Are you tired of boring, bland salads that leave you hungry and unsatisfied? Get ready to revolutionize your meal prep with this incredible Baked Chicken Spinach Salad that combines protein-packed chicken, crisp fresh spinach, and a tantalizing balsamic dressing that will make your taste buds dance! This restaurant-quality dish is not just a salad – it's a culinary experience that's surprisingly easy to create in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and thoroughly.
- While the oven is heating, prepare the chicken breasts. Pat them dry with a paper towel, then season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish. You can lightly coat the dish with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- While the chicken is baking, wash and dry the fresh spinach thoroughly. Place the spinach in a large salad bowl.
- Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the bowl with the spinach.
- Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- After resting, slice the chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces, and add them to the salad bowl with the spinach and tomatoes.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss everything together to combine. Make sure all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Serve the baked chicken spinach salad immediately, garnishing with additional feta cheese or a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This guarantees juicy, perfectly cooked chicken every time.
- Prep Ahead: You can marinate the chicken in advance or season it earlier in the day to enhance flavor penetration.
- Salad Freshness Hack: Wash and dry your spinach thoroughly and keep it crisp by storing it in the refrigerator with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
- Dressing Distribution: For even flavor, drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add additional toppings like toasted pine nuts, sliced almonds, or swap feta for goat cheese to make the recipe your own.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 75mg
