Caper-Infused Chicken Thighs with Garlic Spinach

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs seared with garlic and capers, then simmered in a rich spinach sauce for a protein-packed meal. This american-inspired one pot (high-protein, keto) ready in about 25 minutes pairs chicken thighs, avocado oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 610 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 610 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 16 oz chicken thighs dry and season with 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Sear chicken skin-side down for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook 4 more minutes. Transfer to plate.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp capers to the skillet, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1 tbsp lemon juice, simmering 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to skillet, nestling into sauce. Add 5 oz fresh spinach and 1/2 tsp dried thyme, stirring until spinach wilts (about 1 minute).

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Caper-Infused Chicken Thighs with Garlic Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Caper-Infused Chicken Thighs with Garlic Spinach?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caper-Infused Chicken Thighs with Garlic Spinach?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Caper-Infused Chicken Thighs with Garlic Spinach for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Caper-Infused Chicken Thighs with Garlic Spinach high-protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high-protein, keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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