One-Pot Garlicky Lemon Herb Chicken with Spinach
A straightforward, flavorful chicken dish cooked in one pot with fresh garlic, lemon juice, and tender spinach for a bright and healthy meal. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, tablespoons olive oil, garlic cloves, minced 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
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 5 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs seasoned with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 2: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/4 cup water to the skillet. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce, then add 5 cups fresh baby spinach. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm, spooning the lemony garlic sauce over the chicken.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Garlicky Lemon Herb Chicken with 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 Garlicky Lemon Herb Chicken with 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 tablespoons olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Garlicky Lemon Herb Chicken with 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 Garlicky Lemon Herb Chicken with 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.
Is One-Pot Garlicky Lemon Herb Chicken with Spinach 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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