One-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes
A vibrant, easy-to-make one-pot chicken dish with fresh lemon, garlic, and tender spinach that comes together quickly for a wholesome meal. This mediterranean-inspired one pot (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, minced 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 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 olive oil
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, seasoned with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp dried oregano, and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 2: Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until they start to soften.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and sprinkle 1 tsp lemon zest. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Step 5: Return chicken to the skillet and nestle it into the sauce. Add 4 cups fresh baby spinach on top and cover the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and chicken is heated through.
- Step 6: Serve immediately, spooning the lemon garlic sauce and tomatoes over the chicken.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes 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 Lemon Garlic Chicken with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Lemon Garlic Chicken with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Lemon Garlic Chicken with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes 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 Lemon Garlic Chicken with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes 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.
