Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that’s both delicious and nutritious? Look no further than this mouthwatering Parmesan Chicken and Kale Sauté! In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a satisfying meal that combines tender chicken breasts, vibrant kale, and a rich sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, all drizzled with a hint of lemon for that perfect zing. This recipe is not only quick and easy but also a fantastic way to sneak some greens into your diet without sacrificing flavor. Dive into this culinary delight that your family will love, and discover how simple it is to create a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and becomes hot.
- Add sliced chicken breasts to the skillet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a clean plate, covering loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add chopped kale to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until kale becomes slightly wilted and bright green.
- Return chicken to the skillet, sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and kale.
- Toss gently to combine and allow cheese to slightly melt, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Transfer to serving plates and garnish with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the dish.
- Serve immediately while hot, with additional Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can slice the chicken and chop the kale in advance. This way, you can quickly throw everything together when you're ready to cook.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure to keep the pieces in a single layer. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning, which can affect the flavor and texture.
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This guarantees that your chicken is not only safe to eat but also juicy and tender.
- Customize Your Greens: While kale is a great choice, feel free to substitute with spinach or Swiss chard for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since these greens wilt faster.
- Serve Hot: This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the stove. Serve it immediately while it’s hot, and don’t forget those lemon wedges—they add a delightful brightness that enhances the entire dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 110mg
