If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, flavorful dish that won’t weigh you down, this Low Carb Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Tender, juicy chicken breasts meet the tangy brightness of crumbled feta and the fresh, earthy notes of sautéed spinach, all brought together by a kiss of lemon. This recipe not only delivers on taste but also keeps things light and healthy, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or anytime you crave something satisfying yet guilt-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Low Carb Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a star role, from the creamy feta adding a salty punch, to the spinach lending a fresh, verdant texture. These carefully chosen staples come together effortlessly to create a dish that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.
- 4 chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless for even cooking and tender results.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: This adds richness and helps create that beautiful golden crust on the chicken.
- 2 cups spinach, chopped: Fresh spinach provides vibrant color and a mild, slightly sweet flavor that balances the dish.
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled: The salty tang of feta is the perfect contrast to the mild chicken.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds a refreshing citrus brightness that wakes up all the flavors.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Brings depth and a subtle aromatic warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that highlight all the natural flavors.
How to Make Low Carb Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat — this will give your chicken a beautiful golden sear. While the oil is warming, season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Don’t be shy here; good seasoning is the magic behind every mouthwatering bite.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Perfection
Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a golden brown crust with juicy, fully cooked meat inside (an internal temperature of 165°F is ideal). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté the Spinach
Using the same skillet, toss in the chopped spinach and sauté for just 1 to 2 minutes until it wilts down. This quick cooking keeps it tender and fresh without losing its lovely green color and nutritional punch.
Step 4: Add Feta and Lemon Juice
Now stir in your crumbled feta cheese and a splash of lemon juice. Let the mixture cook together for another 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully and the feta starts to soften, creating a creamy, tangy topping.
Step 5: Combine and Warm Through
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon that heavenly spinach-feta mixture right on top. Let everything mingle in the pan for a minute or two, just to warm the chicken back up and unify the flavors.
How to Serve Low Carb Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, scatter a few extra crumbles of feta or a sprig of fresh parsley or thyme on top. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can add an extra burst of flavor and gloss.
Side Dishes
This Low Carb Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like cauliflower rice or a crisp cucumber salad. If you’re keeping it low carb, roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli also work beautifully, complementing the main dish without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fancy twist, serve the chicken on a bed of zucchini noodles or alongside grilled vegetable skewers. You can even wrap the chicken and spinach-feta mixture in lettuce leaves for a fresh handheld option that’s perfect for casual dinners or lunchboxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers of this Low Carb Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach Recipe, allow them to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stored properly, your dish will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making for quick, tasty meals later in the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, though the texture of spinach may soften slightly upon thawing. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or use freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months with good results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, covering to retain moisture. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to avoid drying out the chicken, helping maintain the juicy texture and vibrant flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
Absolutely. Just be sure to thaw it fully and squeeze out any excess moisture before sautéing so your dish doesn’t become watery.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep. It stores well and reheats nicely, giving you a healthy, ready-to-go option for busy weekdays.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese or ricotta salata can work well because they offer a similar tangy creaminess.
How can I make the chicken more tender?
Consider pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking or marinating them briefly in lemon juice and olive oil for extra tenderness and flavor.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Definitely. Just be sure to use a large enough skillet or cook the chicken in batches to maintain that beautiful sear and even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Low Carb Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach Recipe has become a fast favorite because it’s effortless to prepare, deeply satisfying, and packed with flavors that feel fresh and vibrant. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s a dish that never fails to impress while keeping things light and nourishing. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your meal rotation!
Print
Low Carb Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A quick and easy low carb chicken breast recipe featuring sautéed spinach and tangy feta cheese, perfect for a healthy, flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Spinach & Feta Mixture
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken breasts.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Spinach: In the same skillet, add the chopped spinach and sauté for 1–2 minutes until wilted, allowing it to soak up the remaining flavors in the pan.
- Add Feta and Lemon: Stir in the crumbled feta cheese and lemon juice with the spinach. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the mixture is heated through and creamy.
- Combine & Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the spinach-feta mixture on top. Serve immediately while hot for the best taste.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach; just be sure to thaw and drain excess water before sautéing.
- To add more flavor, try sprinkling some fresh herbs like oregano or thyme into the feta-spinach mixture.
- For a gluten-free meal, ensure that your feta cheese is labeled gluten-free.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken to guarantee it is safely cooked.
