One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Spinach Skillet
Tender chicken breasts cooked in a garlic butter sauce with fresh spinach, all in one skillet for an easy weeknight dinner. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves, fresh baby spinach for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then sear in the skillet for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium, add 4 tbsp unsalted butter and 5 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet. Sauté garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 2 tbsp lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen browned bits. Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Step 4: Add 6 cups fresh baby spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes until wilted and tender. If desired, sprinkle 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for a mild heat.
- Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce and spinach over them. Cook together for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors before serving warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Spinach Skillet take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Garlic Butter Chicken and Spinach Skillet?
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 unsalted butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Spinach Skillet?
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 Garlic Butter Chicken and Spinach Skillet 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 Garlic Butter Chicken and Spinach Skillet?
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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