Stovetop Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared with a bright lemon-garlic sauce, complemented by fresh spinach and roasted cherry tomatoes. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, olive oil 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Sear the chicken breasts in the hot skillet for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/4 cup chicken broth, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and 3 cups baby spinach to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently until spinach wilts and tomatoes soften.
  6. Step 6: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce, spinach, and tomatoes over the top. Cook together for 1-2 minutes to reheat and meld flavors before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stovetop Lemon-Garlic 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 Stovetop 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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stovetop 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 Stovetop 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 Stovetop 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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