Delicious Red Wine Chicken and Spinach Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make chicken recipe that will impress your family or guests? Look no further! I have the perfect recipe for you – tender chicken and baby spinach in red wine.
This dish is packed with flavor, bringing together juicy chicken breasts with a rich and savory sauce made from tomato paste, garlic, and red wine. The baby spinach adds a fresh and healthy touch to the dish, making it a wholesome meal that everyone will enjoy.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it is also a one-pan wonder that requires minimal prep time and clean-up. All you need is one skillet to cook everything together, giving you more time to relax and enjoy your meal.
So why not add this dish to your weekly meal rotation? It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser and become a favorite around your dinner table. Let’s get started with the ingredient list and how-to guide!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a dish that is easy to make, yet full of flavor? Look no further! This Tender Chicken and Baby Spinach in Red Wine recipe is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
First off, who doesn’t love a good glass of red wine? This recipe incorporates the delicious taste of red wine into a savory sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken and fresh baby spinach. The combination of flavors in this dish is truly unbeatable.
Additionally, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can substitute the baby spinach for other leafy greens such as kale or arugula, or switch up the protein by using boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. It’s also a one-pan meal, which makes clean-up an absolute breeze.
But what really sets this recipe apart from others is how healthy it is. The use of skinless chicken breasts and baby spinach keeps the dish low in calories and high in protein and nutrients. And with the addition of sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, your taste buds are in for a treat without sacrificing your health goals.
Overall, this Tender Chicken and Baby Spinach in Red Wine recipe is packed with delectable flavors and superfoods that are sure to leave you feeling satisfied and guilt-free. So why not give it a try tonight? Your taste buds (and waistline) will thank you!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Tender Chicken and Baby Spinach in Red Wine recipe:
- 4 boneless, [bold]skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup [bold]red wine
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
This dish is simple yet so flavorful. The combination of red wine, garlic, and baby spinach creates a heavenly aroma that will tantalize your taste buds. The tender chicken breast coated in the creamy, flavorful [bold]wine sauce is perfect served over pasta or rice. Gather these ingredients and let’s get started on making this delicious recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Spinach
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Start by cutting 1 pound of skinless, boneless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces.
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Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
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Cook the chicken until it’s browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
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Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
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In the same skillet, add 2 more tablespoons of olive oil and chopped onion. Sauté for 2 minutes or until translucent.
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Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to taste. Sauté for another minute or until fragrant.
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Then, add in 1/2 cup of red wine to deglaze the pan.
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Cook for about 2 minutes or until the wine is reduced in half.
Step 2: Create the Sauce
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Next, stir in a can of tomato paste, followed by sliced mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes, if desired.
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Pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
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Reduce the heat to medium-low, then let it simmer for about 8 minutes.
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Once the sauce has thickened slightly, add back in the cooked chicken and let it cook in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Baby Spinach
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Finally, add a bag of fresh baby spinach into the skillet with the sauce.
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Cook until the spinach is wilted but still bright green. It should take about 3 minutes.
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Turn off the heat and let everything sit in the skillet for an additional minute or two until fully heated through.
Serve this delicious and healthy One-Pot Creamy Chicken Recipe over your favorite pasta or rice with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Substitutions and Variations
There are plenty of ways to customize this red wine chicken recipe to suit your taste buds or dietary restrictions. Here are some ideas:
– Protein: If you don’t have chicken breast or prefer a different protein, feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even pork tenderloin. You could also make a vegetarian version by swapping the chicken with extra-firm tofu, seitan, or portobello mushrooms.
– Wine: This recipe calls for red wine, but you can switch it up with white wine, depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that white wine tends to be lighter and more acidic than red, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.
– Greens: Although baby spinach adds a delicate flavor and texture to this dish, you can use other greens that you like or have on hand. Try kale, chard, arugula, or even frozen spinach.
– Tomato paste: If you don’t have tomato paste in your pantry or want to avoid canned products, use sun-dried tomatoes instead. They add a sweet and tangy note that complements the wine sauce and the chicken.
– Pasta: To turn this dish into a hearty meal, add some cooked pasta to the skillet at the end and toss everything together. Bow tie pasta or penne would work well with the creamy sauce and the spinach.
– Mushrooms: If you’re a mushroom lover, you can enhance the umami flavor of this recipe by adding sautéed mushrooms to the mix. Cremini mushrooms or shiitake would work well with the wine sauce and the garlic.
– Spices: You can tweak the seasoning in this recipe to your liking by adding herbs or spices that you enjoy. For example, you could sprinkle some red pepper flakes for heat, dried thyme for earthiness, or smoked paprika for smokiness.
By playing around with these substitutions and variations, you can create a customized version of this red wine chicken recipe that satisfies your palate and culinary preferences.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing this tender chicken and baby spinach in red wine dish, you have several options. Firstly, you can simply serve it as is, with a side of crusty bread or some steamed rice. The delicious wine sauce pairs perfectly with bread or rice and helps to soak up any leftover sauce.
Alternatively, you can serve this dish as a main course alongside pasta. A light and creamy pasta sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach will pair perfectly with the tender chicken and rich red wine sauce. You can use bowtie pasta, linguine, or anything that suits your taste.
For wine pairing, since this recipe uses red wine, a glass (or two) of Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon would be excellent choices. Both are full-bodied wines with bold flavors that will match the richness of the chicken and the creaminess of the sauce. If you prefer white wine, Chardonnay would complement the creaminess of the dish in particular if a white wine sauce is used instead of a red.
Whether you’re enjoying this dish for date night or on a cozy night in with family or friends, know that it’s meant to be savored alongside great company and good conversation!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals. The flavors of the red wine sauce and tender chicken only improve with time, so it can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to reheat.
When reheating, I recommend doing so on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth to loosen up the sauce if it has thickened.
This dish can also be frozen for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. Make sure the sauce has fully defrosted and warmed up, again adding a splash of chicken broth if needed.
Overall, this recipe is a great option for meal prep or making ahead for dinner parties or gatherings. It’s convenient and delicious!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure perfect results when making Tender Chicken and Baby Spinach in Red Wine, there are a few tips and tricks that I’ve learned through trial and error. Here are my top tips for making this recipe flawlessly every time.
1. Cook the Chicken Just Right
The key to any great chicken recipe is to cook it just right. Overcooking will result in dry and tasteless chicken, while undercooking can lead to health risks. The best way to ensure perfectly cooked chicken is to use an instant-read thermometer, which should read at least 165°F when inserted into the thickest part of the meat.
2. Season Generously
Don’t be afraid to season the chicken generously with salt and pepper before cooking. This will help lock in the flavors and add depth to your dish. You can also add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano if you prefer.
3. Use Good-Quality Wine
Choosing good-quality wine will enhance the overall flavor of your dish. Opt for a red wine that is full-bodied and fruity, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Avoid using cheap wine, as it may have an unpleasant taste that could ruin your meal.
4. Don’t Skip the Tomato Paste
Tomato paste may seem like a small ingredient, but it adds depth and richness to your dish. It also helps balance out the acidity of the wine sauce. Don’t skip it!
5. Let the Chicken Rest
Once your chicken is cooked to perfection, let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy bite.
By following these tips, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the recipe for tender chicken and baby spinach in red wine is a must-try dish for everyone who loves amazing flavor combinations. This one-pot creamy and rich dish packs an unforgettable taste that will leave you craving more. With the flexibility to substitute ingredients and personalize the dish, the options for variation are endless. Whether you choose to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or add mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes, it will still come out delicious.
The beauty of this recipe is that it combines the tastiest ingredients to create a flavorful meal that’s simple to whip up. The aroma of garlic and red wine sauce simmering in the skillet makes it perfect for any dinner party, romantic dinner or serving as comfort food.
Additionally, this recipe can be paired with bow tie pasta or paired with any side of your choice— from roasted vegetables to mashed potatoes – the possibilities are endless. The best part of all is that the recipe can be made ahead of time, stored and reheated; making it an excellent meal prep option.
In conclusion, I recommend giving this dish a shot; your taste buds will thank you later. From its simplicity to its elegant preparation, this recipe is a great choice for any night of the week or perfect for serving guests as well. Do not hesitate to try it out and see for yourself what makes this dish so irresistible!
Tender Chicken and Baby Spinach in Red Wine. Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 skinless chicken breast, cut in half lengthways
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2-3/4 cup red wine
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 100 g baby spinach leaves
Instructions
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and spray with cooking oil spray.
- Add the garlic and cook gently, do not brown.
- Add the chicken and cook until chicken is just about cooked through, turning regularly so both sides cook evenly.
- Add the wine, tomato paste and herbs.
- Stir so that the paste mixes into the wine.
- Bring to a simmer and cook about 5 minutes or until chicken is just cooked through.
- Add the spinach leaves and mix through so they just wilt then quickly remove from the heat.
- Serve the chicken with spinach leaves on top and sauce drizzled over the spinach.
- Nice served with steamed broccoli and pasta or potatoes.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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