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

Vibrant Skillet Balsamic Garlic Chicken with Burst Tomatoes & Wilted Spinach

This vibrant skillet chicken dish features tender chicken breasts seared to perfection, then simmered in a rich balsamic garlic sauce with burst cherry tomatoes and wilted spinach. It's a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal perfect for any weeknight.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Skillet (cast iron or stainless steel)
  • Paper towels
  • Wooden spoon
  • Foil

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch thick cutlets or pounded thin

Sauce & Vegetables

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4-5 garlic, minced cloves
  • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 5-6 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped (about 5-6 cups)
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
  • 1-2 tsp honey or maple syrup optional

Seasoning

  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cooking Method

  • Pat the chicken dry and season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning; slice thicker chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  • Sear the seasoned chicken in the hot skillet for 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through; remove and tent with foil to keep warm.
  • Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic to the same skillet, and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
  • Pour in balsamic vinegar and chicken broth, then scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
  • Stir in tomatoes and optional honey/maple syrup, simmer for 3-5 minutes until tomatoes soften and burst, and the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Add spinach in batches, stirring until it wilts into the sauce (1-2 minutes).
  • Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce with tomatoes and spinach, and spoon some sauce over the chicken; warm through for another minute.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Adjust honey/maple syrup to your sweetness preference. Using a good quality balsamic vinegar will enhance the flavor of the sauce. This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a simple side salad.