One-Pot Chicken and Spinach Tomato Stew
A hearty and comforting one-pot stew combining tender chicken, fresh spinach, and diced tomatoes simmered with aromatic spices. This mediterranean-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, extra virgin olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces, and sauté for 5-6 minutes until browned on all sides but not cooked through.
- Step 2: Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
- Step 4: Add 4 cups fresh spinach leaves and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice for brightness before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Chicken and Spinach Tomato Stew take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 One-Pot Chicken and Spinach Tomato Stew?
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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Chicken and Spinach Tomato Stew?
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 One-Pot Chicken and Spinach Tomato Stew 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 One-Pot Chicken and Spinach Tomato Stew?
Mediterranean one pot 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.
