Lemon-Garlic Pesto Chicken with Sautéed Spinach

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

Tender chicken breasts coated in a vibrant pesto sauce, finished with fresh lemon and garlic-infused spinach for a bright, balanced dinner. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes blends boneless skinless chicken breasts, pesto sauce, lemon juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 12 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, then set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add fresh spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted, then stir in pesto and lemon juice.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to the skillet and coat with sauce, cooking for 2 minutes until heated through.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Pesto Chicken with Sautéed Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (12 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Lemon-Garlic Pesto Chicken with Sautéed Spinach?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Pesto Chicken with Sautéed 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 Lemon-Garlic Pesto Chicken with Sautéed Spinach for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

What goes well with Lemon-Garlic Pesto Chicken with Sautéed Spinach?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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