Grilled Chicken with Garlic Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes
Tender, juicy grilled chicken is paired with a garlicky sauté of fresh spinach and blistered cherry tomatoes, finished with a touch of lemon and olive oil. This simple Mediterranean dish is balanced, satisfying, and rich in vitamins and antioxidants — a perfect everyday healthy meal.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 2–3
Ingredients
For the Chicken
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Spinach and Tomatoes
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh spinach, washed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 tsp lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Optional for Serving
Shaved Parmesan or crumbled feta
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Cooked rice, quinoa, or whole-grain pasta for a complete meal
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Coat the chicken evenly and let it marinate for 10–15 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge).
2. Grill the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
Transfer to a plate, cover lightly, and let rest for 3–5 minutes.
3. Saute the Spinach and Tomatoes
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add cherry tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2–3 minutes until they start to soften and blister.
Add spinach and toss until just wilted (1–2 minutes).
Squeeze a bit of lemon juice and stir.
4. Assemble and Serve
Plate the grilled chicken with the garlic spinach and tomatoes.
Sprinkle with Parmesan or feta and garnish with fresh herbs.
Serve alone or with rice, couscous, or quinoa.
Notes & Tips
Don’t overcook spinach — it should stay bright green and slightly wilted.
Add crunch: Top with toasted pine nuts or almonds.
Make it creamy: Stir a spoonful of Greek yogurt or ricotta into the spinach for a richer texture.
Balanced meal idea: Serve with lemon herb rice or roasted potatoes for a full Mediterranean plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes — just thaw and squeeze out excess water before sauteing.
Q2: Can I bake the chicken instead?
Absolutely — bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, then pair with sautéed veggies.
Q3: What makes this Mediterranean-style?
The use of olive oil, garlic, lemon, spinach, and tomatoes — all classic ingredients in the Mediterranean diet.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~360 kcal
Protein: 38 g
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 3 g