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An easy chicken breast skillet recipe with vegetables cooked in a single pan.

Classic Easy Chicken Breast Skillet

This classic easy chicken breast skillet is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying one-pan meal perfect for any weeknight. Tender chicken is simmered in a rich tomato sauce with Italian seasoning, and optional fresh spinach.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes undrained
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups baby spinach optional
  • Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • wooden spoon

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Sauté the chopped onion in the same skillet for 3-4 minutes until softened, then stir in the minced garlic for one minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Stir in diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Stir in baby spinach if using, and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or a side salad. Adjust the amount of Italian seasoning and black pepper to your taste preference. If you don't have fresh spinach, frozen spinach can be used; just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the skillet.