Tomato Spinach Chicken (Printable Version)

Tender chicken breasts simmered with juicy tomatoes and fresh spinach for a quick, wholesome weeknight meal.

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and roughly chopped
03 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Liquids & Oils

06 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

→ Dairy

08 - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

→ Spices & Seasonings

09 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
11 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
12 - Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

# Directions:

01 - Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil.
02 - Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until a golden crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
03 - In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute until fragrant.
04 - Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release their juices. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
05 - Fold the chopped spinach into the tomato mixture and cook for approximately 2 minutes, stirring gently, until the leaves are just wilted.
06 - Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato and spinach mixture. Simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the flavors meld.
07 - Transfer to serving plates and finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It transforms bare bones pantry staples into something that tastes like you spent far longer than forty minutes on it.
  • The cleanup is minimal since everything happens in one skillet which means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your evening.
02 -
  • Overcooking the chicken is the most common mistake so pull it from the pan the moment it reaches 165 degrees internally.
  • Using a canned substitute for cherry tomatoes works in a pinch but the texture and brightness of fresh tomatoes are what make this dish special.
03 -
  • Let the chicken rest for five minutes after searing before slicing so the juices redistribute instead of running out onto your plate.
  • Do not stir the tomatoes too aggressively while they cook because the chunks that break apart naturally create the best sauce texture.

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