Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Zesty Tomato and Spinach

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

Juicy chicken thighs cooked in a bright tomato sauce with fresh spinach, perfect for a Whole30-friendly dinner. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, medium shallots, minced, 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 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: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs with 1 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through, then remove from skillet.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 2 minced shallots and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 4 cups fresh baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken thighs to the skillet, spoon tomato and spinach sauce over top, and cook together for 2 more minutes.
  6. Step 6: Finish by drizzling 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the dish before serving to brighten flavors.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Zesty Tomato 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 Thighs with Zesty Tomato 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 Zesty Tomato 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 Zesty Tomato and Spinach whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, 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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