Sweet Chicken and Spinach Bowl [Recipe]
Chicken and spinach are a wonderful combination of flavors that satisfies both your palate and nutritional needs. And by adding the right auxiliary ingredients, you can take this dish to the next level. With this thought, I developed the following recipe: sweet chicken and spinach bowl. What makes this dish so nutritious, you ask? Let’s see.
Nutrients in Ingredients
Chicken Breast
The breasts are the meatiest part of a chicken, consisting mostly of white meat. This piece of chicken is high in protein and relatively minimal in fat. An average breast can deliver about 54 grams of protein and roughly 280 calories. [1]
The breast has little to no carbohydrates to speak of. So, it is an excellent choice for people looking to keep their calorie and carb intake low. Plus, it has just enough fat to make for a juicy and delicious meal.
Almond
Almonds are a wonderful little package of taste, texture, and nutrition. They are particularly a great source of fibers, essential fatty acids, and minerals. And they will not load up on your calorie intake while providing so many health benefits.
1 ounce (28 grams) of almonds will provide about 3.5 grams of dietary fibers, which boosts bowel health and digestive prowess. They also provide 14 grams of fat, most of which is monounsaturated. They are also very rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and manganese. [2]
Butternut Squash
These funky looking vegetables are a variety of winter squash with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor profile., in terms of nutrition, these products are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. All of these elements act as powerful antioxidants in your system to improve your heart, brain, and blood health. [3]
One cup of butternut squash will give you 63 calories, none of which is derived from fat. It is also very low on carbohydrates but does have a good amount of dietary fiber. This can help keep your blood cholesterol levels low, which is essential for proper heart and liver function.
Baby Spinach
While the effects of eating spinach are not as cartoonish as portrayed in Popeye, the beneficial properties of this vegetable are still a proven fact. In particular, spinach is a rich source of protein, fibers, iron, folate, potassium, zinc, etc. in fact, baby spinach is one the best plant-based food for receiving iron. [4]
Baby spinach is a good source of antioxidants, especially Alpha-lipoic acid, which can help reduce blood sugar levels. These antioxidants can also help fight against the growth of cancer and heart disease. Additionally, high levels of iron can prevent many diseases caused by iron deficiency such as anemia.
Cornsalad
Corn salad may sound like a dish made out of corn but it is actually a type of flowering plant. And seeds from these plants are not only edible but also nutritionally rich. They are a good source of vitamins A and C. They are also high in potassium but low in sodium.
Moreover, corn salad is low in both cholesterol and saturated fat. They have a noticeable level of vitamin K, which is essential for maintaining a healthy blood profile.
Sesame Seeds
While sesame seeds are mostly cultivated for their oil, the seeds themselves are a wonderful addition to many dishes. They add a crunchy, nutty profile to any salad-based dish and, of course, have plenty of nutrients. Most notably, these tiny seeds are packed with plant protein, dietary fibers, and healthy fat.
Additionally, sesame seeds are a terrific source of both calcium and manganese. They also have antioxidants, ligands, and vitamin E, all of which have the potential to improve your blood pressure. [5]
White Rice
White rice, especially the enriched variety, is a good source of folate, manganese, and iron, even more than brown rice. So, eating white rice is not as much of a detriment as some media have advertised. But it is best to select the enriched white rice when you do eat it. [6]
Recipe for Sweet Chicken With Spinach Bowl
And, finally, the recipe.
Sweet Chicken and Spinach Bowl
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup Soy Sauce
- 1/3 cup Sweet Chili Sauce
- 20 oz Chicken Breast
- 3/4 cup White Rice
- 7 oz Butternut Squash
- 1 tsp Sesame Seeds
- 2 tbsp Roasted Almonds
- 2 oz Baby Spinach, Raw
- 2 oz Cornsalad You can replace cornsalad with arugula or baby spinach.
- Salt, Pepper
Instructions
- Cut chicken breast into thin slices. Season it with salt and pepper, and then add chili sauce and soy sauce. You can do this the day before, few hours before cooking or just before you start with preparation.
- Slice the butternut squash into sticks and season them with some salt and pepper. Place the squash sticks on one side of the pan, and marinated chicken on the other side of the pan. Make sure you use baking paper to avoid sticking to the pan. Place them together in the oven for 35 minutes at 374 °F.
- Cook the rice in slightly salted water according to the instructions on the box.
- Wash baby spinach and cornsalad and let them dry.
- When pumpkin and chicken are done, it is time to make the bowl. First, you place rice on one side of the bowl and greens on the other side. Place chicken on rice and sprinkle it with sesame seeds. Place pumpkin sticks next to chicken and decorate spinach with almonds.
- Enjoy! 🙂
Nutrition
Instead of Conclusion: Why Are Bowls the Best Type of Dish?
Bowls, with their elevated sides, can hold more food than a plate or casserole. This gives them great versatility as you can use bowls to serve so many different types of food; from soups and pasta to fried chicken and breakfast cereal.
They have an elegant yet casual look, with plenty of variations in design and colors. Thus, they can make the food more aesthetically pleasing.
Plus, they make any meal cozier and more comfortable, especially with loved ones. Unlike with plates, you do not have to worry much about spilling the food. So, you can comfortably eat with a bowl on your lap while enjoying a movie or working with a laptop.
