Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Spinach Budget Bowl

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

A simple, flavorful sautéed chicken dish with fresh garlic and tender spinach, perfect for an affordable, nutritious meal. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breast, fresh spinach, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice 12 oz boneless skinless chicken breast into 1/2-inch strips. Mince 3 garlic cloves finely.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté with the chicken for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 cups fresh spinach to the skillet and toss with the chicken and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and reduces in volume.
  5. Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle 1 tbsp lemon juice over the chicken and spinach mixture. Toss gently and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Spinach Budget Bowl 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 Spinach Budget Bowl?

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 fresh spinach from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Spinach Budget Bowl?

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 Budget Bowl 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 Budget Bowl?

Mediterranean 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.

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