Chicken Skillet Recipe

Chicken breasts: The main protein of the dish, providing a lean and tender meat.

Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken, adding a subtle flavor and healthy fats.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning.

Cherry tomatoes: Provide sweetness and a pop of color.

Fresh spinach: Adds a nutritious green element that wilts into the dish.

When cooking chicken breasts, ensure they are of even thickness to promote uniform cooking. You can achieve this by pounding them gently with a meat mallet. This not only helps in cooking the chicken evenly but also tenderizes the meat, making it juicier.

• Chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a good alternative.

• Chicken breasts - Substitute with tofu: For a vegetarian option, tofu can provide a similar protein content and absorb the flavors of the dish well.

• Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil.

• Olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used for its healthy fats and slightly sweet flavor, though it may alter the taste of the dish slightly.

• Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add a bit of liquid to the dish.

• Salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct replacement for regular salt, offering a slightly different mineral content.

• Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different taste profile.

• Black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a spicier kick to the dish, so use it sparingly.

• Cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes have a similar sweetness and texture, making them a good alternative.

• Cherry tomatoes - Substitute with sun-dried tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes offer a more intense flavor and can add a chewy texture to the dish.

• Fresh spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale provides a similar nutritional profile and can hold up well when cooked.

• Fresh spinach - Substitute with Swiss chard: Swiss chard offers a similar leafy texture and can be used in the same way as spinach.

• Allow the chicken breasts to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the chicken skillet into an airtight container. Make sure the container is large enough to avoid squishing the cherry tomatoes and spinach.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This ensures the chicken remains fresh and the vegetables retain their texture.
• For freezing, place the cooled chicken skillet in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness. The chicken skillet can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• When ready to eat, thaw the chicken skillet in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the quality of the chicken and vegetables.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of olive oil if needed to prevent sticking and to revive the flavors.
• Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe dish, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Stovetop Method:

  • Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  • Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of chicken broth to keep the chicken breasts moist.
  • Place the leftover chicken skillet in the pan.
  • Cover and heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until everything is warmed through.

• Oven Method:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Place the chicken breasts and vegetables in an oven-safe dish.
  • Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

• Microwave Method:

  • Place the chicken skillet in a microwave-safe dish.
  • Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.
  • Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  • Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until hot.

• Air Fryer Method:

  • Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  • Place the chicken breasts and vegetables in the air fryer basket.
  • Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Steaming Method:

  • Place a steaming basket over a pot of simmering water.
  • Add the chicken skillet to the basket.
  • Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through.

• Skillet: A large, flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods.

• Spatula: A broad, flat utensil used for flipping and turning the chicken breasts.

• Tongs: A tool used to grip and lift the chicken breasts without piercing them.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil, salt, and black pepper accurately.

• Cutting board: A durable board on which to place and cut the cherry tomatoes and prepare the chicken breasts.

• Chef's knife: A versatile knife used for cutting the cherry tomatoes and trimming the chicken breasts if necessary.

• Serving plate: A plate used to serve the finished dish hot.

Pre-cut ingredients: Pre-cut the chicken breasts, cherry tomatoes, and spinach in advance to save cooking time.

Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the chicken is cooked through quickly by using a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

One-pan cooking: Use a large skillet to cook everything together, minimizing cleanup time.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and store leftovers for quick meals later in the week.

Quick seasoning: Mix salt and black pepper in a small bowl beforehand for faster seasoning.