Heart-Healthy Chicken in Cream Sauce

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this delicious and **Heart-Healthy Chicken in Cream Sauce**—a wholesome twist on a classic comfort food. Featuring tender, golden-browned chicken breasts nestled in a velvety, guilt-free cream sauce made from skim milk and low-sodium chicken broth, this recipe delivers indulgent flavor without the extra calories. Infused with garlic, fresh thyme, and a bright splash of lemon juice, the dish is perfectly balanced and irresistibly aromatic. Fresh baby spinach adds a dose of vibrant greens, while the quick prep and cook time make this meal ideal for busy schedules. Serve this healthy and satisfying dish with a side of whole grains or steamed vegetables for a complete, heart-conscious feast that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup skim milk
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of skim milk until smooth.

Step 5

Gradually add the chicken broth and the rest of the skim milk to the skillet, stirring constantly. Add the cornstarch mixture and continue to stir until the sauce begins to thicken, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the fresh thyme leaves and return the chicken breasts back to the skillet, along with any juices that have collected on the plate.

Step 7

Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the chicken and sauce to meld together.

Step 8

Add the baby spinach to the skillet, stirring gently until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 9

Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Step 10

Serve the heart-healthy chicken in cream sauce immediately, alongside your choice of whole grains or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1335.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1600.1

Total Fat 53.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 598.9mg	0%
Sodium 1918.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 36.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.5g	0%
Total Sugars 14.3g
Protein 228.7g	0%

Vitamin D 114.3IU	0%
Calcium 498.8mg	0%
Iron 9.4mg	0%
Potassium 2342.7mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.4%

Protein: 59.2%

Carbs: 9.4%