One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon and Spinach
A simple and flavorful one-pot chicken dish where tender chicken breasts are cooked in garlic butter and brightened with fresh lemon and spinach. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (about 12 oz) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and foamy. Add 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts seasoned with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Step 4: Add 4 cups fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce and spinach over the top. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to warm through before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon and Spinach 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 with Lemon and 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 unsalted butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon and 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 One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon and 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.
What goes well with One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon and 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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