Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Spinach

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

Tender chicken thighs cooked in garlic-infused oil with wilted spinach for a simple, protein-packed keto dinner. This american-inspired keto (low-carb, high-protein) ready in about 27 minutes pairs ounces boneless skinless chicken thighs, tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 208 calories and feeds 4, 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: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 American cuisine 208 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for 3 more minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet, followed by minced garlic, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add spinach to the skillet, tossing until fully wilted and reduced in volume (about 2 minutes), then pour in heavy cream and dried thyme, stirring until sauce thickens slightly (1-2 minutes).
  5. Step 5: Return chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning sauce over them, and cook for 2 more minutes to heat through.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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 Thighs 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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken Thighs 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 Thighs with Garlic and Spinach for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Thighs with Garlic and Spinach low-carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb, 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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