Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Creamy Spinach Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs pan-seared to golden perfection, topped with a rich, creamy spinach sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes. This mediterranean-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 28 minutes blends bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, olive oil, salt into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 8 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 6-7 minutes until skin is golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook an additional 6 minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tbsp butter and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 cups fresh spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream and stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the spinach.
  6. Step 6: Return chicken thighs to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, and heat through for 1 minute before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Creamy Spinach Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 28 minutes (8 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Creamy Spinach Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Creamy Spinach Sauce?

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 Thighs with Creamy Spinach Sauce 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Creamy Spinach Sauce low carb?

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

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