Sautéed Chicken with Spinach and Garlic in Lemon Sauce

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

Tender chicken breast sautéed with fresh spinach and garlic, finished with a bright lemon sauce for a healthy and flavorful meal. This Mediterranean-inspired chicken recipe (low carb, gluten free), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs 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 280 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice 2 chicken breasts into 1-inch strips and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and sauté for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Mince 4 garlic cloves and add to the skillet, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 cups fresh spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 2 tbsp lemon juice, stir well, and cook for another minute to combine flavors. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken with Spinach and Garlic in Lemon Sauce 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 Spinach and Garlic in Lemon Sauce?

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 chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken with Spinach and Garlic 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 Spinach and Garlic 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 Spinach and Garlic in Lemon 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.

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