Heart-Healthy Chicken in Creamy Sauce

Indulge in the rich flavors of "Heart-Healthy Chicken in Creamy Sauce," a wholesome recipe designed to nourish both body and soul. This dish combines tender, golden-seared chicken breasts with a luscious, guilt-free sauce made from low-fat Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic herbs like thyme and rosemary. The addition of baby spinach not only boosts the nutritional profile but also adds a vibrant pop of color to the dish. Crafted with heart health in mind, this recipe uses olive oil and unsalted chicken broth for a lighter touch without sacrificing flavor. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy-to-make, oven-baked meal is as nutritious as it is delicious, perfect for a busy weeknight or an elegant dinner. Serve it with a side of whole grains or steamed veggies for a complete heart-healthy feast!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup unsalted chicken broth
• 1 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups baby spinach leaves

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.

Step 3

In a large ovenproof skillet or sauté pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat.

Step 4

Add the chicken breasts to the pan and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 5

Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic into the same pan, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 6

Pour the chicken broth and lemon juice into the pan, using a spatula to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan.

Step 7

Stir in the Greek yogurt, thyme, and rosemary, mixing well to create a smooth sauce.

Step 8

Return the chicken breasts to the pan, spooning some of the sauce over each piece.

Step 9

Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 10

Five minutes before the chicken is done, add the baby spinach leaves to the pan, stirring gently into the sauce until wilted.

Step 11

Remove the pan from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step 12

Serve the chicken with generous spoonfuls of creamy sauce and wilted spinach, garnishing with extra fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1278.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1495.6

Total Fat 44.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 12.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 616.1mg	0%
Sodium 1262.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 18.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1.7g	0%
Total Sugars 9.6g
Protein 243.2g	0%

Vitamin D 7.0IU	0%
Calcium 432.9mg	0%
Iron 8.1mg	0%
Potassium 2484.3mg	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: 27.7%

Protein: 67.3%

Carbs: 5.0%