Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Spinach
Tender chicken cubes cooked in garlic and fresh spinach, finished with a bright lemon finish for a simple weeknight meal. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 20 minutes pairs Olive oil, Garlic, Spinach for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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 (6 oz each, boneless, skinless) Chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 2 cups Spinach
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (12 oz total) into 1-inch cubes.
- Step 2: Heat 1/2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 3: Add chicken cubes and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Step 4: Add remaining 1/2 tbsp olive oil and 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add 2 cups fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Step 6: Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 more minute to combine.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Spinach take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 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 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 with Garlic and 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.
What goes well with Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Spinach?
American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My family devoured this! So simple but packed with flavor—perfect for busy nights.
- ★★★★★
My kids actually ate spinach! Garlic was perfect—no overpowering taste.
- ★★★★★
Amazingly fast and flavorful. Served with rice—zero leftovers!