Mediterranean Garlic Chicken with Spinach & Tomatoes
This Mediterranean Garlic Chicken with Spinach & Tomatoes is a quick, healthy, and flavorful one-pan meal featuring juicy chicken breasts simmered in a garlic-infused sauce with sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, herbs, and a touch of lemon. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup dry white cooking wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil.
- Sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for 4–5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the tomato paste and Italian seasoning, stirring well.
- Pour in the chicken broth and white wine (if using).
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Return the chicken to the skillet.
- Spoon the sauce over the chicken.
- Cover and simmer for 6–8 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Stir in the lemon juice.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese before serving, if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Buttered pasta
- Mashed potatoes
- Quinoa
- Couscous
- Cauliflower rice
- Crusty artisan bread
- Roasted vegetables
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 345
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Vitamin A: 45% DV
- Vitamin C: 30% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth, or microwave until heated through.
Nut Information
Contains Nuts? No.
Tree Nuts: None.
Peanuts: None.
Sesame: Not included.
Allergy Note: This recipe is naturally nut-free. Always check packaged ingredients such as chicken broth, feta cheese, tomato paste, and seasonings if preparing it for someone with severe nut allergies, as manufacturing practices may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicier and work perfectly. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes. Thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the sauce.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Absolutely. Simply omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Yes. Mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, artichoke hearts, olives, or asparagus are excellent additions.
Q: Is this recipe low-carb?
A: Yes. It’s naturally low in carbohydrates and pairs well with cauliflower rice or a fresh salad.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes. Prepare the dish up to one day in advance and refrigerate. The flavors become even richer after resting overnight.
Q: What herbs work best in this recipe?
A: Oregano, thyme, basil, parsley, and rosemary all complement the Mediterranean flavors beautifully.
Q: Can I make the sauce creamier?
A: Yes. Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or 2 ounces of cream cheese during the final few minutes of cooking for a rich, creamy variation.
