Sautéed Garlic and Herb Chicken with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes

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

Tender chicken breasts 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

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.

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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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