideal choice for a wholesome dinner or lunch!
N/A
Servings
290
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 (None)
Italian salad dressing
1/3 cup (Divided)
Chicken rice pilaf mix
1 package (6 ounces) (None)
Fresh spinach
4 cups (Chopped)
Medium tomatoes
2 (Chopped)
Pitted ripe olives
1/4 cup (Halved)
Instructions
1
Preheat your grill or broiler. Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with 2 teaspoons of Italian salad dressing.
2
Cook the chicken on the grill or broiler for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once, until the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
3
While the chicken cooks, prepare the rice pilaf according to the package instructions.
4
In a large bowl, combine the hot cooked rice with the remaining salad dressing, chopped spinach, chopped tomatoes, and halved olives.
5
Gently stir the mixture until the spinach starts to wilt slightly due to the heat from the rice.
6
Divide the rice and spinach salad onto serving plates and elegantly top with slices of grilled chicken breast.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
28g
Carbs
22g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Grilled Chicken Spinach Rice Delight?
It is a Mediterranean-style dish featuring grilled chicken, fluffy rice pilaf, fresh spinach, tomatoes, and olives dressed in Italian dressing.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include chicken breasts, Italian dressing, rice pilaf mix, fresh spinach, medium tomatoes, and pitted ripe olives.
How long should I grill the chicken?
Grill or broil the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once, until juices run clear.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How much spinach is needed for the salad?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of chopped fresh spinach.
What type of dressing is used in this recipe?
Italian salad dressing is used to both season the chicken and dress the rice salad.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 290 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This recipe contains 12.5g of fat.
How much protein does this meal provide?
Each serving provides 22g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 28g of carbohydrates in this dish.
What kind of rice mix is required?
A 6-ounce package of chicken rice pilaf mix is used.
How do you wilt the spinach?
The spinach is wilted by stirring it into the hot, freshly cooked rice pilaf.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
Use two medium tomatoes and chop them into pieces.
How do I prepare the olives?
The 1/4 cup of pitted ripe olives should be halved.
Can I use a broiler instead of a grill?
Yes, the instructions state you can use either a grill or a broiler for the chicken.
Should I let the chicken rest after cooking?
Yes, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it tender.
How is the Italian dressing divided?
Use 2 teaspoons for brushing the chicken and the remainder for the rice mixture.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and easy cooking.
What tags represent this recipe?
Tags include chicken salad, grilled chicken, rice pilaf, healthy recipe, and Mediterranean flavors.
Is this dish suitable for lunch?
Yes, it is an ideal choice for both a wholesome dinner or a light lunch.
How many chicken breasts are used?
The recipe uses 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
When do I add the dressing to the rice?
The remaining dressing is added to the large bowl with the hot cooked rice and vegetables.
What makes the rice pilaf fluffy?
Following the package instructions for the rice pilaf mix ensures a fluffy texture.
Are there any specific dietary notes mentioned?
It is described as a nutritious, protein-packed dish with Mediterranean influences.
What is the serving suggestion?
Divide the rice and spinach salad onto plates and top with the sliced grilled chicken.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when the juices run clear and it reaches 165°F internally.
What provides the Mediterranean flavor?
The combination of Italian dressing, tomatoes, and olives creates the Mediterranean profile.
Does the recipe use fresh or frozen spinach?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh spinach.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The provided nutrition data does not specify the sugar content.
How should the chicken be sliced?
The grilled chicken should be elegantly sliced and placed on top of the rice.