Skillet & One-Pan

Chicken And Spinach Skillet

Name: Chicken And Spinach Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinless; 2 cups fresh spinach leaves; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 tsp (5g) paprika; 1 tsp (5g) salt; 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil; 2 tbsp (30g) chicken broth; 1 tbsp (15g) lemon juice; 1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese

By Rosa Hartwell · June 19, 2026 · Skillet & One-Pan

Prep15 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

As a home cook, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are both easy to make and delicious. That's why I love my Chicken And Spinach Skillet recipe - it's a one-pan wonder that's perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. The combination of juicy chicken, fresh spinach, and flavorful garlic is a match made in heaven.

I remember the first time I made this recipe for my family. We were all exhausted from a long day, and I needed something quick and easy to throw together. I rummaged through my fridge and pantry, gathering all the ingredients I needed for this recipe. Within 30 minutes, we were sitting down to a hot, satisfying meal that everyone loved.

This recipe is special because it's so versatile. You can serve it with a side of rice, pasta, or even just some crusty bread. And the best part? It's ready in under an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Whether you're a busy parent or just a busy person, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.

So, what makes this recipe so great? For starters, it's incredibly easy to make. The ingredients are all readily available, and the steps are simple to follow. But what really sets it apart is the flavor. The combination of chicken, spinach, and garlic is a classic for a reason - it's a match made in heaven. And when you add in some savory spices and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, you get a dish that's truly unforgettable.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through every step of the way, from prepping the ingredients to serving up the finished dish. I'll share my tips and tricks for getting the most flavor out of your ingredients, and I'll even give you some ideas for variations and substitutions. So, let's get started and make a delicious Chicken And Spinach Skillet that your whole family will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a one-pan wonder that's perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
The combination of chicken, spinach, and garlic is a classic for a reason - it's a match made in heaven.
You can serve it with a side of rice, pasta, or even just some crusty bread.
It's ready in under an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
The recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your tastes.
It's a great way to get your daily dose of protein and veggies.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works because it uses a combination of high heat and moisture to cook the chicken and spinach. By cooking the chicken in a hot skillet with some oil, we get a nice sear on the outside that locks in the juices. Then, by adding in some chicken broth and covering the skillet, we create a steamy environment that cooks the chicken through and wilts the spinach.

The key to this recipe is to not overcook the chicken. We want to cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C), but no higher. This ensures that the chicken stays juicy and tender, rather than dry and tough. And by adding in some aromatics like garlic and onion, we get a depth of flavor that elevates the dish to the next level.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the layering of flavors. We start with some savory spices like salt, pepper, and paprika, which add a rich, smoky flavor to the dish. Then, we add in some bright, citrusy notes from the lemon juice, which cuts through the richness of the chicken and spinach. Finally, we finish the dish with some grated Parmesan cheese, which adds a salty, nutty flavor that ties everything together.

Overall, this recipe is a masterclass in balance and restraint. By using a few high-quality ingredients and cooking them with care and attention, we can create a dish that's truly greater than the sum of its parts. So, let's get started and make a delicious Chicken And Spinach Skillet that your whole family will love!

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a delicious Chicken And Spinach Skillet, the ingredients are everything. You'll need some fresh chicken breasts, a bunch of fresh spinach, and some aromatics like garlic and onion. You'll also need some savory spices like salt, pepper, and paprika, as well as some bright, citrusy notes from lemon juice. Finally, you'll need some grated Parmesan cheese to finish the dish.

Here are some tips for shopping for the ingredients: look for fresh, organic chicken breasts and spinach, and try to find some high-quality spices and cheese. You can also customize the recipe to suit your tastes by adding in some other ingredients, like diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms.

1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinlessLook for fresh, organic chicken breasts that are free of added hormones and antibiotics. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer.
2 cups fresh spinach leavesChoose fresh, organic spinach leaves that are free of wilted or brown edges. You can also use frozen spinach if you can't find fresh.
3 cloves garlic, mincedUse high-quality garlic that is fresh and has not sprouted. You can also roast the garlic before mincing it for added depth of flavor.
1 medium onion, dicedChoose a sweet onion like Vidalia or Maui for the best flavor. You can also caramelize the onion before adding it to the skillet for added sweetness.
1 tsp (5g) paprikaUse smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor. You can also add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
1 tsp (5g) saltUse high-quality salt like sea salt or kosher salt for the best flavor. You can also add some freshly ground black pepper for added depth.
1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor. You can also add some other spices like thyme or rosemary for added depth.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilUse high-quality olive oil that is fresh and has not gone rancid. You can also add some other oils like avocado oil or grapeseed oil for added flavor.
2 tbsp (30g) chicken brothUse low-sodium chicken broth that is free of added preservatives. You can also make your own chicken broth from scratch for added depth of flavor.
1 tbsp (15g) lemon juiceUse freshly squeezed lemon juice that is free of added sugars or preservatives. You can also add some other citrus juices like lime or orange for added brightness.
1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheeseUse high-quality Parmesan cheese that is fresh and has not gone rancid. You can also add some other cheeses like mozzarella or feta for added flavor.

Ingredients for Chicken And Spinach Skillet

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometerCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Chicken And Spinach Skillet

1
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it is translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5 minutes.
2
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until they are browned on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165 F (74 C).
4
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest. Add the paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
5
Add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until they are wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the chicken broth and lemon juice, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon some of the spinach and sauce over the top of each breast. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and cover the skillet with a lid.
7
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8
Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing the chicken and serving.
9
Serve the chicken and spinach hot, garnished with some additional grated Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.
10
You can also serve the dish with some crusty bread or over rice or pasta for a more filling meal.
11
Let the leftovers cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing for later use.
12
Reheat the dish in the skillet or in the microwave until it is hot and steaming, and serve immediately.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
Don't overcook the chicken - it should reach an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C) but no higher.
Add some aromatics like garlic and onion for added depth of flavor.
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
Don't overcrowd the skillet - cook the chicken and spinach in batches if necessary.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Experiment with different spices and seasonings to add some variety to the dish.
Serve the dish with some crusty bread or over rice or pasta for a more filling meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the chicken - it should reach an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C) but no higher.
Not using high-quality ingredients - this can result in a dish that is bland and unappetizing.
Not adding enough aromatics - garlic and onion are essential for added depth of flavor.
Not using freshly squeezed lemon juice - this can result in a dish that is lacking in brightness and flavor.
Overcrowding the skillet - cook the chicken and spinach in batches if necessary to prevent this.
Not letting the dish rest - this can result in a dish that is dry and unappetizing.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms to the skillet for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, for a unique flavor profile.
Add some heat to the dish with some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Use different types of protein, such as shrimp or tofu, for a vegetarian or vegan option.
Add some fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for added brightness and flavor.
Serve the dish over rice or pasta for a more filling meal.
Add some lemon slices or wedges to the dish for a burst of citrus flavor.

What to Serve With Chicken And Spinach Skillet

This Chicken And Spinach Skillet is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve it hot, garnished with some additional grated Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired. You can also serve it with some crusty bread or over rice or pasta for a more filling meal.

Some other options for serving this dish include:

- With a side salad or roasted vegetables for a light and healthy meal.

- With some garlic bread or roasted potatoes for a more comforting meal.

- As a topping for a bed of greens or a grain bowl for a healthy and filling meal.

Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a light and healthy meal.Serve with some garlic bread or roasted potatoes for a more comforting meal.Serve as a topping for a bed of greens or a grain bowl for a healthy and filling meal.Serve with some crusty bread or over rice or pasta for a more filling meal.

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Chicken And Spinach Skillet can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store, let the dish cool to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze in an airtight container.

To reheat, simply microwave the dish until it is hot and steaming, or reheat it in the skillet over medium heat until it is hot and bubbly.

Some tips for storing and reheating this dish include:

- Letting the dish cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing to prevent bacterial growth.

- Using an airtight container to prevent moisture and other flavors from getting into the dish.

- Reheating the dish until it is hot and steaming to ensure food safety.

- Experimenting with different reheating methods, such as oven or stovetop, to find the one that works best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for this recipe, as they cook evenly and quickly. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach in this recipe. Simply thaw it first and squeeze out as much water as possible before adding it to the skillet.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165 F (74 C) but no higher.

Can I add other ingredients to the skillet?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the skillet, such as diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms, to add flavor and nutrition to the dish.

How do I store and reheat the dish?

Let the dish cool to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or skillet until it is hot and steaming.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply cook the chicken and spinach, then refrigerate or freeze until you are ready to serve. Reheat in the microwave or skillet until it is hot and steaming.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and do not add any gluten-containing ingredients to the skillet.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese in this recipe, such as mozzarella or feta, for a unique flavor profile.

The Full Recipe

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