Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Spinach in Lemon Sauce
A simple, wholesome dish featuring tender chicken breasts sautéed with garlic and fresh spinach, finished with a bright lemon sauce. This general-inspired chicken (low carb) ready in about 25 minutes blends olive oil, minced garlic cloves, fresh spinach into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Add the chicken breasts and sauté for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Step 4: Add 4 cups fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until wilted.
- Step 5: Pour in 1/4 cup chicken broth and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, stirring to combine and simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces.
- Step 6: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the spinach and lemon sauce over them, and warm through for 1-2 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Spinach in Lemon Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Spinach in Lemon Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Spinach in Lemon Sauce?
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 in Lemon Sauce 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 Spinach in Lemon Sauce 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.
