Balsamic Chicken Breast with Spinach and Tomatoes Recipe

Introduction

This Balsamic Chicken Breast with Spinach and Tomatoes is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week. The tangy balsamic glaze pairs beautifully with fresh spinach and juicy cherry tomatoes for a healthy, satisfying dish.

The image shows two thick chicken breasts with a golden brown, pepper-speckled crust as the top layer, glistening with a rich sauce. Beneath the chicken, there is a layer of cooked dark green spinach with a soft texture. Scattered on top and around the chicken are bright red cherry tomatoes, some whole and some sliced in half, adding a fresh and juicy look. The dish is presented in a deep white bowl, and the sauce pools around the spinach and chicken, reflecting light on the white marbled surface below. The colors are vibrant with a mix of warm brown, bright red, and deep green tones. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Step 3: Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and coat them evenly with the balsamic mixture.
  4. Step 4: Bake the chicken for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
  5. Step 5: While the chicken bakes, heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté spinach and cherry tomatoes for 3–4 minutes, until wilted.
  6. Step 6: Remove the chicken from the oven and top each breast with the sautéed vegetables and Parmesan cheese, if using.
  7. Step 7: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  8. Step 8: Let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes before serving to retain juices.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the balsamic mixture for 30 minutes before baking.
  • Swap fresh spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different green.
  • Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the sautéed vegetables for more variety.
  • If you prefer a creamier dish, stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta after cooking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. For best texture, avoid overheating.

How to Serve

The dish shows three thick, golden-brown chicken breasts with a speckled peppery crust, each piece slightly overlapping, resting on a bed of wilted dark green spinach. Bright red cherry tomatoes, some whole and some halved, are scattered on top and around the chicken, adding pops of color and gloss from the cooking juices pooling at the bottom. The dish is served in a white bowl, placed on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well with this recipe. Adjust baking time to ensure they reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast.

Print
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Balsamic Chicken Breast with Spinach and Tomatoes Recipe


  • Author: Charlotte
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

A flavorful and healthy Balsamic Chicken Breast recipe served with sautéed fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes, topped with optional Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make baked dish is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner that combines tangy balsamic vinegar with aromatic garlic and oregano.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables and Topping

  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
  2. Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and coat them thoroughly with the balsamic mixture to infuse flavor.
  4. Initial Bake: Bake the chicken breasts in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to begin cooking through.
  5. Sauté Vegetables: While the chicken bakes, heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes for 3 to 4 minutes until the spinach has wilted and the tomatoes have softened.
  6. Top Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and evenly distribute the sautéed spinach and tomatoes on top of each breast. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the vegetables if using.
  7. Finish Baking: Return the baking dish to the oven and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is thoroughly cooked.
  8. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes after baking to retain its juices before serving.

Notes

  • Using a meat thermometer is recommended to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
  • Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish.
  • You can substitute fresh oregano for dried if available, adjusting quantity to taste.
  • Serve with a side of crusty bread or rice to soak up the flavorful juices.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Balsamic Chicken Breast, baked chicken, spinach, cherry tomatoes, healthy dinner, easy chicken recipe, low fat chicken

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