Sautéed Chicken Breast with Zesty Lemon and Garlic Spinach

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

Tender chicken breast pan-seared and served with vibrant lemon-garlic sautéed spinach for a light, healthy meal. This general-inspired chicken (low carb, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breast, olive oil, salt 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, then remove and rest.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté over medium heat for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 6 cups fresh spinach, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until spinach is wilted and bright green, then serve alongside chicken breasts.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken Breast with Zesty Lemon and Garlic Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Sautéed Chicken Breast with Zesty Lemon and Garlic 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 (6 oz each) chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken Breast with Zesty Lemon and Garlic 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 Breast with Zesty Lemon and Garlic 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.

Is Sautéed Chicken Breast with Zesty Lemon and Garlic Spinach low carb?

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

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