One-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken with Spinach and Parmesan

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

A simple one-pot chicken dish infused with bright lemon, fresh garlic, and sautéed spinach, finished with Parmesan for a satisfying weeknight dinner. This mediterranean-inspired one pot 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then add to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  2. 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.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 cups baby spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted, then pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to the skillet and sprinkle 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover and cook for an additional 2 minutes until cheese melts and coats the chicken.

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Frequently asked questions

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

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 Parmesan?

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 Parmesan 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 Lemon Garlic Chicken with Spinach and Parmesan?

Mediterranean one pot 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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