Zesty Warm Chicken and Spinach Delight
This vibrant and nourishing salad combines tender chicken, leafy greens, and a medley of fresh vegetables, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. With just 172 calories per serving and 6 grams of fat, it's an ideal choice for a heart-healthy meal that doesn't skimp on taste. Featured as one of the Better Homes and Gardens editor's top ten healthy heart recipes, this dish is both delicious and satisfying. Enjoy it for a refreshing lunch or a light dinner, and savor the herb-infused dressing that ties it all together.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spinach
6 cups (torn)
Leaf lettuce
2 cups (torn)
Red onion
1 medium (thinly sliced)
Red or green sweet peppers
2 (cut into bite-sized strips)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
12 ounces (cut into bite-sized strips)
Dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon (crushed)
Lemon-pepper seasoning
1/2 teaspoon
Garlic clove
1 (minced)
Cooking oil
1 tablespoon
Balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons
Water
2 tablespoons
Fresh rosemary sprig
optional
Instructions
1
Step 1: Prepare the Greens and Vegetables. In a large salad bowl, combine 6 cups of torn spinach, 2 cups of torn leaf lettuce, 1 medium red onion (thinly sliced), and 2 cups of red or green sweet pepper strips. Cover and chill the salad mixture in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
2
Step 2: Cook the Chicken. Cut 12 ounces of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized strips. Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon of crushed dried rosemary and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon-pepper seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a wok or 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 minced garlic clove and chicken strips to the skillet, and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is tender and no longer pink. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons of water, stirring to scrape up any browned bits left from the chicken. This will infuse the dressing with delicious, savory notes.
4
Step 4: Assemble the Salad. Add the cooked chicken to the chilled salad mixture, pour the warm dressing over the top, and toss gently to mix everything together. For an elegant presentation, transfer the dressed salad to individual plates.
5
Step 5: Garnish and Serve. If desired, garnish each plate with a fresh rosemary sprig to add a fragrant touch. Serve immediately to enjoy the warm and refreshing combination of flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Zesty Warm Chicken and Spinach Delight.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 172 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 6 grams of fat.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Is this recipe considered heart-healthy?
Yes, it is featured as one of the Better Homes and Gardens editor's top ten healthy heart recipes.
What are the main greens used in the salad?
The salad uses 6 cups of torn spinach and 2 cups of torn leaf lettuce.
What type of chicken is recommended?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
How should the chicken be seasoned?
Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon of crushed dried rosemary and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon-pepper seasoning.
How is the chicken prepared before cooking?
The chicken should be cut into bite-sized strips.
What vegetables are included in the salad base?
The base includes spinach, leaf lettuce, a medium red onion, and red or green sweet pepper strips.
How long can the salad mixture be chilled?
The salad mixture can be covered and chilled for up to 2 hours.
How should the red onion be prepared?
The red onion should be thinly sliced.
What is the cooking method for the chicken?
The chicken is stir-fried in a wok or a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
It takes approximately 2 to 3 minutes to stir-fry the chicken until it is no longer pink.
What ingredients are used for the warm dressing?
The dressing is made from 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons of water mixed with skillet drippings.
Why is water added to the skillet after cooking the chicken?
Water and vinegar are added to scrape up any browned bits from the chicken to infuse the dressing with flavor.
Is garlic used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 minced garlic clove is added during the stir-frying process.
What amount of cooking oil is needed?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of cooking oil.
What type of vinegar is used for the dressing?
Balsamic vinegar is used to create the dressing.
How should the salad be assembled?
Add the cooked chicken to the chilled salad mixture, pour the warm dressing over it, and toss gently.
What is the suggested garnish?
A fresh rosemary sprig is suggested as an optional garnish.
Should this dish be served immediately?
Yes, it should be served immediately to enjoy the warm and refreshing combination of flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch or dinner?
It is described as an ideal choice for both a refreshing lunch or a light dinner.
How many sweet peppers are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 red or green sweet peppers cut into strips.
What is the preparation for the spinach?
The spinach should be torn into pieces.
How much water is used in the dressing?
The dressing uses 2 tablespoons of water.
What is the texture of the chicken after cooking?
The chicken should be tender and no longer pink.
Can I use both red and green peppers?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 2 cups of red or green sweet pepper strips.
Is the dressing served cold?
No, the dressing is prepared in the warm skillet and poured over the salad while warm.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total.