Savory Balsamic Chicken with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes
Indulge in this delightful one-dish meal that combines tender chicken breasts with the vibrant flavors of fresh spinach and juicy cherry tomatoes, all enhanced by a rich balsamic reduction. This easy-to-make recipe allows for personal tweaks to fit your taste and is beautifully served over a bed of egg noodles, offering a comforting and satisfying dining experience. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner, this dish offers a balanced blend of protein, vegetables, and flavor, inspired by Chef Bryan Wolley's culinary expertise.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breasts
4 (6 ounces each, flattened to 1/2 inch thick)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
onion
1/2 (diced)
fresh tomatoes
2 cups (diced)
balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
white wine
1/4 cup (none)
fresh spinach
4 cups (washed and dried)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (none)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the minced garlic, diced onion, and dried basil to the skillet. Sauté until the mixture becomes fragrant and the onions are translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3
While the aromatics are cooking, gently flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness of 1/2 inch using a meat mallet. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
4
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear each side for about 6 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5
When the chicken has about 5 minutes left to cook, add the diced tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and white wine to the pan. Stir to combine and allow the mixture to cook down, creating a flavorful reduction.
6
For serving, place a portion of fresh spinach on a plate. Spoon the tomato reduction over the spinach, and top with the seared chicken breasts.
7
For a delicious twist, you can also choose to quickly toss the spinach in the pan with the chicken and sauce for 1-2 minutes to wilt the spinach gently. Serve this mixture over cooked egg noodles for a comforting and hearty meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Balsamic Chicken with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes?
It is a delightful one-dish meal featuring tender chicken breasts, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes in a rich balsamic reduction.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include chicken breasts, garlic, onion, fresh tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, white wine, fresh spinach, and dried basil.
How many chicken breasts are required?
You will need 4 chicken breasts, approximately 6 ounces each.
How should the chicken breasts be prepared before cooking?
They should be gently flattened to an even thickness of 1/2 inch using a meat mallet and seasoned with salt and pepper.
What type of oil is recommended for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How long should I sauté the garlic and onion?
Sauté them for approximately 3-4 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and the onions are translucent.
What is the recommended cooking temperature for the chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How long does it take to sear the chicken breasts?
Each side should be seared for about 6 minutes over medium-high heat until golden brown.
When should the balsamic vinegar and white wine be added?
Add the balsamic vinegar and white wine to the pan when the chicken has about 5 minutes of cooking time left.
How much balsamic vinegar is used in the sauce?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar.
Can I use fresh tomatoes in this dish?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 cups of fresh diced tomatoes.
How much fresh spinach is needed?
You will need 4 cups of washed and dried fresh spinach.
How is the spinach served?
You can place fresh spinach on a plate and spoon the tomato reduction over it, or toss it in the pan for 1-2 minutes to wilt it gently.
What should I serve this chicken dish over?
It is beautifully served over a bed of cooked egg noodles for a comforting meal.
What aromatics are used to flavor the oil?
The recipe uses minced garlic, diced onion, and dried basil.
Who inspired this recipe?
This dish is inspired by the culinary expertise of Chef Bryan Wolley.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Yes, it is designed as an easy-to-make, balanced meal perfect for busy weeknights.
What is the purpose of the white wine in the recipe?
The white wine is combined with balsamic vinegar and tomatoes to create a flavorful reduction sauce.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves.
What amount of dried basil should be used?
You should use 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
Is this dish considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is tagged under healthy cooking and provides a balanced blend of protein and vegetables.
Can I customize the flavor of this dish?
Yes, the recipe allows for personal tweaks to fit your specific taste preferences.
What type of cuisine does this dish belong to?
It is categorized as Italian cuisine and comfort food.
How much onion is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 of an onion, diced.
What seasoning is used for the chicken?
The chicken is seasoned on both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
How do you create the balsamic reduction?
Stir together the diced tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and white wine in the pan and allow the mixture to cook down.
How long do you wilt the spinach if choosing that method?
Toss the spinach in the pan with the chicken and sauce for approximately 1-2 minutes.
What tool is used to flatten the chicken?
A meat mallet is used to flatten the chicken breasts to 1/2 inch thickness.
What makes this a one-dish meal?
It combines protein, vegetables, and a sauce all prepared within the same skillet for a complete flavor profile.