This flavorful Balsamic Chicken Breast with Spinach and Tomatoes is a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both nutritious and delicious. Tender chicken breasts are marinated in a savory balsamic mixture, then baked to perfection and topped with wilted spinach and juicy tomatoes. Ready in just 45 minutes, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
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:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the balsamic mixture over them, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- While the chicken bakes, sauté the spinach and cherry tomatoes in a pan over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are softened.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and top each piece with the sautéed spinach and tomatoes.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Optionally, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the chicken before serving.
Variations
- Caprese Style: Top the chicken with fresh mozzarella slices instead of Parmesan, and add fresh basil leaves after baking.
- Mediterranean: Add kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of oregano to the spinach and tomato mixture.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the balsamic marinade and top with a drizzle of hot honey before serving.
Cooking Notes
- For juicier chicken, pound the breasts to an even thickness before marinating.
- The internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is crucial for food safety, so use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
- If the chicken is browning too quickly, cover the dish with foil for part of the cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with roasted sweet potatoes or a side of quinoa for a complete meal.
- Add a simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette to complement the flavors.
- Pair with steamed green vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for extra nutrition.
Tips
- Choose chicken breasts of similar size for even cooking.
- For a time-saving option, prepare the balsamic marinade the night before and store in the refrigerator.
- If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, you can substitute sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 38g
- Sodium: 350mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They may require a slightly longer cooking time, typically 5-7 minutes more than breasts.
- How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can prepare the balsamic marinade and slice the vegetables ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the dish fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
- Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Yes, this chicken dish holds up well for meal prep. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently to prevent the chicken from drying out.
Conclusion
This Balsamic Chicken Breast with Spinach and Tomatoes recipe offers a perfect balance of protein and vegetables in one delicious dish. It’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen. The tangy balsamic flavor combined with the freshness of spinach and tomatoes creates a meal that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Enjoy this versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand!
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Balsamic Chicken Breast with Spinach and Tomatoes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This flavorful Balsamic Chicken Breast with Spinach and Tomatoes is a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both nutritious and delicious. Tender chicken breasts are marinated in a savory balsamic mixture, then baked to perfection and topped with wilted spinach and juicy tomatoes. Ready in just 45 minutes, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
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
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the balsamic mixture over them, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- While the chicken bakes, sauté the spinach and cherry tomatoes in a pan over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are softened.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and top each piece with the sautéed spinach and tomatoes.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Optionally, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the chicken before serving.
Notes
- For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken in the balsamic mixture for 30 minutes before baking.
- You can substitute baby kale for the spinach if desired.
- For a more intense flavor, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the balsamic mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: balsamic chicken, chicken with spinach, healthy chicken dinner, one-pan meal, high protein dinner