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Skillet Lemon Chicken with Spinach (One-Pan, 20 Minutes)

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A bright, weeknight-friendly skillet lemon chicken loaded with sweet red bell pepper and a mountain of silky spinach—all in one pan, in about 20 minutes. A quick lemon-wine pan sauce (with a cornstarch slurry) coats juicy chicken thighs for a fresh, satisfying dinner you’ll make on repeat.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (for sautéing)

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces

  • 1 cup red bell pepper, diced

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp ground black pepper

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • ½ cup dry white wine (for deglazing)

  • 1 tsp cornstarch (for slurry)

  • 1 medium lemon, zested and juiced

  • 10 cups baby spinach, lightly packed

  • 8 tsp Parmesan cheese, grated (about 2 tsp per serving)

Instructions

  1. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Add chicken, red bell pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook 7–9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is just cooked through and lightly browned.

  2. Add garlic: Stir in garlic; cook about 1 minute until fragrant (do not brown).

  3. Make the sauce: Whisk wine and cornstarch to make a smooth slurry. Pour into skillet with lemon zest and juice, scraping up browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer to slightly thicken.

  4. Wilt spinach: Add spinach in handfuls, stirring until just wilted, ~2 minutes.

  5. Finish & serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon. Plate and sprinkle each serving with 2 tsp grated Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • No wine option: Use low-sodium chicken broth + 1 extra tsp lemon juice.

  • Butter swirl: For extra gloss, swirl in 1 tsp cold butter off heat.

  • Chicken swap: Chicken breast works; reduce sear time to prevent drying.

  • Add-ins: Capers, crushed red pepper, or fresh parsley are great.

  • Serving ideas: Spoon over orzo, rice, couscous, cauliflower rice, or with crusty bread.

  • Storage: Refrigerate 3–4 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth.

  • Author: Amber
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Method: Skillet, One-Pan
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (¼ of recipe)
  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg