Pan-Seared Lemon-Rosemary Chicken with Garlic Sautéed Greens

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts infused with fresh rosemary and lemon served alongside garlicky sautéed kale and spinach. This Mediterranean-inspired paleo recipe (gluten free), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, fresh rosemary sprigs, lemon zest 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 paleo week and pairs well with roasted root vegetables or a leafy salad. 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season with 1 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 2 sprigs finely chopped fresh rosemary. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 minced garlic cloves; sauté over medium heat for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 cups chopped kale and 2 cups baby spinach to the skillet with garlic. Toss and sauté for 4-5 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender, seasoning with a pinch of salt to taste.
  5. Step 5: Serve the chicken breasts sliced over the sautéed greens, spooning any pan juices over the top for extra flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Lemon-Rosemary Chicken with Garlic Sautéed Greens take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Lemon-Rosemary Chicken with Garlic Sautéed Greens?

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 fresh rosemary sprigs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Lemon-Rosemary Chicken with Garlic Sautéed Greens?

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 Lemon-Rosemary Chicken with Garlic Sautéed Greens 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 Lemon-Rosemary Chicken with Garlic Sautéed Greens paleo?

Yes — this recipe is tagged paleo, gluten free, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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