Sautéed Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Spinach

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

Juicy chicken thighs seared with bright lemon and garlic, tossed with tender sautéed spinach for a simple, flavorful dinner. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (low carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (about 1.5 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic cloves 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: Pat dry 4 bone-in chicken thighs and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 6-7 minutes without moving until the skin is golden and crisp. Flip and cook another 5 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté 4 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1/4 cup water, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
  4. Step 4: Add 6 cups fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until wilted but still vibrant. Return chicken thighs to the pan and spoon the lemon-garlic sauce over them. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Spinach 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 Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with 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 fresh lemon juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with 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 Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Spinach 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 Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Spinach low carb?

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

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