Ever find yourself staring into the fridge, wondering what to whip up for dinner that’s both delicious and doesn’t take forever? We’ve all been there, right? Especially after a long day, the last thing you want is a complicated cooking project.
Well, get ready to add a new favorite to your repertoire of chicken recipes! This Asado Chicken with Sautéed Garlic Spinach is a total game changer. It’s packed with flavor, super simple to make, and hits all the right notes for a satisfying meal.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love about a dish that delivers big on taste without asking too much of your time? This recipe is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for easy chicken recipes that truly impress.
First off, it’s incredibly flavorful. The Asado marinade infuses the chicken with a smoky, zesty kick that’s just irresistible. You’ll be surprised at how much flavor comes from such a simple mix of spices.
Then there’s the health factor. This is definitely one of those chicken with spinach recipes healthy folks will rave about. You get lean protein from the chicken and a good dose of greens from the sautéed spinach. It’s a win win for your taste buds and your body.
It’s also surprisingly versatile. While we’re focusing on grilled chicken and spinach recipes here, you can totally adapt this. Cook it in a skillet, bake it, or even use an air fryer if that’s your jam.
The prep is minimal, and the cooking process is straightforward, making it perfect for beginners. You don’t need any fancy equipment, just a grill pan or a good skillet, and you’re all set.
Plus, it’s a budget friendly meal. Chicken breasts and fresh spinach are usually pretty affordable, so you can feed the whole family without breaking the bank. It truly is a go to for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sautéed Garlic Spinach
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 10 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
First things first, grab those boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Place them in a shallow dish or a resealable bag. This is where all the magic starts for our flavorful chicken recipes.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Marinade
In a small bowl, combine your olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, chili flakes (if you’re feeling spicy), salt, and black pepper.
Whisk it all together until it’s beautifully blended. This aromatic mix is what gives your Asado chicken its signature taste. It’s what makes this one of the best chicken garlic spinach recipes out there!
Step 3: Marinate for Flavor
Pour that wonderful marinade over your chicken, making sure each piece is coated evenly. Give them a good turn or two to really get that flavor soaking in.
Cover the dish or seal the bag, then pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For an even deeper flavor, let it chill for up to 4 hours. Don’t go longer than that, though.
Step 4: Preheat Your Pan
While your chicken is getting happy in the fridge, preheat a grill pan or a sturdy skillet over medium high heat. Lightly oil the surface. You want it hot enough to get a nice sear on the chicken.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the breasts on your hot pan. You should hear that satisfying sizzle.
Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side. You’re looking for a beautiful browning and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures juicy, perfectly cooked chicken. This is key for any great grilled chicken and spinach recipes.
Step 6: Rest the Chicken
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 5 minutes. This little break allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken incredibly tender and moist.
While the chicken is resting, you can get started on your spinach. It’s all about timing to get everything ready at once.
Step 7: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add your thinly sliced garlic. Sauté it for just 30 to 60 seconds until it’s fragrant but hasn’t browned.
Burnt garlic can taste bitter, and we definitely don’t want that in our lovely sauteed spinach and chicken dish. Keep an eye on it!
Step 8: Wilt the Spinach
Now for the star green! Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet in batches. Use tongs to toss it around as it wilts.
Keep adding batches until all the spinach is in the pan and just wilted. It looks like a lot at first, but it cooks down quickly. This is how you get that perfect sauteed spinach and chicken combo.
Step 9: Season and Finish
Season the wilted spinach with salt and black pepper. If you like, stir in a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice for a bright, tangy finish. Then, remove it from the heat.
Step 10: Plate and Serve
Divide the flavorful chicken garlic spinach recipes sautéed spinach among your serving plates. Slice the rested Asado chicken breasts and arrange them beautifully over the spinach.
Serve immediately while everything is hot and fresh. This dish is truly a feast for the eyes and the palate. It’s a complete meal that feels gourmet but is totally doable any night.
How To Store Leftovers
Got some leftovers? Lucky you! This dish actually tastes great the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Simply transfer any remaining Asado chicken and sautéed spinach to an airtight container. Make sure it cools down completely before you seal it up and pop it into the fridge.
It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can use the microwave for a quick warm up. Just be mindful not to overcook the chicken, or it might get a little dry.
For best results, gently reheat the chicken in a skillet over low to medium heat until warmed through. You can even add a splash of water or broth to the spinach to keep it from drying out.
Tips
Want to take your chicken recipes to the next level? Here are a few handy tips to make this Asado Chicken with Sautéed Garlic Spinach even better.
Marinating Magic: Don’t skip the marinating step, even if it’s just for 30 minutes. It really makes a difference in the tenderness and flavor of the chicken. If you have time, let it go for the full 4 hours.
Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts are super thick, you might want to pound them lightly to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly, preventing one part from drying out while another is still cooking.
Spice It Up: Love a bit of heat? Feel free to increase the chili flakes in the marinade. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. For a milder version, just omit the chili flakes entirely.
Add a Sauce: While this dish is fantastic on its own, a little drizzle of something extra can really make it pop. Think a simple chimichurri, a light yogurt sauce, or even a store bought pesto. It transforms it into a full fledged grilled chicken with spinach and sauce experience.
Veggies Galore: This recipe is super flexible. While it’s specifically about grilled chicken and spinach, you could easily add other quick cooking veggies to the skillet with the spinach. Thinly sliced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes would be lovely.
Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro over the finished dish can add a burst of color and freshness. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference.
Serving Suggestions: This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of quinoa, brown rice, or even a light whole grain pasta. A crusty piece of bread to sop up the juices wouldn’t hurt either!
Conclusion
So, there you have it! A truly delicious and simple recipe for Asado Chicken with Sautéed Garlic Spinach that’s perfect for any night of the week.
It’s one of those chicken recipes that proves you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something incredibly satisfying and flavorful. It’s healthy, hearty, and just plain good.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is a winner. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite go to dinner. Happy cooking, everyone!
FAQ
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to be more forgiving and stay juicy even if slightly overcooked. Adjust cooking time slightly, usually 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until cooked through to 165°F (74°C).
How Can I Make This Gluten Free?
Good news! This Asado Chicken with Sautéed Garlic Spinach recipe is naturally gluten free as written. Just double check your spices to ensure they don’t contain any hidden gluten additives, though this is rare.
What if I Don’t Have a Grill Pan?
No worries at all! A regular large skillet or even a cast iron pan works perfectly for cooking the chicken. You’ll still get a lovely sear and delicious flavor. Just be sure to preheat it well.
Can I Prepare the Spinach Ahead of Time?
You can wash and dry the spinach ahead of time, but it’s best to sauté it just before serving. Wilted spinach can get a bit watery if left to sit too long. It cooks so quickly, it’s easy to do while the chicken rests.
Is This Dish Freezer Friendly?
The cooked chicken freezes well for up to 2 to 3 months in an airtight container. The sautéed spinach, however, is best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge. It can become a bit mushy when thawed from frozen.
Asado Chicken with Spinach
Looking for a no-fuss weeknight meal? This Asado Chicken with Sautéed Garlic Spinach is a total game changer. It’s family-friendly, packed with smoky flavor, and incredibly easy to clean up. Perfect for busy parents who want a comforting and tasty dinner in under 30 minutes.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag.
- Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper until blended.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
- Preheat a grill pan or sturdy skillet over medium-high heat and lightly oil the surface.
- Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate, tent with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes to keep it juicy.
- In a large skillet, sauté sliced garlic in oil for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the spinach in batches, tossing until just wilted.
- Season the spinach with salt and pepper, and finish with a squeeze of lemon if desired.
- Slice the rested chicken and arrange it over the spinach. Serve immediately!
Notes
For the best flavor, don’t skip the marinating step. Even 30 minutes makes a huge difference in tenderizing the chicken.
If your chicken breasts are very thick, pound them to an even thickness so they cook quickly and evenly without drying out.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly, making it a great choice for healthy weeknight dinners.
Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to keep the chicken moist.
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