Description
A delicious and healthy lemon garlic chicken recipe served over fresh spinach.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 1 whole lemon (zested and juiced)
- 4 cups fresh spinach (vibrant green, stems removed)
- salt and pepper to taste (season chicken and spinach)
- optional red pepper flakes (for a subtle kick)
Instructions
- Start by pounding each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap until they are about 1 cm thick. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, carefully place the chicken breasts into the pan. Sear for about 4-5 minutes without moving them, until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Flip the chicken and cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). Use a meat thermometer if needed. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and tent with foil to rest for about 5 minutes.
- While the chicken rests, add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté over medium heat for about 30 seconds, until fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn it.
- Zest the lemon directly into the pan, then squeeze in the juice of half the lemon. Stir gently, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom, and cook for about 1 minute to let the flavors meld.
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in batches, tossing gently with tongs to wilt it down. Continue until all the greens are just tender and glossy, about 2 minutes.
- Slice the rested chicken breasts and arrange them over the wilted spinach. Squeeze a little more lemon juice over the top for extra brightness, and sprinkle red pepper flakes if using.
- Finish by grating a little lemon zest over the dish for a fresh aroma, then serve immediately to enjoy the tender chicken and vibrant greens coated in bright lemon flavor.
Notes
- For additional flavor, allow the chicken to marinate in the olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Serve with a side of rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with spinach
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg