One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa and Spinach

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

A bright and simple one-pot chicken dish where tender chicken thighs simmer with quinoa, fresh spinach, and a burst of lemon zest for a wholesome, easy dinner. This mediterranean-inspired one pot (gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, seasoned with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and sear for 4 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed quinoa and 1 tsp dried thyme to the skillet, stirring for 1 minute to toast lightly.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the pan, and bring to a boil over high heat.
  5. Step 5: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 15 minutes until quinoa is tender and chicken is cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Remove the lid and stir in 4 cups chopped fresh spinach, 1 lemon’s zest, and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and flavors meld. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa and Spinach 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 Herb Chicken with Quinoa 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 Quinoa 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 Quinoa 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.

Is One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa and 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.

Related recipes