TGI Friday’s is a popular American restaurant chain known for its casual dining and bar atmosphere. One of their signature dishes is the sizzling chicken and spinach skillet. This dish features grilled chicken breast and fresh spinach sautéed with onions and bell peppers in a lemon garlic sauce. It is served sizzling hot in a cast iron skillet.
Ingredients
The main ingredients in TGI Friday’s sizzling chicken and spinach are:
- Chicken breast – Sliced grilled chicken breast provides the protein.
- Spinach – Fresh spinach adds color and key nutrients.
- Onions – Sliced onions add flavor.
- Bell peppers – Colorful bell peppers add sweetness.
- Olive oil – Olive oil is used to sauté the vegetables.
- Garlic – Minced garlic provides aromatic flavor.
- Lemon juice – Lemon juice gives the sauce a bright, citrusy taste.
- White wine – Splash of white wine adds acidity and fruitiness.
- Chicken broth – Chicken broth provides moisture and savoriness.
- Butter – Butter is swirled in at the end for richness.
- Parsley – Chopped parsley for garnish.
Cooking Process
Here are the key steps for making TGI Friday’s sizzling chicken and spinach:
- Slice and grill chicken breast until cooked through and lightly charred.
- Sauté onions and bell peppers in olive oil over medium-high heat until softened.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add spinach and lemon juice. Cook until spinach is wilted.
- Pour in white wine and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Add grilled chicken slices and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Toss to coat.
- Swirl in butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer skillet to stove top burner. Cook over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until sizzling.
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
Nutrition
Here is the approximate nutrition information for TGI Friday’s sizzling chicken and spinach based on a single serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 |
| Total Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 75 mg |
| Sodium | 590 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 11 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Protein | 24 g |
As you can see, this dish provides lean protein from the chicken, fiber from the spinach, and a range of vitamins and minerals. The lemon garlic sauce adds lots of flavor without too much added fat or sodium.
Taste and Texture
Here is a description of the taste and texture of TGI Friday’s sizzling chicken and spinach:
- Chicken – The chicken breast has a juicy, savory flavor and tender, moist texture from being grilled.
- Spinach – The fresh spinach has a vibrant, slightly earthy taste. It wilts down to be soft and silky.
- Onions and peppers – The onions and bell peppers provide a sweet, aromatic flavor.
- Sauce – The lemon garlic sauce is bright and tangy, with a buttery finish from swirling in butter at the end.
- Sizzling – The sizzling sound and bubbling sauce provide an appetizing auditory and visual cue.
- Crunch – The dish gets a touch of crunch from the peppers and onions.
Overall, the flavors are bold and bright with the savory chicken and spinach balanced by zesty lemon garlic notes. The combination of textures from tender chicken, wilted spinach, and crisp-tender veggies is appealing as well.
Customization
TGI Friday’s sizzling chicken and spinach can be customized based on individual preferences:
- Add mushrooms – Sautéed mushrooms would add earthiness.
- Substitute vegetables – Broccoli, zucchini or tomatoes would work instead of spinach.
- Add cheese – Melted mozzarella or parmesan on top would make it more indulgent.
- Spice it up – Red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can give it a kick.
- Swap protein – Shrimp or tofu instead of chicken to make it seafood or veggie focused.
- Try whole wheat pasta – Serving over whole wheat pasta bulks it up to a meal.
- Add avocado – Fan favorites like avocado complement the flavors.
- Modify sauce – Ask for the sauce on the side to control the amount.
There are lots of possibilities to put your own spin on this flexible skillet dish.
Pairings
What are some good pairings and sides for TGI Friday’s sizzling chicken and spinach?
- Bread – Crusty bread is great for dipping in the lemon garlic sauce.
- Rice pilaf – Fluffy seasoned rice pilaf complements the skillet meal.
- Caesar salad – A classic Caesar salad is a nice lighter pairing.
- Garlic mashed potatoes – Savory garlic mashed potatoes make it a hearty meal.
- Quinoa – Protein-packed quinoa mixes in easily for a healthier side.
- Asparagus – Quick-roasted asparagus spears balance the flavors.
- Pasta – Any type of pasta works well with the chicken and veggies.
- Wine – A citrusy white wine or Sauvignon Blanc matches the bright flavors.
There are endless possibilities for complementary pairings and sides to round out the meal.
Popularity
Sizzling chicken and spinach has remained a popular menu item at TGI Friday’s over the years for several reasons:
- Unique presentation – The sizzling skillet is brought to the table hot and steaming for an interactive dining experience.
- Comfort food flavors – Chicken and spinach are classic, comforting ingredients that pair deliciously.
- Consumer trends – Consumers look for healthier grilled chicken and fresh veggies when dining out.
- Customization – The dish can be modified easily to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
- Variety – It provides a lighter alternative to some of TGI Friday’s indulgent appetizers and entrees.
- Nostalgia – For long-time TGI Friday’s fans, it’s a nostalgic throwback dish.
- Happy hour – It’s a perfect shareable appetizer for happy hour or small plates.
The appeal of the sizzle, customizable flavors, and healthier elements come together to make this a standout crowd-pleaser on the menu.
Conclusion
In summary, TGI Friday’s sizzling chicken and spinach is a signature skillet dish featuring grilled chicken, spinach, and veggies in a zesty lemon garlic sauce. It provides great taste, texture, and visual appeal. The meal can be adapted in many ways to meet dietary needs and preferences. It remains a popular choice for its unique presentation, comfort food flavors, lighter nutrition profile, and element of fun, interactive dining. Sizzling chicken and spinach is a classic dish that encapsulates the enjoyable spirit of dining at TGI Friday’s.