Easy Baked Chicken Breast with Juicy Tomatoes and Vibrant Spinach!
Craving a simple and flavorful dinner? This baked chicken breast recipe is your answer! It’s packed with juicy tomatoes and healthy spinach. This dish is so easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights! You’ll love how quickly it comes together. The result is tender, flavorful chicken. It’s a complete and satisfying meal.
You’ll find so much to love about this recipe content! We focus on making dinner easy and delicious. You get clear, short steps. The ingredient list is simple. We explain why each step is important. This helps you succeed in the kitchen. Plus, we offer tips for extra flavor and juiciness. We also suggest tasty ways to serve your baked chicken breast. This page is designed to be helpful and inspiring. You’ll find everything you need for a perfect baked chicken dinner!
Why This Baked Chicken Breast Will Be Your New Go-To
This isn’t just another chicken recipe. It’s a path to a stress-free and tasty meal. Here’s why you’ll make it again and again:
- Super Easy: With simple steps and minimal prep, this recipe is perfect for beginners and busy cooks alike.
- Juicy and Tender Chicken: We share secrets to ensure your chicken stays moist and flavorful, never dry.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with lean protein and nutrient-rich vegetables, it’s a meal you can feel good about.
- One-Pan Wonder (Almost!): While you might use a skillet for the veggies, the baking happens in one dish, making cleanup easier.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the herbs, spices, and vegetables to your liking.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This is a dish that the whole family will enjoy, even picky eaters.
- Great for Meal Prep: Cook extra chicken for delicious and healthy lunches throughout the week.
Simple Ingredients for Delicious Results
Here’s what you’ll need for this easy baked chicken dinner:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or your favorite fresh herbs)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 can diced tomatoes, drained)
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Optional: 1 tablespoon butter (for richer flavor)
- Optional: ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for gooey topping)
- Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for extra flavor)
- ¼ cup chicken broth (or water)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley (for a fresh finish)
Step-by-Step to Your Perfect Baked Chicken Breast Dinner
Follow these easy steps for a delicious and satisfying meal:
- Get Ready to Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prep the Chicken: If your chicken breasts are thick on one side, gently pound them. This helps them cook evenly.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken with olive oil. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Optional: Make it Extra Juicy: For super moist chicken, try a quick brine. Mix ¼ cup salt with 4 cups of water. Soak the chicken for 15-30 minutes. Rinse the chicken well before seasoning.
- Optional: Add More Flavor with a Sear: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil. Cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. This adds a nice crust.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Place the chicken in a baking dish. Pour ¼ cup of chicken broth (or water) into the dish. This keeps the chicken moist while it bakes.
7. Make the Tomato Spinach Magic: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook minced garlic for 1 minute until it smells good.
8. Add Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes (or drained diced tomatoes). Cook for 3-5 minutes. Stir them until they start to soften.
9. Add Spinach: Toss in the chopped spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it wilts down. Season the tomato and spinach mixture with salt and pepper. If you like, stir in a little butter for extra richness.
10. Assemble the Dish: Spoon the tomato and spinach mixture over the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Make sure the chicken is nicely covered.
11. Bake it Up: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is done when a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C). Always check the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.
- Optional: Get Cheesy: If you want a cheesy topping, take off the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the chicken. Return to the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also add Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Rest and Serve: Once cooked, take the dish out of the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the juices stay inside, making the chicken more tender.
Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the chicken, if you like. Serve hot and enjoy your easy and delicious baked chicken breast!
Serving Ideas to Complete Your Meal
Here are some tasty ways to serve this baked chicken breast with tomatoes and spinach:
- Fluffy Sides: Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or quinoa.
- Roasted Veggies: Pair it with roasted broccoli, carrots, or asparagus.
- Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect complement.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips for the Best Baked Chicken Breast
- Even Thickness is Key: Pounding the chicken ensures it cooks evenly.
- Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Overcooked chicken is dry.
- Let it Rest: Resting the chicken after baking makes it much juicier.
- Fresh Herbs Boost Flavor: If you have fresh herbs, use them! They add a wonderful aroma and taste.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to add other spices you enjoy, like paprika or onion powder.
This easy baked chicken breast with tomatoes and spinach is a winner for any night of the week. It’s simple, flavorful, and healthy. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious meal!
