Savory One-Pan Chicken and Spinach Skillet Dinner Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand quick, nutritious solutions that don’t compromise on flavor, and this chicken and spinach skillet dinner recipe delivers exactly what you need.

Packed with protein and vibrant greens, the one-pan meal combines tender chicken with nutrient-rich spinach in a delightful culinary dance.

The skillet method ensures maximum taste while minimizing cleanup, making it a smart choice for busy households.

Robust seasonings and simple ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a wholesome meal in under 30 minutes.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of savory chicken and earthy spinach, guaranteed to satisfy hungry appetites.

With minimal prep and maximum satisfaction, this skillet dinner stands ready to become your go-to weeknight champion.

Get ready to savor a meal that’s both nourishing and irresistibly delicious.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 5

Chicken and Spinach Skillet Dinner Ingredients

• Chicken Strips: Lean protein that provides hearty, satisfying texture and rich muscle-building nutrients; choose fresh, trimmed chicken breast for best results.
• Chicken Broth: Adds deep flavor layers and enhances overall dish moisture; select low-sodium versions for better health control.

• Onion: Provides sweet undertone and aromatic base; select firm, golden onions without soft spots.
• Baby Spinach: Introduces vibrant green color and nutrient-dense freshness; pick crisp, bright leaves without wilting.
• Diced Tomatoes: Creates tangy sauce foundation and adds natural acidity; canned varieties work perfectly.

• Dried Basil, Dried Oregano: Mediterranean herbs that elevate overall dish complexity; ensure herbs are fresh and fragrant.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated savory notes without chopping; choose pure, single-ingredient versions.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor balancers; use freshly ground black pepper for maximum taste.
• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking medium and subtle fruity undertones; opt for extra virgin grade.
• Water: Helps create balanced sauce consistency and prevents dish from drying.
• Long Grain Rice: Serves as complementary base with excellent texture absorption; rinse before cooking for best results.

Tools You’ll Need for Chicken and Spinach Skillet Dinner

• Large sauté pan: Wide, deep pan perfect for one-pot cooking and sautéing multiple ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Essential for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching the pan.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for chopping chicken and dicing onions.
• Sharp knife: For precise cutting of chicken strips and onions.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add dried herbs and seasonings.
• Measuring cup: For measuring water and ensuring correct liquid proportions.
• Serving spoon: To transfer the finished skillet meal onto plates.

Chicken and Spinach Skillet Dinner Prep Guide

• Chicken Preparation

Warm a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss chicken strips into the pan, moving them around frequently until they turn golden and cook completely through.

• Onion Softening

Scatter diced onions into the skillet with cooked chicken. Gently stir and let them become soft and translucent.

• Flavor Building

Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices, add water and sprinkle aromatic herbs like basil and oregano. Introduce pepper, salt, and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a quick boil while stirring.

• Simmering Magic

Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let everything blend together quietly for several minutes.

• Leafy Green Finale

Open the lid and drop fresh baby spinach into the skillet. Stir until greens start to droop and mingle with other ingredients.

• Serving Suggestion

Nestle this vibrant chicken creation over steamed rice prepared with rich chicken broth for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Tips for Chicken and Spinach Skillet Dinner Flavor Boost

• Replace chicken with turkey, shrimp, or white fish for a delightful twist on the original recipe.
• Substitute chicken with firm tofu, chickpeas, or white beans to create a plant-based version of this hearty skillet meal.
• Enhance the flavor profile by adding red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of cayenne for a subtle kick of heat.
• Dice chicken and chop vegetables in advance to reduce cooking time and make weeknight dinner preparation smoother.
• Sprinkle some crumbled feta, grated parmesan, or mozzarella on top just before serving for an extra layer of creamy goodness.

Serving Chicken and Spinach Skillet Dinner

• Comfort Meal Companion: Serve this hearty skillet dinner with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato-based sauce and capture every flavor.
• Mediterranean Side Delight: Pair the dish with a crisp Greek salad featuring cucumber, feta cheese, and kalamata olives to complement the herb-infused chicken and create a balanced meal.
• Protein Power Boost: Sprinkle crumbled feta or grated parmesan cheese on top of the skillet for an extra layer of richness and added protein that enhances the overall taste profile.
• Family-Style Feast: Present the skillet directly on the table for a rustic, inviting dining experience that encourages sharing and creates a warm, communal atmosphere around the meal.

Store Leftover Chicken and Spinach Skillet Dinner

• Flavor Refresh Strategy: Enjoy leftovers within 3-4 days by storing the chicken and spinach skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for quick, delicious reheats.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Separate chicken and spinach mixture into individual portions before freezing, ensuring maximum taste and texture when thawed and reheated gently.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm the skillet meal in a covered pan with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent the chicken from becoming dry or tough.
• Ingredient Separation Tip: Keep rice separate from the chicken and spinach mixture when storing to prevent soggy grains and maintain the perfect texture when reheating.

Hearty Chicken and Spinach Skillet Dinner

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Home cooks adore this chicken and spinach skillet dinner for its quick preparation and wholesome ingredients. Mediterranean flavors combine elegantly, promising a satisfying meal you can savor in less than 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 (14 ½ oz / 411 g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup baby spinach, packed tightly
• 1 medium onion, diced
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp pepper
• ½ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Searing Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, carefully sauté chicken strips until golden and fully cooked, rotating frequently to achieve uniform caramelization.
2. Flavor Foundation: Add diced onions to the skillet, stirring alongside chicken until onions become softened and translucent, releasing their aromatic essence.
3. Liquid and Seasoning Infusion: Introduce diced tomatoes with their natural juices, water, dried basil, oregano, pepper, salt, and garlic powder, thoroughly mixing to distribute seasonings and create a robust cooking liquid.
4. Simmering Stage: Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce heat, cover the skillet, and allow ingredients to simmer gently, melding flavors and developing depth.
5. Spinach Integration: Uncover the skillet, gently fold in baby spinach leaves, continuously stirring until they wilt and harmonize with the chicken mixture, creating a vibrant and nutritious ensemble.
6. Serving Composition: Prepare long grain rice cooked in chicken broth, then plate the skillet’s aromatic chicken and spinach mixture atop the fragrant rice, presenting a complete and satisfying one-pan meal ready for immediate enjoyment.

Notes

• Sear Chicken Perfectly: Brown chicken strips evenly by using high heat and constant movement, ensuring golden exterior and juicy interior without overcooking.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Allow tomatoes, herbs, and spices to simmer together, creating a deeply layered taste profile that penetrates chicken and spinach thoroughly.
• Spinach Wilting Technique: Add fresh spinach at the end and stir continuously, preventing overcooking and maintaining vibrant green color and tender texture.
• Rice Pairing Strategy: Cook rice in chicken broth instead of water to enhance overall dish complexity and provide a complementary flavor foundation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg