Heart-Healthy Creamy Chicken

Indulge guilt-free with this Heart-Healthy Creamy Chicken recipe, a nutritious twist on a comfort food classic. Tender, lean chicken breasts are seared to perfection and simmered in a rich, velvety sauce made from low-sodium chicken broth, unsweetened almond milk, and reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter, dairy-inspired creaminess. Fresh spinach and a touch of lemon juice add a burst of freshness, while whole grain flour keeps it wholesome. Packed with flavor from sautéed garlic, onions, and a vibrant sprinkle of parsley, this dish is both satisfying and heart-healthy. Ready in just 50 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and pairs beautifully with quinoa or roasted vegetables for a complete, nutrient-packed meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 cup Low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup Unsweetened almond milk
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 4 ounces Reduced fat cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons Whole grain flour
• 2 cups Fresh spinach leaves
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Begin by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic cloves. Set these ingredients aside for later use.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown, but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Sprinkle the whole grain flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring consistently to combine evenly and cook for an additional 1 minute.

Step 6

Gradually pour in the chicken broth and unsweetened almond milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 7

Add the reduced fat cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated, forming a creamy sauce.

Step 8

Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices. Reduce the heat to low, allowing the chicken to simmer in the sauce for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 9

Once the chicken is cooked, add the fresh spinach leaves, stirring them into the sauce until wilted.

Step 10

Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice, and sprinkle the chopped parsley over the creamy chicken dish.

Step 11

Serve the Heart-Healthy Creamy Chicken warm, with a side of your choice, such as quinoa or roasted vegetables, for a complete, nutritious meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1537.1 grams (1537.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1868

Total Fat 77.70g	100%
Saturated Fat 25.90g	130%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.30g
Cholesterol 652mg	217%
Sodium 2381mg	104%
Total Carbohydrate 39.20g	14%
Dietary Fiber 5.60g	20%
Total Sugars 10.80g
Protein 232.80g	466%

Vitamin D 95IU	474%
Calcium 690mg	53%
Iron 10mg	56%
Potassium 2585mg	55%

*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: 39.1%

Protein: 52.1%

Carbs: 8.8%