Balanced Eating: Spanish Inspired Chicken Recipe

If you are looking to elevate your classic chicken dinner with some flavour, this is the recipe for you! 

This Spanish Inspired Sauce is packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Fibre in addition powerful antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and help fight off oxidative stress (think premature aging, chronic fatigue, poor blood circulation, low sleep quality). Pour it over some pan seared chicken and serve it with Turmeric Basmati Rice + Green Peas and you have yourself one high protein and nutrient dense meal.

 The serving size for this recipe is 8-10, ideal for a dinner party OR to have left overs (the chicken tastes even better the next day in between two pieces of sourdough bread!).

Here are the ingredients for the chicken:

• 10 Chicken Breast Fillets
• 1 - 1.5 Tbsp Montreal Chicken Seasoning (or 1/2 Tsp Onion Powder, 1 Tsp Italian Seasoning, 1 Tsp Paprika)
• 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 Tsp Cumin
• Salt + Black Pepper to taste
• 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil *approximately*

Here are the ingredients for the Spanish Inspired Sauce:

• 1 Small Can of Tomato Paste (156ml)
• 1-1.5 Cup of Chicken Broth
• 1/2 Cup Cilantro *chopped*
• 1/2 - 1 Cup Spinach *chopped*
• 2 Red Bell Peppers *diced*
• 10 Cherry Tomatoes *halved*
• 1/3 of a Medium Spanish Onion
• 4-5 Garlic Cloves
• 1/2 Tsp Oregano
• 1 Tsp Paprika (if used paprika in chicken, only use 1/2 Tsp for the sauce)
• Salt + Black Pepper to taste

 Here are the step by step directions:

1. Season the chicken with desired seasoning (my go-to right now is Montreal Chicken from Club House + Garlic and Cumin Powder) — set aside to marinate while you prep the vegetables
2. In a large skillet, or cast iron pan, drizzle some olive oil and cook chicken on medium heat for 8-10min covered (flip after 5min)
3. Once all chicken is cooked to 165F, set aside, and lower heat to low
4. In the same skillet, add chopped vegetables (onion, garlic, red pepper), spices, chicken broth and tomato paste — stir until well combined then cover and allow to cook for 5min
5. Mix in cilantro, spinach, and cherry tomatoes, move heat to low-medium and cover to bring sauce to a simmer for 10min — occasionally stirring
6. Turn off heat and add chicken into the sauce OR pour sauce over chicken (whichever is easier for you)

Watch me make this meal on Instagram @ambriannasherif_health where you will find more healthy meal ideas, nutrition + fitness tips.