If you’ve ever wondered how to create juicy, tender, and flavorful grilled chicken served with creamy spinach and gnocchi, the secret is brining. Brining is a simple yet powerful technique for transforming grilled chicken, making it moist and flavorful even after cooking. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through preparing a complete meal that features brined and grilled chicken breast, served alongside creamed spinach and gnocchi. You’ll learn how to effectively brine chicken and how to create a delicious grilled chicken dish, complete with flavorful sides for an unforgettable dining experience.
Why Brine Chicken?
Brining is a technique where chicken is soaked in a mixture of water and salt. This method not only enhances the flavor of the chicken but also tenderizes the meat by breaking down proteins, allowing it to retain more moisture. This means that even when grilled, a brined chicken breast remains juicy and flavourful rather than becoming dry. Brining is especially useful for lean cuts like chicken breast, which can easily dry out during cooking. Adding herbs, spices, and aromatics to the brine also imparts subtle flavors that make every bite enjoyable.
This recipe will guide you through brining chicken for grilling, crafting a creamy spinach side, and preparing buttery gnocchi, resulting in a complete, flavorful meal. boasts a restaurant-quality appearance and flavor.
Ingredients for Brined Chicken Breast with Creamed Spinach and Gnocchi
To prepare this dish, gather ingredients for the brine, grilled chicken, creamed spinach, and gnocchi. Each component contributes to the perfect balance of flavors in this meal.
“Grilled chicken with creamed spinach and gnocchi on a plate”
For the Grilled Chicken Brine:
- Water: 4 cups
- Kosher Salt: ¼ cup
- Sugar: ¼ cup, to add a mild sweetness and encourage browning
- Fresh Herbs: 2–3 sprigs of thyme or rosemary for aroma
- Garlic: 3 crushed cloves, to infuse rich flavor
- Black Peppercorns: 1 tablespoon for a subtle kick
- Optional: Add lemon slices or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a hint of acidity
Chicken Breast:
- Brined Chicken Breasts: 2-4, rinsed well and patted dry after soaking in the brine.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon to help achieve a golden, crispy finish
- Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste
For the Creamed Spinach:
- Fresh Spinach: 2 cups, chopped
- Butter: 2 tablespoons to sauté the spinach
- Heavy Cream: ½ cup for a rich, creamy base
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced for extra depth of flavor
- Nutmeg: A pinch (optional) for added warmth
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
For the Gnocchi:
Fresh Parsley: 1 tablespoon, chopped for garnish
Potato Gnocchi: 2 cups, store-bought or homemade
Butter: 1 tablespoon for sautéing
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Brine
The brine is the foundation of this dish, ensuring the chicken breast remains tender and juicy.
- To prepare the brine solution, mix 1 cup of warm water with kosher salt and sugar in a large bowl. Stir the mixture until both the salt and sugar have fully dissolved.
- Add Aromatics: Toss in the garlic, fresh herbs, peppercorns, and any optional flavourings like lemon slices. Allow these ingredients to infuse in the water for a few minutes, enhancing the brine with subtle flavours.
- Cool Down the Brine: Add the remaining cold water to bring the brine to room temperature or cooler. This step is essential, as warm brine can start cooking the chicken prematurely.
- Brine the Chicken: Fully submerge the chicken breasts in the brine, making sure they’re completely covered. Place the bowl in the refrigerator and let the chicken brine for 1–2 hours.
- Rinse and Pat Dry: After the brining is complete, remove the chicken, rinse thoroughly under cold water to eliminate any remaining salt, and gently pat it dry using paper towels. This will prepare the chicken for grilling.
Step 2: Grilling the Brined Chicken Breast
Grilled chicken breast turns out beautifully when brined, as the brine helps retain moisture and enhances browning.
- Coat the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat, or use a stovetop grill pan if grilling indoors.
- Cook the chicken on the grill for 6–8 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).. The brined chicken will cook slightly faster, so keep an eye on it.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Allowing the meat to rest helps retain its juices, making each slice tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Making the Creamed Spinach
The creamed spinach brings a rich, velvety texture to the dish, complementing the grilled chicken beautifully.
- Sauté the Garlic and Spinach: Melt the butter in a frying pan over medium heat. add the chopped spinach and stir occasionally until it wilts.
- Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes, thickening to a creamy consistency.
- Season the Spinach: Add a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir to combine, then let the creamed spinach cook for another 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Step 4: Preparing the Gnocchi
The gnocchi provides a soft, buttery element to the dish, balancing the richness of the spinach with the savoriness of the grilled chicken.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Boil the gnocchi in a pot of salted water, following the package instructions. Typically, gnocchi are done once they float to the surface, which takes about 2–3 minutes.
- Sauté in Butter: Drain the gnocchi and transfer them to a frying-pan with melted butter. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing them to turn slightly golden.
- Garnish with Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the gnocchi for a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
Plating the Dish
To plate, spoon a generous portion of creamed spinach onto one side of the plate. Place the grilled chicken breast slices on top of the spinach, and include a serving of buttery gnocchi on the side. This presentation highlights each dish element, making it visually appealing and inviting.
The Benefits of Grilled chicken recipes with creamed spinach and gnocchi
Brining chicken before grilling is an excellent technique that ensures juicy, flavourful meat. The salt in the brine tenderizes the meat by breaking down muscle fibres, allowing the chicken to retain moisture. This not only keeps the chicken from drying out but also enhances its natural flavors. When paired with creamy spinach and buttery gnocchi, the brined chicken prominently features as the focal point of a dish that embodies both comfort and elegance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to substitute table salt for kosher salt in the brine?
Yes, but use less table salt since it is finer. If substituting, reduce the amount by half.
What other flavours can I add to the brine?
Feel free to experiment with bay leaves, citrus zest, or spices like smoked paprika to bring out unique flavours in the chicken.
Is it necessary to rinse chicken after brining it?
Yes, rinsing removes excess salt, ensuring the chicken doesn’t end up overly salty.
How long should I brine chicken breast?
For chicken breasts, 1–2 hours is ideal. Be careful not to over-brine, as it can make the meat too salty or mushy. To prevent this, stick to the recommended brining time.
Conclusion
Grilled chicken served with creamed spinach and gnocchi is a flavorful and satisfying meal, perfect for a special dinner or family gathering. Bringing the chicken keeps it juicy and tender while enhancing its natural flavor. The creamy spinach and buttery gnocchi add extra layers of flavor and texture, Once you try this chicken brine recipe, you’ll see why it’s a popular technique for creating delicious, restaurant-quality grilled chicken in your kitchen. resulting in a perfectly balanced dish. After trying this chicken brine recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a preferred technique for making delectable, restaurant-grade grilled chicken in your kitchen. Enjoy the compliments as your family and guests savor each bite of this well-balanced meal!