Pan-Seared Chicken with Spinach & Burst Tomatoes
⏱ Time
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Prep: 15 minutes
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Cook: 25 minutes
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Total: ~40 minutes
🍽 Serves
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2–3 people
🧾 Ingredients
Chicken
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp paprika (smoked if possible)
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1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
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½ tsp garlic powder
Vegetables
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2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
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3 cups fresh baby spinach
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3 cloves garlic (thinly sliced or minced)
Sauce & Cooking
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp butter
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2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
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½ cup chicken broth (or white wine for deeper flavor)
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Optional: pinch of chili flakes
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prep the chicken
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Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels (important for browning).
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Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
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Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
2. Sear the chicken
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add chicken breasts and cook 5–6 minutes per side, without moving them too much.
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You want a deep golden crust.
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Remove chicken from pan and set aside (it will finish cooking later).
3. Cook the tomatoes
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Lower heat to medium.
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In the same pan, add cherry tomatoes.
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Let them cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until they blister and start to burst.
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Stir gently to release their juices.
4. Build the flavor
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Add butter and garlic to the pan.
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Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let garlic burn).
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Pour in balsamic vinegar and chicken broth.
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Scrape the bottom of the pan — that’s pure flavor.
5. Wilt the spinach
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Add spinach in batches.
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Toss gently until just wilted (about 1–2 minutes).
6. Finish the chicken
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Return chicken breasts to the pan.
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Spoon sauce and tomatoes over the top.
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Simmer 5–7 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 74°C / 165°F).
🔥 Pro Tips
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For extra juiciness: pound chicken slightly for even thickness.
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Want it richer? Add a splash of cream at the end.
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Love herbs? Finish with fresh basil or thyme.
🍽 How to Serve
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Over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta
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With crusty bread to soak up the sauce
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Alongside rice, quinoa, or pasta
