Lemon Chicken Scallopini with Spinach: A Light, Flavorful, and Healthy Dish

A Quick and Easy Dish Bursting with Fresh Flavors

Lemon Chicken Scallopini with Spinach is a light, refreshing, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch. This recipe features thinly sliced chicken breasts, often called chicken cutlets, cooked to golden perfection and then simmered in a bright and tangy lemon sauce. The addition of fresh baby spinach adds a boost of nutrients and a pop of color. It’s a healthy and delicious meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

A Recipe That’s Both Light and Satisfying

I first made this Lemon Chicken Scallopini with Spinach when I was looking for a healthy and flavorful chicken dish that wouldn’t take too long to prepare. I was drawn to the simplicity of the recipe and the bright, lemony flavors. The dish was a huge success! The chicken was tender and flavorful, the sauce was light yet satisfying, and the spinach added a nice touch of freshness. This recipe has become one of my go-to’s for busy weeknights. It’s a dish that I feel good about serving to my family, and it’s always a hit. I love that it’s so quick and easy to make, and it’s a great way to get a healthy and delicious meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. It is also a great dish for meal prepping.

Ingredient Insights: Choosing the Right Ingredients for Flavor and Health

The success of this recipe lies in the combination of fresh, flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken Breasts (1 pound, thin-sliced): The protein source for this dish.
  • Tip: The recipe calls for thin-sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts, also known as chicken cutlets. These cook quickly and evenly.
  • Alternative: You can also use regular chicken breasts and pound them thin.
• Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Used for cooking the chicken, adding flavor and preventing it from sticking.
• Garlic (1 clove, minced): Provides a pungent, aromatic flavor that complements the lemon and chicken.
• Chicken Stock (3/4 cup): Forms the base of the sauce.
  • Recommendation: The recipe specifies Swanson® Unsalted Chicken Stock. Using unsalted stock allows you to control the sodium content of the dish.
  • Alternative: You can use regular chicken broth, but you may need to adjust the amount of salt you add to the dish.
• Campbell’s® Heart Healthy Condensed Cream of Celery Soup (1 can, 10 ½ ounces): Adds creaminess and a savory flavor to the sauce.
  • Note: The recipe specifically calls for Campbell’s® Heart Healthy Condensed Cream of Celery Soup, which is lower in sodium and fat than the regular version.
  • Alternative: You can use regular cream of celery soup or cream of mushroom soup.
• Baby Spinach (5 cups): Adds a pop of color, a delicate texture, and a boost of nutrients.
• Lemon (1 large): Provides both zest and juice for a bright, citrusy flavor.
  • Tip: Use a fresh lemon for the best flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Essential Equipment: Tools for Quick and Easy Cooking

• Large Skillet: For cooking the chicken and making the sauce.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cutting Board: For preparing the chicken and lemon.
• Knife: For slicing the chicken (if not using pre-sliced cutlets) and mincing the garlic.
• Zester or Microplane: For zesting the lemon.
• Juicer or Citrus Reamer: For juicing the lemon.
• Whisk: For combining the sauce ingredients.
• Tongs or Spatula: For handling the chicken.

The Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Lemon Chicken Scallopini with Spinach

Ingredients with Measurements

• 1 large lemon
• 1 pound thin-sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¾ cup Swanson® Unsalted Chicken Stock
• 1 can (10 ½ ounces) Campbell’s® Heart Healthy Condensed Cream of Celery Soup
• 5 cups baby spinach
• Salt and pepper

Detailed Instructions

1. Prepare the Lemon: Zesting and Juicing

1. Zest Lemon: Using a zester or microplane, zest the lemon, being careful to only remove the yellow part of the peel and avoid the bitter white pith. You should have about 1 teaspoon of zest.
2. Juice Lemon: Cut the lemon in half and juice it. You’ll need ¼ cup of juice for this recipe.

2. Cook the Chicken: Seasoning and Searing

1. Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Heat Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook for about 5 minutes per side, until they are well browned and cooked through.
   • Tip: To prevent sticking, make sure the oil and skillet are hot before adding the chicken. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
   • Check for Doneness: The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
4. Remove Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Cover the plate with foil or a lid to keep the chicken warm.

3. Make the Sauce: A Bright and Flavorful Finish

1. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the same skillet you used to cook the chicken. Cook over medium heat for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Add Stock, Juice, Zest, and Soup: Stir in the chicken stock, lemon juice, lemon zest, and the can of condensed cream of celery soup.
3. Wilt Spinach: Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until the spinach is wilted, about 1-2 minutes.

4. Combine and Serve: Bringing it All Together

1. Return Chicken to Skillet: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet with the sauce.
2. Season to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
3. Serve: Serve the Lemon Chicken Scallopini with Spinach immediately.

Troubleshooting Common Problems: Tips for Success

• Chicken Dry:
  • Problem: The chicken is dry and overcooked.
  • Solutions: Make sure not to overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Sauce Too Thin:
  • Problem: The sauce is too thin and watery.
  • Solutions: Let the sauce simmer for a few extra minutes.
• Sauce Too Thick:
  • Problem: The sauce is too thick.
  • Solutions: Add a little more chicken broth or water, a tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Tips and Variations: Customize Your Dish

• Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic for added flavor and texture.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs, such as fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
• White Wine: Add a splash of dry white wine to the sauce for extra flavor.
• Make it Creamier: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the sauce at the end of cooking.
• Add Capers: Add a tablespoon of capers along with the spinach.

Serving Suggestions: A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion

• Weeknight Dinner: A quick, easy, and healthy meal for busy weeknights.
• Family Meal: A comforting and flavorful dish that the whole family will enjoy.
• Lunch: Leftovers are great for lunch the next day.
• Date Night: This dish is easy enough for a weeknight but also feels special enough for a date night.

Pairing Recommendations: Drinks and Sides

• Drinks:
  • White Wine: A crisp, dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs well with the lemon and chicken flavors.
  • Iced Tea: Sweet or unsweetened iced tea is a refreshing choice.
  • Sparkling Water: A light and bubbly option.
• Sides:
  • Rice: Serve over a bed of white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
  • Pasta: This dish is also delicious served over egg noodles, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta shape.
  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the chicken and sauce beautifully.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are a healthy and delicious side.
  • Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.

Nutritional Information: A Light and Healthy Meal

Per serving (approximate, will vary based on size and specific ingredients): Calories: 300-350, Fat: 12-16g, Carbohydrates: 10-15g, Protein: 30-35g. (Note: This is an approximation and may vary based on the specific ingredients used).

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Comprehensive FAQ: Your Lemon Chicken Scallopini with Spinach Questions Answered

• Q: Can I use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces?
  • A: While this recipe is designed for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you could use bone-in, skin-on pieces. You’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
  • A: You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
• Q: How do I store leftovers?
  • A: Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Q: Can I freeze this dish?
  • A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Q: Can I use a different type of green instead of spinach?
  • A: Yes, you can use kale, arugula, or other leafy greens.
• Q: Can I use a different type of condensed soup?
  • A: Yes, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup instead of cream of celery.
• Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
  • A: Yes, but you will need to adjust cooking time and may need to add a thickener at the end.
• Q: Can I make this without the cream of celery soup?
  • A: You can make a homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, milk, and seasonings, but the flavor will be different.
• Q: Can I use a different type of oil?
• A: Yes, you can use avocado oil or canola oil.
• Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
• A: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Q: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
• A: Yes, sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or onions would be delicious additions.
• Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
• A: Leftovers can be reheated gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave.