Crispy Garlic Chicken with Buttered Spinach
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinlesschicken breast
- ·salt
- ·black pepper
- 2 tablespoonolive oil
- 6 clovesgarlic
- 3 tablespoonbutter
- 5 cupfresh spinach
- 1lemon
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes
Prep
- 01
Mince 6 cloves garlic
- 02
Cut 1 lemon into halves for juicing
Method
- 01
Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- 02
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add chicken and cook 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate.
- 03
In the same pan, add butter and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and golden.
- 04
Add spinach a handful at a time, stirring, until completely wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- 05
Return chicken to the pan, squeeze juice from the lemon over everything, sprinkle with red pepper flakes, and toss gently. Serve immediately.
Spice Tips
Red pepper flakes add gentle heat here; increase to 1/2 teaspoon for a spicier kick. A pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika in step 3 deepens the garlic flavor. Fresh lemon zest stirred in at the end brightens the dish.
Spinach reduces dramatically—don't be shy with the initial handful. For a creamier finish, add a splash of heavy cream or chicken broth in step 4.