Imagine a dinner that transforms ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece bursting with vibrant flavors and nutrition. This Chicken with Orange Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes recipe is not just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that combines the tangy zest of fresh orange, the rich earthiness of spinach, and the sweet burst of cherry tomatoes. Perfect for busy home cooks looking to impress their family or wow dinner guests, this dish proves that gourmet cooking can be simple, quick, and absolutely delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 orange, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, 2 cups of fresh spinach, 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, 1 orange for juicing, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt and pepper.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning stick better.
- In a small bowl, combine the juice of the orange with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Whisk together until well mixed. This will serve as your marinade and sauce.
- Place the chicken breasts in a large mixing bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the orange and olive oil mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the chicken to marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
- While the chicken is marinating, wash the spinach and cherry tomatoes. Halve the cherry tomatoes and set them aside.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the marinated chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown.
- After searing, remove the skillet from heat. Add the spinach and cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the skillet. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the vegetables.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help the juices redistribute within the chicken.
- To serve, plate the chicken breasts alongside a generous portion of the sautéed spinach and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle any remaining juices from the skillet over the top for added flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious Chicken with Orange Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes!
Tips
- Always pat your chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—165°F (75°C) is the sweet spot for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
- For extra flavor, try marinating the chicken for up to 30 minutes before cooking.
- Choose fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes for the best taste and presentation.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when searing to ensure each chicken breast gets a beautiful golden crust.
- Feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary to add additional depth to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 95mg
