Sautéed Garlic Chicken Thighs with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes

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

Juicy pan-seared chicken thighs cooked with garlic, paired with sautéed fresh spinach and sweet cherry tomatoes for a balanced, savory meal. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (high protein) ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs and season evenly 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 until shimmering. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 4 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 cups baby spinach and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook, stirring, for 3-4 minutes until spinach is wilted and tomatoes soften.
  5. Step 5: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, drizzle with 1 tbsp lemon juice, and cook for another 1-2 minutes to combine flavors before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Chicken Thighs 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 Chicken Thighs 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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Chicken Thighs 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 Chicken Thighs 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 Chicken Thighs with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes