Sautéed Chicken and Spinach with Garlic and Lemon Zest
A quick, vibrant sautéed chicken dish featuring fresh spinach and bright lemon zest for a light, healthy meal. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten free, low carb) ready in about 22 minutes pairs fresh spinach leaves, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, minced 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 (about 12 oz total) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1/2-inch strips. Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken strips with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, sautéing for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Immediately add 4 cups fresh spinach leaves and 2 tbsp water to the skillet, stirring and covering with a lid for 2 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Step 3: Remove the lid, sprinkle 1 tsp lemon zest over the spinach and chicken, and toss gently to combine. Cook uncovered for another minute to evaporate excess water and serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken and Spinach with Garlic and Lemon Zest take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 and Spinach with Garlic and Lemon Zest?
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 spinach leaves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken and Spinach with Garlic and Lemon Zest?
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 and Spinach with Garlic and Lemon Zest 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 and Spinach with Garlic and Lemon Zest gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
