Day 8: Red Currant-Glazed Chicken with Spinach

Today's update on a classic weeknight staple (chicken) was prepared by Didi Gluck, Real Simple's beauty and health director. In addition to helping you look your best (in the least amount of time), Didi also oversees the fitness and wellness coverage in the magazine.

 

If there's one food I've cooked more than any other it's chicken. It's healthy, it's easy, it's a crowd pleaser. So I love a chicken recipe—and this Red Currant-Glazed Chicken with Spinach did not disappoint. The preparation was simple; Because I am a rookie home cook, it usually takes me longer than the recipe says it will to make it. But the steps were so basic that I really did have dinner on the table 35 minutes from when I started. This alone was a triumph in my family's eyes.

 

 

As for the taste? My husband said this was "the best chicken" I ever made—no small feat when you consider it's my most-cooked food (and when you consider that he's generally the cook in the family and quite a gourmand at that). He and I both liked that the red currant glaze made the chicken skin flavorful and kept the meat moist. We also loved the spinach. It was just barely wilted and full of kick (thanks to the crushed red pepper and garlic).

 

 

I chose to serve the dish with couscous because I felt it needed a grain to round out the meal. And my littlest child deemed the spinach too spicy (word to the wise, if your children will be joining you for this meal, cut back on the crushed red pepper). But overall I loved this recipe. It's officially going into the binder where I keep the recipes I use for a quick, healthy, weeknight meal.

 

Have you tried this recipe? Let us know how you liked it in the comments, and share your photos by following @RealSimpleFood on Twitter and using the hashtag #OctDinner.