This sautéed greens with chicken recipe makes an easy but elegant weeknight meal, yet is worthy to set before a table full of guests. The kale, spinach, chard and protein packed pine nuts make a lovely side dish or even a delicious meal by themselves. Succulent herb roasted chicken may left off vegan plates and extra pine nuts added instead. This makes it easier for families of mixed preferences to adapt peaceably… and peace is the perfect ingredient for a family gathering!
Ingredients:
- ~1 pound of greens (I used baby kale, baby spinach, & baby chard)
- ½ cup pine nuts (or any nut you prefer)
- ¼ cup olive oil (or another healthy flavorful oil, adjust amount as desired)
- ½ orange (or use another citrus juice)
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram (add more if using fresh)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (add more if using fresh)
- sea salt & ground peppercorns (to taste, or use a salt substitute)
- Optional: chicken breasts (1 for each person, + extra herbs & olive oil)
Instructions:
If opting for the roasted chicken, prepare that first so it may be cooking while you fix the greens. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and sprinkle marjoram, thyme, salt and pepper over them. Roast them in a 375ᵒ oven for about 45 minutes. (Adjust the cooking time to the size of your portions and your oven’s temperament… the pieces I cooked were huge!)
Wash your greens well in a colander. (I chose baby varieties not merely for their tenderness, but also to save time in preparation. They don’t need to be chopped or have hard core stems removed.)
Heat the pine nuts and olive oil in a pan on the stove. (I actually used my big wok because the sloped sides prevent the greens from overcooking.) When they are bit browned, add the greens.
Also add in the herbs and seasoning, and toss to cook down. (The volume of the greens will shrink as it’s cooked, so you can add smaller portions a little at a time until all of it fits in.)
Off of the heat, squeeze in the citrus juice and mix well. (Heat negates the vitamin C benefit.)
Serve them whole, or slice the roasted chicken breasts for presentation.
Add more herbs, pine nuts, or even a new element as garnish. (I used leeks in the pictured dish… because I adore them.)
Bon appétit y’all!
Faithfully Yours,
Leigh
P.S. If you like kale, check out my Irish Colcannon / Herbed Kale Mashed Potatoes St. Patrick’s Day Recipe (Allergy-Friendly, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan).
