Sautéed Chicken with Spinach and Marinated Cherry Tomatoes
Tender chicken breasts sautéed with garlic and fresh spinach, served alongside tangy marinated cherry tomatoes for a light yet flavorful meal. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (low carb, gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (about 1 lb) chicken breasts, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (about 1 lb) chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 5 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes in a bowl with 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves. Stir gently and set aside to marinate while cooking.
- Step 2: Pat dry 2 chicken breasts and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 3: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and tent with foil to rest.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then add 5 cups fresh spinach.
- Step 5: Cook spinach, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until wilted and tender. Season with 1/4 tsp black pepper and adjust salt to taste.
- Step 6: Slice the rested chicken breasts and serve over the sautéed spinach with the marinated cherry tomatoes spooned on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken with Spinach and Marinated Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Chicken with Spinach and Marinated Cherry Tomatoes?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (about 1 lb) chicken breasts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken with Spinach and Marinated Cherry Tomatoes?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sautéed Chicken with Spinach and Marinated Cherry Tomatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Sautéed Chicken with Spinach and Marinated Cherry Tomatoes low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
