Caprese Chicken Skillet with Spinach

Ingredients

• 12 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 10 oz cherry tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste(optional)
• 5 oz spinach
• 4 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.25 cup fresh basil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Instructions

1. 1

   Prep (10 minutes): Slice the chicken into cutlets or thin pieces. Mince the garlic and roughly chop the basil. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper.

2. 2

   Cook (23 minutes): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until browned on both sides, about 6–7 minutes total, then transfer to a plate.

3. 3

   In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in cherry tomatoes (and tomato paste if using) and simmer until the tomatoes soften and release juices, about 8–9 minutes.

4. 4

   Return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer until cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly, about 6–7 minutes. Add spinach and stir just until wilted, about 1 minute.

5. 5

   Turn off the heat. Sprinkle mozzarella over the skillet, cover for 1 minute to melt, then stir in basil and drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Serve immediately.