Low Carb Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor but still keeps your carb count low, this Low Carb Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful combination of juicy, tender chicken breasts topped with creamy feta cheese and vibrant sautéed spinach, all brightened with a hint of lemon. This dish feels both wholesome and indulgent, perfect for anyone wanting a satisfying, quick meal without compromising on taste or health. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become one of your favorite go-to dinners!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe truly shine are the simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from the olive oil that adds richness, to the tangy feta and fresh spinach giving it color and flavor. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’re set for a deliciously balanced meal.
- 4 chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless for quick cooking and easy seasoning.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds a beautiful golden sear and healthy fats.
- 2 cups spinach, chopped: Fresh spinach brings a lovely green pop and vital nutrients.
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled: The salty creaminess that perfectly complements the chicken.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Provides a bright burst of acidity to balance the richness.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Gives that subtle, deep flavor with minimal effort.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and elevating every ingredient.
How to Make Low Carb Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat — this is where the magic starts. Season your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to ensure every bite is flavorful. When the oil is hot, place the chicken in the pan and let it cook undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, letting it develop a beautiful golden crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside, keeping those delicious pan flavors for the next step.
Step 2: Sauté Spinach
Using the same skillet, add the chopped spinach. In just 1 to 2 minutes, the spinach will wilt down, releasing its earthy aroma and absorbing the savory, garlicky undertones left behind from the chicken. This quick sauté preserves the spinach’s bright color and tender texture, making it a perfect foil for the creamy feta.
Step 3: Add Feta and Lemon
Now it’s time to stir in the crumbled feta cheese along with the lemon juice. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes so the feta softens slightly and melds beautifully with the spinach. The lemon juice cuts through the richness, lifting the entire dish with a fresh citrus zing that keeps every bite vibrant.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the spinach and feta mixture. Spoon the mixture generously over the top of each chicken breast, allowing the flavors to mingle and the cheese to warm through. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy this effortless combination of creamy, savory, and fresh elements.
How to Serve Low Carb Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or dill adds a burst of color and herbal brightness that complements the feta beautifully. For a bit of zest, a few extra lemon wedges on the side never hurt — they allow everyone to tailor the citrusy punch to their liking.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is naturally low carb, pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted asparagus keeps the meal light yet satisfying. For those who want a bit more substance, cauliflower rice or mashed rutabaga make excellent carb-conscious options that work perfectly alongside the chicken and spinach.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken breasts over a bed of zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for an extra veggie boost. Alternatively, slice the chicken after cooking and layer it atop stuffed portobello mushrooms with the spinach and feta mixture spooned over for an elegant presentation that’s bound to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Low Carb Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach Recipe keeps really well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the chicken and spinach-feta mixture together in an airtight container to maintain moisture and flavor. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing to keep everything fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers, but it’s best to separate the chicken from the spinach and feta mixture. Freeze them individually in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. This way, you avoid any sogginess from the spinach when reheating later.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to preserve the chicken’s tenderness and prevent the feta from drying out. Adding a splash of water or olive oil while reheating helps maintain the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely, frozen spinach works fine here. Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before sautéing to avoid wateriness in the final dish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It reheats well and is perfect for preparing in advance, making weekday dinners quick and hassle-free.
Can I substitute the feta cheese?
You can swap feta with goat cheese or ricotta for a different but equally delicious creamy touch, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
What if I don’t have lemon juice?
A splash of white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can also add that needed acidity if you’re out of lemon juice.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Adding red pepper flakes when seasoning the chicken or stirring them into the spinach mixture will give your dish a pleasant kick without overpowering the flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Low Carb Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach Recipe is such a gem in the kitchen — it’s quick, nutritious, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re new to low-carb cooking or just want a fresh, tasty dinner idea, give this recipe a try. I promise it will become a staple in your meal rotation, bringing warmth and satisfaction to every night you make it.
Print
Low Carb Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Low Carb Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach recipe offers a quick and flavorful meal perfect for a healthy lifestyle. Juicy chicken breasts are pan-seared to golden perfection and topped with a warm, tangy mixture of sautéed spinach, creamy feta cheese, and zesty lemon juice, delivering a satisfying dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Spinach & Feta Topping
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Season the chicken: Season chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the spinach: In the same skillet with remaining oil and flavors, add the chopped spinach and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until wilted and tender.
- Add feta and lemon juice: Stir in the crumbled feta cheese and lemon juice into the spinach, cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is heated through and combined.
- Combine and serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the warm spinach and feta mixture over the top. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your nutritious and delicious meal.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture; frozen spinach can be substituted but drain excess water before sautéing.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt, since feta cheese adds saltiness to the dish.
- For added zest, sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving.
- For a lower fat version, use reduced-fat feta cheese or reduce olive oil quantity.
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete low-carb meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
