One-Pot Garlic Lemon Chicken with Spinach and White Beans

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

A simple and light one-pot chicken dish featuring tender garlic lemon chicken paired with hearty white beans and fresh spinach, perfect for an effortless dinner. This mediterranean-inspired one pot (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic cloves 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs seasoned with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  2. Step 2: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/2 cup chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed white beans and 4 cups fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring gently until the spinach wilts.
  5. Step 5: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the beans and spinach mixture. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to combine flavors before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Garlic Lemon Chicken with Spinach and White Beans 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 Lemon Chicken with Spinach and White Beans?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Garlic Lemon Chicken with Spinach and White Beans?

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 Lemon Chicken with Spinach and White Beans 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.

Is One-Pot Garlic Lemon Chicken with Spinach and White Beans gluten free?

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

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