Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spinach and Garlic Butter Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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 pairs kosher salt, black pepper, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 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.

★ 4.5 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 340 cal/serving
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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.

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). 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 Thighs with Spinach and Garlic Butter Sauce?

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 kosher salt from drying out.

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.

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