Easy & Flavorful Lemon Spinach Chicken Recipe: Your Ultimate Weeknight Dinner

Searching for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal that can brighten up any weeknight? Look no further than this fantastic Lemon Spinach Chicken recipe! This dish effortlessly combines succulent chicken thighs with vibrant spinach and a zesty, creamy lemon sauce, making it a true family favorite. It’s so simple to prepare, yet tastes like something from a gourmet restaurant. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, you’ll love how easy it is to bring this impressive meal to your table.

This recipe is not just about convenience; it’s about creating a balanced meal that excites your palate. The bright citrus notes from the lemon cut through the richness of the cream, while the fresh spinach adds a touch of earthiness and a boost of nutrients. We often find ourselves craving this dish, especially on busy evenings when a delicious and satisfying meal is a must. It’s truly one of my go-to weeknight solutions when I want something both comforting and fresh.

Pairing this delightful lemon spinach chicken couldn’t be easier. For a classic comfort food experience, I highly recommend serving it alongside some honey roasted carrots, which offer a sweet and tender counterpoint, and a generous dollop of creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that incredible sauce. These pairings create a harmonious and satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. You could also opt for a simple side salad, pasta, or some fluffy white rice for a lighter touch.

Why This Lemon Spinach Chicken is So Good (And Why It Will Become Your Favorite!)

This Lemon Spinach Chicken isn’t just another chicken dish; it’s a culinary experience designed for ease and maximum flavor. Here’s a deeper look into why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your cooking rotation and why so many home cooks rave about it:

Perfectly Cooked and Flavorfully Seasoned Chicken: The cornerstone of any great chicken dish is well-cooked and seasoned meat. This recipe guides you to sear chicken thighs to achieve a beautiful golden crust, which locks in their natural juices. Finishing them in the oven ensures they become incredibly tender and moist. The strategic blend of granulated garlic, aromatic oregano, smoky paprika, salt, and pepper creates a robust flavor profile that perfectly complements the zesty lemon and earthy spinach, making every bite a delight.
Succulent, Juicy, and Never Dry: Chicken thighs are a chef’s secret for juicy results due to their higher fat content, making them much more forgiving than leaner cuts like chicken breasts. This recipe leverages that characteristic, guaranteeing exceptionally moist chicken. Furthermore, the luxurious, creamy lemon sauce acts as a protective barrier, continuously infusing moisture and delicious flavor into every piece. This eliminates any worry about dry, bland chicken, ensuring a consistently tender and succulent meal.
Makes Fantastic Leftovers for Busy Days: One of the often-overlooked benefits of this recipe is how well it transforms into superb leftovers. In fact, many find the flavors deepen and meld even more harmoniously overnight, making it taste even better the next day. This makes it an ideal candidate for meal prepping. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, and you’ll have a gourmet meal ready in minutes, saving you precious time on subsequent busy days.
Requires Minimal, Easily Accessible Ingredients: You don’t need to embark on a scavenger hunt for obscure ingredients to make this dish. Most of the components—chicken thighs, fresh spinach, lemons, garlic, chicken stock, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese—are likely already in your pantry or readily available at any local grocery store. This simplicity means less time shopping and more time enjoying the cooking process, proving that extraordinary meals can be made with everyday items.
Versatile and Effortlessly Customizable: While the core recipe is a proven winner, its inherent versatility allows for easy customization to suit individual tastes or dietary needs. Feel free to adjust the lemon’s tartness, increase the amount of spinach, or even experiment with different types of cheese. You can incorporate other vegetables, switch out the herbs, or even explore alternative proteins. This adaptability ensures that this dish can be enjoyed repeatedly without ever feeling repetitive.
Achieves Impressive Flavors with One-Pan Cooking: While it transitions from stovetop to oven, the majority of the cooking process takes place in a single pan. This “one-pan” approach significantly reduces cleanup, a major advantage after a long day. The delicious pan drippings from searing the chicken serve as the foundation for the flavorful sauce, ensuring that no precious flavor is wasted and contributing to a richer, more complex taste profile.

How to Make This Delicious Lemon Spinach Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this flavorful Lemon Spinach Chicken is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these detailed step-by-step instructions to achieve a perfectly cooked, tender, and incredibly delicious meal that the whole family will adore. Precision in timing and temperature ensures the best results!

Prepare Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 230 degrees Celsius). A hot oven is crucial for finishing the chicken properly and ensuring it cooks through without drying out. Make sure your oven rack is in the middle position to allow for even heat distribution around the skillet.
Season the Chicken Thighs: Take your bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless if preferred) and thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels. This crucial step is essential for achieving a desirable crispy skin and excellent searing. Generously season both sides of the chicken with a well-balanced mixture of granulated garlic, fragrant oregano, vibrant paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t hesitate to use enough seasoning; it’s vital for building the foundational flavor of the dish.
Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection: In a large, oven-safe skillet (a cast iron skillet is highly recommended for its heat retention and even cooking), heat a combination of a tablespoon of olive oil and two tablespoons of butter over high heat. The oil helps prevent the butter from burning at high temperatures, while the butter itself adds a rich, nutty flavor. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs, skin-side down (if using skin-on), into the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 3-5 minutes on each side until a beautiful, deep golden-brown crust forms. This initial searing step is key to locking in moisture and developing a rich, complex flavor.
Remove Chicken and Prepare Aromatics: Once the chicken is nicely seared on both sides, carefully remove it from the skillet and transfer it to a plate. It will not be fully cooked at this point, which is perfectly fine as it will finish cooking in the oven. Reduce the heat to medium-low if necessary, then add your freshly minced garlic cloves and the red crushed pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 30-60 seconds, or until the garlic becomes wonderfully fragrant. Be vigilant to prevent the garlic from burning, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste.
Build the Creamy Lemon Sauce: To deglaze the pan and capture all the flavorful fond, pour in the chicken stock, vigorously scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon – these bits are packed with concentrated flavor! Stir in the heavy cream and the freshly squeezed lemon juice. This combination forms the base of a rich, tangy, and wonderfully aromatic sauce. Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it fully melts and the sauce begins to thicken slightly. Season the sauce generously with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed to ensure a perfect balance of flavors.
Incorporate Spinach and Return Chicken: Once the sauce is simmering gently, stir in the fresh spinach. It might seem like a substantial amount of spinach initially, but it will quickly wilt down significantly into the hot sauce. Allow it to wilt for about a minute or two, stirring occasionally. Then, carefully place the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, nestling them comfortably into the creamy lemon spinach sauce. Ensure the chicken is partially submerged, allowing it to absorb maximum flavor.
Finish Baking in the Oven: Transfer the entire skillet to your preheated 450-degree Fahrenheit oven. Continue to cook for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) when measured with a reliable meat thermometer at the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of your chicken thighs. During this baking period, the sauce will continue to thicken and infuse even more delicious flavor into the chicken.
Rest and Serve Immediately: Once the chicken is fully cooked and reaches the safe internal temperature, carefully remove the skillet from the oven using oven mitts. Allow the chicken to rest in the sauce for 5-10 minutes before serving. This crucial resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring the chicken remains as moist and tender as possible. Serve immediately with your chosen delectable side dishes and prepare to enjoy every flavorful bite!

Expert Tips for the Best Lemon Spinach Chicken Every Time

While this recipe is straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your Lemon Spinach Chicken from merely good to truly extraordinary, ensuring perfect results on every attempt:

Always Pat the Chicken Dry: This is arguably the most crucial step for achieving a superior sear. Excess moisture on the chicken skin prevents browning and leads to steaming instead of a crisp, golden crust. Use paper towels generously.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: For optimal searing, give your chicken pieces space. If your skillet isn’t large enough to accommodate all five thighs without them touching, sear them in two batches. Crowding lowers the pan temperature, resulting in steamed, pale chicken instead of a beautifully caramelized exterior.
Prioritize Fresh Lemon Juice: While bottled lemon juice is convenient, it simply cannot compare to the bright, vibrant, and aromatic zest of freshly squeezed lemons. Using fresh lemon juice will make a noticeable and significant difference in the overall flavor and brightness of your sauce.
Choose Bone-In, Skin-On Thighs for Maximum Flavor: While boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used, bone-in, skin-on thighs offer superior flavor, a richer texture, and significantly more moisture. The skin crisps up beautifully during searing, and the bone contributes a deeper, more savory quality to the simmering sauce.
Adjust Spice Levels to Your Preference: The specified amount of red crushed pepper (1 tsp) adds a pleasant, subtle warmth rather than intense heat. If you have a low tolerance for spice, feel free to reduce the amount or omit it entirely. For those who enjoy a fiery kick, a bit more can be added to the sauce.
Always Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before returning the chicken to the skillet for its final bake, always take a moment to taste the creamy lemon sauce. This is your opportunity to adjust the salt, pepper, or even add a touch more lemon juice if you desire a brighter, tangier profile. Balancing the flavors perfectly is key.
Utilize a Meat Thermometer for Perfect Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary widely, and visual cues aren’t always reliable. To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked through and safe to eat (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) without becoming dry, invest in and use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.

Serving Suggestions to Complete Your Delicious Meal

This versatile Lemon Spinach Chicken pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes. Here are some of our favorites to help you create a perfectly balanced, satisfying, and memorable meal for any occasion:

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate classic comfort food pairing. Their smooth, velvety texture and exceptional ability to absorb the rich, zesty lemon sauce make them an absolutely ideal companion.
Sweet Honey Roasted Carrots: Tender and subtly sweet, these roasted carrots provide a delightful contrast in flavor and texture to the savory chicken and bright, tangy sauce.
Fluffy White Rice: A simple yet highly effective choice to soak up every last drop of the delectable sauce, especially if you’re looking for a lighter grain option than potatoes.
Nutty Quinoa or Light Couscous: For a healthier and more sophisticated grain alternative, quinoa or couscous work wonderfully, offering a pleasant, slightly nutty flavor and satisfying texture.
Crusty Artisan Bread: Don’t let a single drop of that incredible sauce go to waste! Serve with some warm, crusty bread (like a baguette or sourdough) for dipping and savoring every last bit.
Refreshing Goat Cheese Salad: As originally suggested, a fresh, tangy goat cheese salad provides a wonderful refreshing counterpoint. The creamy goat cheese and crisp greens offer a lovely balance to the richness of the chicken dish.
Roasted Asparagus or Steamed Broccoli: Lightly roasted or steamed green vegetables like asparagus spears or broccoli florets add essential nutrients, vibrant color, and a pleasant crisp-tender texture that complements the meal beautifully.
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: If mashed potatoes aren’t your preference, small roasted potatoes tossed with garlic and Parmesan can add another layer of savory goodness and a different textural element.

Delicious Variations & Easy Customizations for Your Lemon Spinach Chicken

One of the best aspects of this Lemon Spinach Chicken recipe is its incredible adaptability. Feel empowered to get creative in the kitchen and make it truly your own!

Incorporate More Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and complexity of your dish by sautéing other vegetables. Sliced mushrooms, vibrant bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even quartered artichoke hearts can be added along with the garlic for extra color, texture, and nutrients.
Experiment with Different Proteins: While chicken thighs are stellar, this recipe is flexible enough for other proteins. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used (just be sure to adjust cooking time to prevent drying). Pork tenderloin, sliced into medallions, also pairs wonderfully with the lemon cream sauce. Even flaky white fish like cod or halibut could be briefly pan-seared and then nestled into the sauce to finish cooking.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re a heat enthusiast, feel free to increase the amount of red crushed pepper, or add a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Conversely, if you prefer no spice at all, simply omit the red pepper flakes.
Explore Different Herbs: Fresh herbs can dramatically alter the aromatic profile of the dish. Instead of or in addition to oregano, consider adding sprigs of fresh thyme, a touch of fragrant rosemary, or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley to the sauce. Each will lend a unique dimension.
Try Other Cheeses: While Parmesan cheese offers a classic, savory depth, a touch of Pecorino Romano can introduce a sharper, saltier, and more piquant note. For a creamier, milder flavor, a bit of grated Gruyere or even a soft goat cheese crumbled in at the end could be delightful.
Dairy-Free Adaptation: For those seeking a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative (such as cashew cream) instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan substitute can be used to mimic the cheesy flavor. Be aware that the flavor and texture profile will be slightly different but still delicious.
Add a Splash of Wine: For an extra layer of gourmet flavor, consider adding a splash (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup) of dry white wine (like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio) after sautéing the garlic, allowing it to reduce slightly before adding the chicken stock. This can add a wonderful depth and acidity to the sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Lemon Spinach Chicken

Having delicious leftovers is a true bonus, and this Lemon Spinach Chicken holds up beautifully! Here’s how to properly store and reheat it to maintain its fantastic flavor and texture:

Storage: Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. This helps prevent bacterial growth and maintains food safety. Store the sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: While technically possible, freezing creamy sauces can sometimes alter their texture upon thawing, potentially causing them to separate or become slightly grainy. If you do choose to freeze, store the cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw completely overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Stirring vigorously during reheating can sometimes help reintegrate the sauce.
Reheating (Stovetop – Recommended): For the best quality and to prevent drying out, gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth, water, or a bit more cream if the sauce has thickened too much during refrigeration. Stir occasionally and allow it to warm through slowly until the chicken is heated to a safe internal temperature.
Reheating (Microwave – Quick Option): For a quicker reheating method, portion out the chicken and sauce into a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 1-minute intervals on medium power, stirring in between each interval, until warmed through. Be cautious not to overheat, as microwaving too aggressively can sometimes dry out the chicken or cause the sauce to separate.

More Delicious Recipes You’ll Enjoy

If you loved this Lemon Spinach Chicken, be sure to explore more fantastic recipes from Cooked by Julie. We have a wide array of chicken-centric dishes and comforting meals that are perfect for any occasion. Expand your culinary repertoire with these mouth-watering options, each designed for maximum flavor and ease of preparation:

Creamy White Chicken Chili
Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken
Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta

You can find even more delicious recipes and cooking tutorial videos on Youtube and Facebook. Be sure to follow along for more culinary inspiration, helpful cooking tips, and new family-favorite recipes!

3.25 from 4 votes

Lemon Spinach Chicken

By Julie Maestre

This is a great weeknight meal where you can play with the brightness of the citrus and the spinach to wake your taste buds up. The ultimate weeknight meal.

Prep: 10 minutes

Cook: 55 minutes

Total: 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

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Ingredients

▢ 5 bone in chicken thighs
▢ 2 cups fresh spinach
▢ 1 tsp granulated garlic
▢ 1 tsp oregano
▢ 1 tsp paprika
▢ 1 tsp red crushed pepper
▢ 2 garlic cloves
▢ 1/2 lemon juiced
▢ 2 tbsp butter
▢ 1 cup chicken stock
▢ 1/4 cup heavy cream
▢ 3 tbsp parmesan cheese
▢ salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Season chicken on both sides with granulated garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
In a large skillet over high heat, heat some oil and butter.
Cook the chicken on both sides for 3-5 minutes on each side.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Add fresh garlic and red crushed pepper to the skillet and cook until fragrant.
Add the chicken stock, heavy cream, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese.
Season with salt and pepper and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the spinach and place then place the chicken back into the skillet.
Place it in the oven and cook for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Julie Maestre

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Course: Entree

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 549

Keyword: Chicken with Spinach, Lemon Spinach Chicken

Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lemon Spinach Chicken

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs?: Yes, you absolutely can! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts will work wonderfully in this recipe. However, keep in mind they tend to cook faster and can dry out more easily due to their lower fat content. To ensure optimal juiciness, I recommend pounding them to an even thickness (about 3/4 inch) for uniform cooking. Adjust searing time to 2-3 minutes per side and oven baking time to approximately 20-25 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached. The rich sauce will still play a crucial role in keeping them moist and flavorful.
Is this Lemon Spinach Chicken recipe spicy?: The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of red crushed pepper, which is intended to add a mild to medium kick. Its primary role is to enhance the overall flavor profile by adding a subtle warmth rather than an intense heat. If you prefer a dish with absolutely no spice, you can easily omit the red crushed pepper entirely. For those who enjoy more heat, feel free to increase the amount to your personal liking!
What kind of spinach should I use? Fresh or frozen?: Fresh spinach is highly recommended for this Lemon Spinach Chicken recipe. Its delicate texture and vibrant green color integrate beautifully into the creamy sauce, providing a pleasant visual and textural contrast. If fresh spinach is not available, and you must use frozen spinach, ensure you thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the skillet. This crucial step prevents the sauce from becoming watery or diluted.
Can I make this Lemon Spinach Chicken dish ahead of time for meal prep?: While this dish is undeniably at its best when served fresh, it makes for excellent leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors have more time to fully develop. You can prepare the entire dish and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce appears too thick after refrigeration.
How can I make the lemon cream sauce thicker?: The sauce should naturally thicken somewhat from the heavy cream and melted Parmesan cheese as it simmers and bakes. If you desire an even thicker sauce, you have a few options: after the chicken is cooked and removed from the skillet, bring the sauce to a gentle simmer on the stovetop and allow it to reduce for a few extra minutes. Alternatively, you can create a cornstarch slurry by mixing one teaspoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water, then whisk this mixture into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired consistency. Be careful not to make it excessively thick.
Can I add other vegetables to this Lemon Spinach Chicken recipe?: Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly flexible and welcoming to additions. Sliced mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes (either oil-packed or rehydrated), quartered artichoke hearts, or even some diced zucchini or bell peppers would be delicious additions. You can sauté these vegetables along with the minced garlic before adding the liquids for the sauce, or stir them in when you add the fresh spinach, allowing them to cook down slightly in the creamy sauce.

Final Thoughts: Why This Lemon Spinach Chicken Will Become a Family Favorite

This Lemon Spinach Chicken recipe truly is a revelation for anyone seeking a quick, healthy, and intensely satisfying meal. Its harmonious combination of tender, flavorful chicken, vibrant and nutrient-rich spinach, and a luxurious, zesty lemon cream sauce makes it an irresistible choice for any occasion, particularly those busy weeknights when time is precious but quality is paramount. The minimal number of ingredients required and the straightforward, easy-to-follow steps emphatically prove that exceptional home cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.

Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests with a seemingly sophisticated dish or simply treat yourself and your family to a profoundly delicious and comforting dinner, this Lemon Spinach Chicken delivers on all fronts. With its remarkable versatility, the ease of customization, and the added benefit of making fantastic leftovers, it’s a recipe that you’ll undoubtedly find yourself returning to again and again. So, gather your simple ingredients, fire up your trusty skillet, and get ready to enjoy one of the most flavorful and satisfying chicken dishes you’ll ever prepare. Happy cooking, and prepare for rave reviews!