Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic-Parmesan Spinach
Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts served atop lightly sautéed spinach with garlic and Parmesan for a flavorful, healthy meal. This american-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (6 oz each) chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 5 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 chicken breasts (6 oz each) 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. Add chicken breasts and sear for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 2: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside, tented with foil. In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté over medium heat for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 5 cups fresh spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until spinach is wilted and glossy. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tbsp lemon juice until cheese melts and coats the spinach.
- Step 4: Serve each chicken breast on a bed of garlic-Parmesan spinach, spooning any pan juices over the top.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic-Parmesan Spinach 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 with Garlic-Parmesan 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 (6 oz each) chicken breasts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic-Parmesan 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-Parmesan 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-Parmesan Spinach gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged 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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