Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Spinach
Tender chicken cubes cooked in garlic and fresh spinach, finished with a bright lemon finish for a simple weeknight meal. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 20 minutes pairs Olive oil, Garlic, Spinach for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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 (6 oz each, boneless, skinless) Chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 2 cups Spinach
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (12 oz total) into 1-inch cubes.
- Step 2: Heat 1/2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 3: Add chicken cubes and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Step 4: Add remaining 1/2 tbsp olive oil and 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add 2 cups fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Step 6: Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 more minute to combine.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Spinach take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and 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 Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and 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 Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My kids actually ate spinach! Garlic was perfect—no overpowering taste.
- ★★★★★
Amazingly fast and flavorful. Served with rice—zero leftovers!
- ★★★★★
My family devoured this! So simple but packed with flavor—perfect for busy nights.
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