Skillet Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bright and quick skillet chicken dish featuring fresh lemon, garlic, vibrant spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes, perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic cloves, fresh lemon juice 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts 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 until shimmering, about 1 minute.
  2. Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, flipping once, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until they start to soften and release juices.
  5. Step 5: Add 4 cups fresh baby spinach, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1 tsp lemon zest. Toss gently and cook for 1-2 minutes until spinach wilts.
  6. Step 6: Return chicken to the skillet, spoon the lemon-garlic spinach and tomatoes over the top, and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Skillet Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes 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 Skillet Lemon-Garlic 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Skillet Lemon-Garlic 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 Skillet Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes 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.

What goes well with Skillet Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes?

Mediterranean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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