Sautéed Chicken with Spinach and Garlic in Lemon Butter Sauce
Tender chicken breasts sautéed with fresh garlic and spinach, finished in a bright lemon butter sauce for a quick and flavorful dinner. This general-inspired chicken (low carb, gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes blends (6 oz each) chicken breast, olive oil, minced fresh garlic cloves 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 380 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) chicken breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced fresh garlic cloves
- 5 cups, roughly chopped fresh spinach
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 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 until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add chicken breasts to the skillet and sauté for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: Lower heat to medium, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 4 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Add 5 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes until wilted and glossy.
- Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for another 30 seconds until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the spinach.
- Step 6: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the lemon garlic spinach mixture over them. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken with Spinach and Garlic in Lemon Butter Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Spinach and Garlic in Lemon Butter 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 Spinach and Garlic in Lemon Butter 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 Spinach and Garlic in Lemon Butter 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 Spinach and Garlic in Lemon Butter Sauce low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
