Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Garlic Spinach and Quinoa

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

A protein-packed meal featuring tender pan-seared chicken breast served alongside garlicky sautéed spinach and fluffy quinoa for a balanced, nutritious dish. This american-inspired chicken (high protein, gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic cloves, baby spinach for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, 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: 25 min Serves 2 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups low sodium chicken broth to a boil. Add quinoa and 1/2 tsp salt, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While quinoa cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Place chicken in the skillet and sear for 6 minutes on the first side without moving until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken breasts and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes on medium heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Transfer chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to rest.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté over medium heat for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Step 5: Add 5 cups baby spinach and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until spinach is wilted and tender.
  6. Step 6: Fluff quinoa with a fork, stir in 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Step 7: To serve, slice chicken breasts and plate alongside garlic spinach and quinoa, spooning any resting juices over the chicken for extra flavor.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Garlic Spinach and Quinoa 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Garlic Spinach and Quinoa?

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 Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Garlic Spinach and Quinoa?

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 Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Garlic Spinach and Quinoa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Garlic Spinach and Quinoa high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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