Indulge in a guilt-free comfort food experience with Heart-Healthy Creamy Chicken, a dish that combines rich, creamy flavors with wholesome, nutritious ingredients. Seared boneless, skinless chicken breasts are simmered in a luscious, guilt-free sauce made from low-sodium chicken broth, unsweetened almond milk, and reduced-fat cream cheese, flavored with garlic, onions, and a hint of fresh parsley. Wilted spinach adds a vibrant dose of vitamins, while a splash of lemon juice enhances the brightness of the dish. Prepared with olive oil and whole grain flour for a healthier twist, this recipe is perfect for those seeking a flavorful yet nutritious meal. Quick to make in under an hour, it serves beautifully with quinoa or roasted vegetables for a heart-smart, satisfying dinner the whole family will love.
Begin by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic cloves. Set these ingredients aside for later use.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown, but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
Sprinkle the whole grain flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring consistently to combine evenly and cook for an additional 1 minute.
Gradually pour in the chicken broth and unsweetened almond milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the reduced fat cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated, forming a creamy sauce.
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices. Reduce the heat to low, allowing the chicken to simmer in the sauce for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Once the chicken is cooked, add the fresh spinach leaves, stirring them into the sauce until wilted.
Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice, and sprinkle the chopped parsley over the creamy chicken dish.
Serve the Heart-Healthy Creamy Chicken warm, with a side of your choice, such as quinoa or roasted vegetables, for a complete, nutritious meal.
Calories |
1868 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 77.7 g | 100% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.9 g | 130% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 652 mg | 217% | |
| Sodium | 2381 mg | 104% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 39.2 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.6 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.8 g | ||
| Protein | 232.8 g | 466% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.4 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 690 mg | 53% | |
| Iron | 10.0 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 2584 mg | 55% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.