Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spinach and Garlic Butter Sauce

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

Juicy pan-seared chicken thighs served with a rich garlic butter sauce and sautéed spinach for a satisfying low-carb meal. This american-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 30 minutes blends kosher salt, black pepper, olive oil 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 340 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 340 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 boneless skin-on chicken thighs and season both sides with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes without moving until the skin is golden brown and crisp. Flip and cook the other side for 5-6 minutes until cooked through (internal temp 165°F), then transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 4 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet. Stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant and the butter starts to brown lightly.
  4. Step 4: Add 6 cups fresh spinach to the skillet, tossing with the garlic butter for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts but remains vibrant green. Stir in 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using, cooking for another 30 seconds.
  5. Step 5: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet nestling them on top of the spinach. Spoon some garlic butter sauce over the chicken and serve hot.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spinach and Garlic Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Spinach and Garlic Butter 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 Spinach and Garlic Butter 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 Spinach and Garlic Butter 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 Spinach and Garlic Butter Sauce keto?

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

What others are saying

Related recipes