Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter and Sautéed Spinach

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pan-seared chicken breasts topped with a rich garlic herb butter, served alongside vibrant sautéed spinach for a quick, wholesome dinner. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 20 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving them, until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, and 1 tbsp chopped thyme to the skillet. Spoon the melted herb butter over the chicken as it cooks for another 5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the butter is fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil to rest. In the same skillet, add 6 cups fresh spinach and sauté over medium heat with the remaining herb butter for 2-3 minutes until wilted but still bright green.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle 1 tbsp lemon juice over the spinach, stir to combine, then serve the chicken breasts topped with the garlic herb butter alongside the sautéed spinach.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 20 minutes (5 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 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 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 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter and Sautéed Spinach?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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