Sautéed Garlic and Herb Chicken with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes

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

Cooked in a fragrant garlic and herb butter sauce with fresh spinach and sweet cherry tomatoes. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (high protein, gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs kosher salt, black pepper, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, and 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add 5 cups baby spinach and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until spinach wilts and tomatoes soften.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to the skillet, drizzle with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and spoon the garlic herb sauce over the chicken. Cook for 1 minute more to warm through before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic and Herb Chicken with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Garlic and Herb Chicken with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes?

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 kosher salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic and Herb Chicken with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes?

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 Garlic and Herb Chicken with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Garlic and Herb Chicken with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein, 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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