Pan-Seared Chicken with Spinach and Garlic Butter Sauce
Tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and served with a fragrant garlic butter sauce and sautéed spinach for a quick, wholesome dinner. This chicken-inspired chicken (low carb) ready in about 25 minutes blends 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 350 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 5 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts dry, then 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.
- Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken and keep warm.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 4 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet. Sauté garlic in butter for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Add 5 cups fresh baby spinach to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted, stirring frequently to coat in garlic butter.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, then return chicken to the skillet to warm for 1 minute, spooning garlic butter and spinach over the top before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Spinach and Garlic Butter Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (5 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 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 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 with Spinach and Garlic Butter Sauce 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 Spinach and Garlic Butter Sauce 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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