Description
A flavorful and healthy meal featuring tender balsamic-glazed chicken breasts baked to perfection and topped with sautéed fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes, finished optionally with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savory touch.
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
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Optional Topping
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare balsamic marinade: In a small bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create the flavorful marinade.
- Coat chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the balsamic mixture evenly over them, making sure each piece is well-coated.
- Initial baking: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing the marinade to infuse and the chicken to begin cooking.
- Sauté vegetables: While the chicken bakes, heat a pan over medium heat and sauté the fresh spinach and halved cherry tomatoes for 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften.
- Top chicken with vegetables: Remove the partially baked chicken from the oven and evenly distribute the sautéed spinach and tomatoes on top of each breast.
- Finish baking: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Optional cheese topping and serving: If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken before serving for added flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- You can substitute fresh oregano if preferred for a different herbal note.
- To make this dish dairy-free, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Serve with a side of rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
