Description
This Balsamic Chicken Breast with Spinach and Tomatoes is a simple and flavorful oven-baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts marinated in a tangy balsamic and garlic mixture, served with sautéed fresh spinach and sweet cherry tomatoes, topped with Parmesan cheese for extra richness. Perfect for a wholesome and elegant weeknight dinner.
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 Garnish
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot enough for baking the chicken evenly and locking in juices.
- Prepare Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
- Coat Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and thoroughly coat each piece with the balsamic marinade, making sure all sides are covered for maximum flavor.
- Initial Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing it to cook through while absorbing the tangy marinade flavors.
- 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 is wilted and the tomatoes have softened slightly.
- Top Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and evenly distribute the sautéed spinach and tomatoes on top of the chicken breasts. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the vegetables for added richness.
- Finish Baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) confirming it is safely cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful balsamic chicken with fresh veggies.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh oregano for dried oregano for a brighter herb flavor.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice salty element; you can omit for a dairy-free version.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F internally for safety and tenderness.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: balsamic chicken, chicken breast recipe, spinach and tomatoes, healthy baked chicken, easy dinner, Italian chicken
