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Balsamic garlic chicken with tomatoes and spinach cooking in a single skillet

One-Skillet Balsamic Garlic Chicken with Tomatoes & Spinach

This one-skillet balsamic garlic chicken with tomatoes and spinach is a delicious and healthy meal that comes together quickly. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it's packed with flavor and vibrant vegetables.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) cut into cutlets or pounded to even thickness
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 4-5 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes halved
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • ½ cup chicken broth low sodium
  • 5-6 oz fresh spinach about 5-6 cups packed
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Large oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron)

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F/74°C), then remove and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed, and sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-5 minutes until they soften and burst. Pour in balsamic vinegar and chicken broth, simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping up browned bits.
  5. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in batches, stirring until completely wilted into the sauce.
  6. Nest the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spooning sauce and vegetables over it, and warm through for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure your chicken is cooked to 165°F to ensure food safety. This dish is excellent served with a side of pasta or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.