Sautéed Chicken with Zesty Lemon and Garlic Spinach
Tender chicken breast seared and served atop garlicky sautéed spinach with a bright lemon finish. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten free, low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breast, olive oil, minced 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (6 oz each) chicken breast
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 pieces of chicken breast (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 and add the chicken. Sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from skillet and rest.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté over medium heat for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 6 cups fresh spinach to the skillet and toss for 2-3 minutes until wilted and tender. Stir in 1 tsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Step 4: Plate the sautéed spinach and top with the rested chicken breasts. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken with Zesty Lemon and Garlic Spinach 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 Zesty Lemon and Garlic 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 (6 oz each) chicken breast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken with Zesty Lemon and Garlic 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 Zesty Lemon and Garlic 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.
Is Sautéed Chicken with Zesty Lemon and Garlic Spinach gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
