One Pot, One Pan, Balsamic Chicken

One Pot, One Pan Balsamic Chicken with Baby Spinach and Couscous


This is probably one of the fastest "real" meals you could possibly make. Seriously, it can be done in about 15-20 mins and is super easy. Also, it only takes up one pot and one pan. You cook the couscous in a separate pot, and everything else gets cooked in a large skillet, so very little cleanup. I took/stole this from a recipe book called, "The Food You Crave" and it contains less than 500 calories, leaving you plenty of calories left over for wine :) I would serve with Merlot or Cab Sav.

Ingredients:
olive oil (enough to heat up in the pan, about 3 Tablespoons)
2-4 chicken breasts, pounded and thin enough to brown on both sides
1/4 teaspoon of salt, and more for taste
1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper and more for taste
Tablespoon of minced garlic (or for the true foodie, 3 cloves minced)
8 cups of baby spinach (or roughly one package)
2 Tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon of sugar
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup canned chopped tomatoes (I like the ones with garlic, oregano already added)
1 package of whole wheat couscous (I like the Mediterranean olive oil option), about 2 cups cooked
*leftover red wine or whatever you plan on drinking that night (optional)
*a few teaspoons of flour (optional for thickness)

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in large skillet at med. heat. Season the chicken with pepper and salt (and some cayenne or paprika if its around). Add to the pan and brown on both sides or else have a pretty boy do it for you :P (about 6 mins). When finished put on plate and cover with tin foil to keep warm
2. Put 1 Tablespoon of olive oil back in pan and throw in the garlic to brown (about 1 min). After garlic is browned, throw in the baby spinach and cook until slightly wilted (about 1-2 mins), but be careful because if it wilts too much it will be soggy. Season with salt and pepper, put in bowl and set aside.
3. Make the couscous from the package in a separate pot.
4. Add the vinegar, broth, and tomatoes to the pan and stir making sure to get the bits of flavor off the bottom. Add in the sugar (it cuts the acidity of the tomatoes and vinegar, but if you liek it acidy, then no sugar for you!). Let bubble a min or two, then bring down to a simmer while occasionally stirring. Let the sauce thicken for a bit, about 5 mins. If it is too runny for you, throw in some flour until desired thickness is reached.
5. Put 1/2-1 cup of couscous on bottom of plate, cover with some spinach, then top with the chicken. Spoon the sauce over the whole thing and ta da, dinner!

No soundtrack for tonight, but if I could have chosen it would have been Better than Ezra for sure!