Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Olive Oil over Spinach
Tender chicken breast sautéed with garlic and olive oil, served on a bed of wilted spinach for a simple, flavorful meal. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs minced garlic cloves, extra virgin olive oil, fresh baby 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 (about 6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breast
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 5 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, flipping once.
- Step 4: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add 5 cups fresh baby spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted and bright green.
- Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet atop the spinach, drizzle 1 tbsp lemon juice over everything, and cook together for 1 minute before serving warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Olive Oil over 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 with Garlic and Olive Oil over 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 with Garlic and Olive Oil over 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 with Garlic and Olive Oil over 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 with Garlic and Olive Oil over Spinach low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
