Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter and Quick Sautéed Spinach

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection, topped with a fragrant garlic herb butter, served alongside vibrant sautéed spinach for a healthy and speedy dinner. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts 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 until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on one side without moving until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F; remove chicken and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet along with 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant and butter is melted.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to the pan, spoon garlic herb butter over the breasts, and cook for an additional 1 minute to infuse flavor. Remove chicken and tent with foil.
  5. Step 5: In the same skillet, add 6 cups baby spinach and sauté over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring until wilted but still vibrant green. Season spinach with 1 tbsp lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Step 6: Serve the chicken breasts topped with the garlic herb butter alongside the sautéed spinach.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter and Quick Sautéed Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 with Garlic Herb Butter and Quick Sautéed 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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter and Quick Sautéed 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter and Quick Sautéed Spinach 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 with Garlic Herb Butter and Quick Sautéed Spinach 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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