Chicken stir fry with Spinach Recipe

If you’re craving something comforting, vibrant, and wonderfully nourishing, Chicken stir fry with Spinach just might become your next go-to recipe. This quick and flavorful dish brings together juicy chicken, earthy baby spinach, and hearty tomato sauce in a single pan, making dinner both a breeze and a delight. Best of all, it’s light, healthy, and a fabulous way to turn everyday greens into something you’ll actually look forward to eating — whether you’re at the table solo, with family, or entertaining a friend in need of a mood-lifting meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Chicken stir fry with Spinach lies in its minimal, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a special part: lending savory depth, a pop of color, or an extra touch of nutrition. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a handy tip for each to help you get the very best results!

• Boneless Chicken Thigh (1 lb): Thighs are used for their juiciness and tender bite; cut into small pieces for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Baby Spinach (1 lb): Spinach wilts beautifully into the stir fry, adding color, vitamins, and a subtle, earthy note.
• Onion, diced (1): A diced onion gives sweetness and aroma that forms the backbone of the dish.
• Tomato Sauce (1 cup): Rich tomato sauce brings everything together with tang and body – use your favorite brand for best flavor.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning; feel free to adjust to your taste as the dish cooks.
• Cooking Oil (1 tablespoon): Use a neutral oil (like canola or vegetable) for sautéing, so you let the other flavors shine.
• Black Pepper (to taste): A pinch of black pepper makes the chicken pop and adds a tiny kick of warmth.

How to Make Chicken stir fry with Spinach

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

Start by heating the oil in your largest skillet or wok over high heat until it’s shimmering — don’t rush this part, as properly heated oil is key to sautéing! Toss in the diced onions and stir them around for a few minutes. You’re looking for them to go soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness to pave the way for the rest of the flavors.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Once the onions look ready, scatter in the chicken pieces. Sprinkle them generously with salt and black pepper. Stir-fry vigorously to get that chicken nicely browned on all sides, which gives it a lovely, savory crust. This part just smells heavenly, so get ready for people to come wandering into the kitchen!

Step 3: Simmer with Tomato Sauce

Pour the tomato sauce all over the browned chicken and give it a good mix. Lower the heat a smidge and let everything bubble together for about five minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly and start clinging to the chicken, soaking in those golden sautéed bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Add the Spinach

With the sauce nice and thick, add the baby spinach by the handful. It might seem like too much at first, but spinach cooks down dramatically. Gently stir everything together and watch as the spinach melts away into silky green ribbons, which only takes a minute or two. As soon as all the spinach is wilted, take the pan off the heat—overcooking here can dull the flavor and color, and you want that spinach to stay bright and fresh.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

With your Chicken stir fry with Spinach finished, all that’s left is to serve it up hot! Spoon it generously over a fluffy mound of rice, tender yam, couscous, buttery plantains, or quinoa—the choice is yours. Every bite is a celebration of simple ingredients used well.

How to Serve Chicken stir fry with Spinach

Garnishes

Once plated, Chicken stir fry with Spinach absolutely sings with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon for brightness, or a handful of toasted sesame seeds if you’re leaning into fusion flair. For a little kick, a dash of chili flakes or a swirl of sriracha is always welcome!

Side Dishes

This dish is fantastically versatile. Serve it over classic steamed rice, creamy mashed yams for a fun texture twist, or light, fluffy couscous. For a protein-packed option, quinoa works brilliantly. Don’t overlook crispy roast plantains for a hint of sweetness that brings out the earthiness of the spinach. Whatever you pair it with, Chicken stir fry with Spinach holds its own beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try loading Chicken stir fry with Spinach into crisp lettuce cups for an appetizer, or spoon it inside warm pita pockets for a quick lunch. You can also top a bowl of polenta, or even use it as an unexpected filling in wraps. Drizzle with yogurt or a punchy herb sauce if you want to get fancy—it’s a playful dish, so have fun making it your own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Chicken stir fry with Spinach, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The chicken stays tender and the spinach blends deeper into the sauce, only amping up the savoriness. When storing, let the dish cool fully first, then seal for best freshness.

Freezing

Chicken stir fry with Spinach freezes surprisingly well! Spoon it into freezer-safe containers or bags, pressing out any extra air, and freeze for up to two months. Spinach may get a bit softer after thawing, but the flavors remain robust. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the dish gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if things look a bit thick—this revives both the sauce and the spinach. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs are juicier, chicken breast works well too. Just be sure not to overcook it, as breast meat can dry out faster. Cut the pieces small so they cook quickly and stay tender in your Chicken stir fry with Spinach.

Is this recipe spicy?

As written, Chicken stir fry with Spinach is mild and family-friendly. If you love heat, feel free to add some chili flakes, diced fresh chilies, or a little hot sauce while sautéing the onions or serving.

Can I swap out spinach for another green?

Definitely! Baby kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula make great alternatives. Just note that sturdier greens like kale may take a little longer to wilt, so cook them for an extra minute or two.

What’s the best way to meal prep with this dish?

Chicken stir fry with Spinach is perfect for meal prep. Portion it into individual containers alongside your favorite grain, and store in the fridge for grab-and-go healthy lunches. The flavors meld even more overnight!

Is this stir fry kid-friendly?

Yes! The tomato sauce gives it a familiar, cozy flavor profile, and the spinach wilts down so much that even picky eaters tend not to mind. If your kids are sensitive to onions or any seasonings, you can always tweak as needed to suit your family’s tastes.

Final Thoughts

Chicken stir fry with Spinach is the kind of recipe you want up your sleeve for those nights when you’re after something fast, flavorful, and nourishing. I hope you give it a try and put your own spin on it—it’s simple enough to memorize and delicious enough to keep coming back to. Let this dish inspire you the next time you’re staring into your fridge, wondering what to make!

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