Sautéed Chicken with Sautéed Spinach and Garlic
Tender chicken breasts sautéed with fresh garlic and served alongside garlicky sautéed spinach for a flavorful and satisfying meal. This chicken-inspired chicken (high protein) ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic cloves, fresh spinach for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and sauté for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken and keep warm.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté over medium heat for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 6 cups fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and softens. Season with a pinch of salt.
- Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle 1 tbsp lemon juice over the spinach. Serve the sautéed chicken breasts alongside the garlic spinach immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken with Sautéed Spinach and Garlic 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 Sautéed Chicken with Sautéed Spinach and Garlic?
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 Sautéed Spinach and Garlic?
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 Sautéed Spinach and Garlic 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 Sautéed Chicken with Sautéed Spinach and Garlic high protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged 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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