One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken with Garlic and Spinach

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

A bright, easy one-pot chicken dish featuring tender lemon-infused chicken thighs with garlic and fresh spinach, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs pounds 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 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano, then add to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  2. Step 2: Remove chicken to a plate and reduce heat to medium. Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  4. Step 4: Add 5 cups fresh spinach and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir gently until spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning some sauce and spinach over the top. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to blend flavors, then serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken with Garlic and 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 Lemon Herb Chicken with Garlic and 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken with Garlic and 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 Lemon Herb Chicken with Garlic and 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.

What goes well with One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken with Garlic and Spinach?

Mediterranean chicken 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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