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Last-Minute Chicken Dinner Recipe

Last-Minute Chicken Dinner Recipe


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4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Quick and comforting Mexican-style chicken skillet delivers bold flavors without complicated prep. Spicy seasonings and tender chicken combine for a delicious meal that satisfies hungry diners in less than 30 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables:

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces / 411 grams)

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet at medium temperature, allowing it to shimmer slightly.
  2. Carefully place chicken breasts into the heated pan, creating a golden sear on each side for approximately 5 minutes per surface, developing rich caramelized edges.
  3. Transfer browned chicken to a separate plate, keeping the flavorful remnants in the skillet.
  4. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic into the same pan, allowing them to dance and release their aromatic essence for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Pour in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, creating a vibrant, fragrant liquid base.
  6. Gently nestle the seared chicken back into the simmering sauce, covering the skillet to ensure even cooking for 10-15 minutes until the meat reaches perfect doneness with no pink remaining.
  7. Tenderly fold fresh spinach into the skillet, letting it wilt and integrate with the sauce for an additional 2 minutes.
  8. Finish the dish by generously dusting Parmesan cheese across the top, adding a delightful salty crunch before serving.

Notes

  • Customize chicken thickness by pounding breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
  • Swap chicken for plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that maintains similar flavor profiles.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake and accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
  • Add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to boost nutritional value and create more volume in the dish.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg