One-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic and Spinach
A quick one-pot meal combining tender chicken thighs simmered in a vibrant tomato basil sauce with fresh spinach, perfect for a wholesome dinner in under 30 minutes. This mediterranean-inspired one pot ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, 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
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs and season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Sear the chicken for 5 minutes per side until golden brown and almost cooked through, then remove from the skillet.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and 3/4 cup chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until tomatoes start breaking down.
- Step 4: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and nestle into the sauce. Add 3 cups baby spinach and 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves on top. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes until spinach wilts and chicken is fully cooked through.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil 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 Tomato Basil 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 Tomato Basil 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 Tomato Basil 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 Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic and Spinach?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made this for my husband and kids, they loved the flavors! Easy one-pot meal.
- ★★★★☆
Tasted great, but took a bit longer than the recipe said to cook the chicken through.
- ★★★★☆
Good recipe, but the spinach wilted too quickly. Next time I'll add it later.
