In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining a balanced diet that supports your fitness goals can be a challenge. High protein, low-carb meals are increasingly popular for those looking to lose weight, build muscle, or maintain energy without unnecessary carbs. Here, we present a delectable recipe to keep your taste buds tingling while nourishing your body efficiently.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipments
- Non-stick skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
How to Make Deliciously Easy High Protein Low Carb Meals – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients within reach. Wash the fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes thoroughly to ensure no residues. Next, chop the spinach coarsely and halve the cherry tomatoes for an even cook. Mince the garlic finely to release its full flavor when sautéed.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts on a clean surface and pat them dry with paper towels. Drizzle olive oil and fresh lemon juice over both sides, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Allow the chicken to marinate for around 10 minutes to soak in the flavors.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for about 5–7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant. Add the spinach and cherry tomatoes, stirring them gently for about 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften slightly. Season with a bit more salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice the rested chicken breasts and serve over the sautéed vegetables. This high protein, low-carb meal is now ready to enjoy warm, offering a perfect balance of flavors with nourishing ingredients.
How to Serve Deliciously Easy High Protein Low Carb Meals
For a complete meal, pair this dish with a light side salad or a portion of roasted vegetables. The blend of juicy chicken with sautéed greens and cherry tomatoes serves not just a balancing act of taste but also a visual delight. Feel free to garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
Ensure to not overcrowd the skillet while sautéing the chicken to avoid steaming rather than browning it. Allowing the chicken to rest post-cooking, aids in juicier slices. If preferred, you might swap in kale in place of spinach or add mushrooms for extra texture.
Pump Up the Protein in This Recipe!
To increase protein intake, consider adding a poached egg on top or incorporating sliced almonds as a crunchy topping. Each of these will add varying textures while maintaining the high protein content of the meal.
Make It Even Lower in Carbs
For even fewer carbs, double down on the veggies and swap cherry tomatoes with fewer carb-dense options like bell peppers or zucchini. Additionally, serving it on a bed of cauliflower rice can create a hearty meal with hardly any carbs.
Storage Instructions
This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the chicken’s juiciness without drying.
FAQs
- Can I use other proteins besides chicken? Yes, turkey breast or firm tofu are great substitutes.
- How do I keep the chicken from drying out? Ensure not to overcook and let the chicken rest post-cooking to seal in the juices.
- Are there any vegan options? Absolutely, substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegan variant.
- What herbs pair well with this dish? Fresh basil, parsley, or thyme are perfect enhancements.
- Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, just be sure to thaw and drain it well before use.
Wrap Up and Enjoy Tasteful Nutrients
This high protein low-carb meal is both delightful and nutritious. Go ahead and share this recipe with friends and family, and explore variations that fit your lifestyle. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let us know how you liked it!
Deliciously Easy High Protein Low Carb Meals
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- boneless chicken breasts
- olive oil
- fresh lemon juice
- fresh spinach
- cherry tomatoes
- garlic
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Steps
- Gather all your ingredients and prepare them by washing the produce, chopping the spinach, and halving the cherry tomatoes. Mince the garlic finely.
- Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and let marinate for 10 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 5–7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet, followed by spinach and cherry tomatoes. Stir lightly until spinach wilts, allowing the mix to cook for about 2–3 minutes.
- Slice the cooked chicken and serve over sautéed vegetables. Enjoy your healthy high protein meal!