The combination of summer and grilling is one of those classic pairings that goes together perfectly, like peanut butter and jelly or salt and pepper. And just as summer and grilling are expected to go hand and hand, there are a few foods that have become grilling go-to favorites, namely hot dogs and hamburgers. However, those grow tiresome and there are so many more healthy grill recipes that are packed with flavor to try! Here is one delicious grill recipe you will want to add to your favorites rotation- spinach and artichoke chicken. It is like basically a delicious grilled chicken breast with spinach artichoke dip on top!
This post was provided by Meredith who writes on behalf of Ready Set Eat. ReadySetEat helps you solve the “What’s for dinner?” question by giving you kid-friendly dinner ideas that you can make in 30 minutes or less with a few common ingredients you’re likely to have in your kitchen. For this recipe and more, visit ReadySetEat.com.
Healthy Grill Recipes
If you’re looking for a lighter, healthier dish to grill, avoid all-beef and pork products and choose lean meats like chicken or turkey. Turkey burgers are a tasty way to update the classic hamburger and grilled chicken is one of the most versatile meats out there, so experiment with ways to dress it up; aside from being great on their own, tender chicken breasts can be perfect for kebabs, sandwiches and on top of salads. This healthy grill recipe features grilled chicken breast with a tasty topping of spinach and artichoke.
Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Recipe
Try this healthy grill recipe for Spinach and Artichoke Chicken the next time you’re craving something with grill marks that doesn’t involve red meat or a bun. It’s one of those easy recipes for dinner that is sure to make its way into your “quick weeknight meal” rotation but will make you feel like you’re hosting a classy barbecue. If you are in the mood for this dish but you can’t grill out do to rainy weather, you can always bake the chicken instead of grilling it.
Don’t let the recipe name fool you—this chicken dish may be named after a notoriously unhealthy party dip, but this recipe is definitely a healthy one. With boneless skinless chicken breasts, fresh spinach, artichoke hearts and just a smidge of light mayonnaise, this meal gives the classic appetizer a low-fat twist. So fire up the grill and add something nutritious and new to your grilling rotation.
Prep Time: 15 min
Total Time: 30 min
Serving Size: 6 servings
Calories: 253 per serving
Spinach Artichoke Chicken Ingredients:
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts (5 oz each)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 14 oz can quartered artichoke hearts in water, drained
- 3 cups loosely packed fresh baby spinach leaves
- 1/3 cup light mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup 1/3 less fat cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon Guiden’s® Spicy Brown Mustard
An instant-read thermometer may come in handy for ensuring chicken is perfectly cooked.
How To Make Grilled Chicken With Spinach Artichoke Topping
1. Spray grate of outdoor grill and utensils with grilling spray. Preheat grill to medium heat according to manufacturer’s directions.
2. Sprinkle chicken with 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt and pepper. Grill chicken for 10 minutes or until no longer pink in the center (if you’re using a meat thermometer, it should read 165°F), turning after 5 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, combine all remaining ingredients in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave spinach artichoke mixture on HIGH 4 minutes or until hot and creamy, stirring halfway through. Or heat with lid over the stove top stirring occasionally.
4. Transfer cooked chicken to serving plates. Spoon spinach and artichoke mixture evenly over chicken and enjoy!
For a complete dinner, sprinkle the spinach-artichoke mixture with parmesan cheese and serve with grilled French baguette slices. Enjoy a delicious meal!
Printable Recipe Card For Spinach Artichoke Chicken
Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- PAM® Grilling Spray
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts (5 oz each)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 can (14 oz each) quartered artichoke hearts in water, drained
- 3 cups loosely packed baby spinach leaves
- 1/3 cup light mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup 1/3 less fat cream cheese (Neufchatel)
- 1 teaspoon Gulden’s® Spicy Brown Mustard
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium heat. Spray grate of outdoor grill and utensils with grilling spray.
- Sprinkle chicken with 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt and pepper. Grill chicken for 10 minutes or until no longer pink in the center (if you’re using a meat thermometer, it should read 165°F), turning after 5 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine all remaining ingredients in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave mixture on HIGH 4 minutes or until hot and creamy, stirring halfway through. Or heat with lid over the stove top stirring occasionally.
- Transfer chicken to serving plates. Spoon spinach and artichoke mixture evenly over chicken and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Recipe
Serves: 6
Amount Per Serving: | ||
---|---|---|
Calories | 337.28 kcal | |
% Daily Value* | ||
Total Fat 19.98 g | 29.2% | |
Saturated Fat 3.44 g | 15% | |
Trans Fat 0.67 g | ||
Cholesterol 114.11 mg | 38% | |
Sodium 424.73 mg | 17.7% | |
Total Carbohydrate 6.82 g | 2% | |
Dietary Fiber 2.42 g | 8% | |
Sugars 1.95 g | ||
Protein 34.64 g |
Vitamin A 12.86 % | Vitamin C 4.69 % | |
Calcium 3.3 % | Iron 18.86 % |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Family Focus Blog
Conclusion
Spinach and Artichoke Chicken is a popular dish that combines the flavors of spinach and artichoke with chicken. Here are a few reasons why it’s loved by many:
- Flavor Combination: The rich, creamy texture of the artichoke hearts paired with the slightly bitter and earthy taste of spinach creates a delightful contrast. When combined with juicy, tender chicken, it results in a well-balanced and flavorful dish.
- Nutritional Benefits: Spinach is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. Artichokes are high in fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients like magnesium and potassium. Chicken is a great source of lean protein. This combination makes the dish both tasty and nutritious.
- Versatility: Spinach and Artichoke Chicken can be served in various ways—over pasta, rice, or quinoa, or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. It’s also a great option for meal prepping and can be easily reheated.
- Ease of Preparation: The dish is relatively easy to prepare, often involving just a few steps such as sautéing the vegetables, cooking the chicken, and combining everything with a creamy sauce.
- Appeal to Various Diets: This dish can be adapted to fit different dietary needs. For example, it can be made keto-friendly by using a low-carb creamy sauce, or gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients used are gluten-free.
I just can’t resist the delicious creamy spinach artichoke sauce served over juicy chicken breast. Share your pics of this creamy spinach artichoke chicken recipe on social media @familyfocusblog!
Healthy Grilled Sides and Dessert Ideas
Entrées aren’t the only things that can be grilled. Fruit and vegetables are delicious when you put them on the grill and are perfect for nutritious side dishes or desserts. Skip the goopy potato salad and pasta salads and try some healthy grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini instead. Similarly, replace brownies or cookies with healthy grilled fruit like pineapple, peaches or bananas topped with some frozen yogurt for a dessert that will be much healthier than it tastes.
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Wayne Lowry says
One of my favorite past time is cooking. I love to cook healthy recipes and this one was a perfect easy weeknight dinner.
Rita Spratlen says
This was so yummy!! Thanks for the wonderful idea and recipe!! I use frozen spinach and it worked just fine.
Rebecca Foster says
Wow, this chicken dinner recipe was great. My kids loved the cheesy spinach artichoke chicken.
Meredith Kimelblatt says
Hey Rebecca! This recipe is a great way to get kids to eat some greens – they don’t seem as scary when they’re on top of chicken and mixed with cream cheese!