One-Pot Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Spinach and White Beans
A simple, comforting one-pot chicken dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered with garlic, lemon, spinach, and creamy white beans. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic cloves, lemon zest for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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
- 6 pieces (about 1.5 lbs) boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) canned white beans (cannellini), drained and rinsed
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add to skillet and sear for 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 tsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp lemon juice, stirring to deglaze the pan, then pour in 1 cup low sodium chicken broth and 1 tsp dried oregano. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed white beans and 4 cups fresh spinach leaves. Cook for 3-4 minutes until spinach wilts and the broth reduces slightly.
- Step 5: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the spinach and beans mixture. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors before serving.
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 White Beans take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Lemon-Garlic 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 Lemon-Garlic 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 Lemon-Garlic 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.
