Description
A delicious and healthy garlic lemon chicken dish with fresh spinach.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into strips or bite-sized pieces)
- 5 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped if large)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (good quality)
- 1/2 lemon (for juice and zest)
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle heat)
Instructions
- Gather a large skillet and set it over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it shimmer, filling the air with a fruity aroma.
- Add the chicken pieces to the hot skillet in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on one side, then flip to sear the other side. You should hear a satisfying sizzle and see a crispy exterior forming.
- Once the chicken is seared, push it to one side of the pan and add the minced garlic to the empty space. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn it—your kitchen will fill with a pungent, inviting aroma.
- Add the fresh spinach to the pan in handfuls, stirring as each batch wilts. Keep adding until all the spinach is in and has softened, turning bright green and slightly wilted—this should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Squeeze half of the lemon over the mixture, then sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using, and stir everything together. The garlic should be sweet and fragrant, and the spinach vibrant and tender.
- Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to your preference. Cook for another minute to let the flavors meld and the chicken to finish cooking through.
- Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle with lemon zest if desired, and serve hot. The chicken should be juicy with a golden exterior, and the greens bright and tender—aromas of garlic and lemon filling the air.
Notes
- This dish can be served with rice or pasta for a complete meal.
- Feel free to add other vegetables for more variety.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with spinach
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg