This Asado Chicken Breasts with Sautéed Garlic Spinach is a flavor-packed, one-skillet meal that’s quick, healthy, and incredibly satisfying. Marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, spices, and olive oil, the juicy chicken is pan-seared to perfection and paired with garlicky spinach for a nutrient-rich, low-carb meal. Ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a light lunch, this dish is paleo, gluten-free, and full of bold Mediterranean flair.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

4 small chicken breasts
6 cups fresh spinach
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp oregano
1 tbsp smoked paprika
2 tsp cumin powder
¼ cup (60 ml) chicken stock
¼ cup (60 ml) lemon juice, plus more for serving
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp chili flakes
¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Directions

In a bowl, mix paprika, cumin, chicken stock, lemon juice, onion powder, oregano, half the minced garlic, chili flakes, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken breasts to the marinade, coat well, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
In a skillet, heat a little olive oil and sauté the spinach with salt, pepper, remaining garlic, lemon juice, and chili flakes for 2–3 minutes. Set aside.
Clean the skillet and heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Cook the marinated chicken breasts over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes, turning once, until fully cooked (internal temp 165ºF/74ºC). Remove and let rest.
Deglaze the skillet with a bit of chicken stock and the leftover marinade. Cook for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
Slice the chicken. Divide spinach into plates, top with chicken, and drizzle with sauce. Garnish with lemon slices and chopped parsley (optional: sprinkle grated Parmesan).

Nutrients (Per serving, approx. based on 4 servings)

Calories: ~350 kcal
Protein: ~32 g
Carbohydrates: ~5 g
Fat: ~22 g
Saturated Fat: ~4 g
Fiber: ~2 g
Sugar: ~1 g
Cholesterol: ~85 mg
Sodium: ~300 mg
Iron: High (from spinach)
Vitamin A & C: Excellent source

A Modern Take on Classic Asado-Style Chicken

The word “asado” refers to a style of cooking meat that’s deeply rooted in Latin American tradition, particularly in Argentina where grilling is a cultural event. This recipe takes inspiration from that rustic flavor profile but adapts it for home kitchens with a Mediterranean twist. Instead of grilling over an open flame, the chicken is marinated and pan-seared, locking in moisture while building layers of flavor in the same skillet.

The spice blend—featuring smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and chili flakes—creates a warm, smoky depth that balances beautifully with the brightness of lemon and the savory punch of garlic. It’s a meal that feels comforting yet fresh, indulgent yet clean.

Flavor-Packed, Protein-Rich Chicken Done Right

Chicken breast is one of the most versatile proteins available, and this recipe brings out its very best. The marinade not only tenderizes the meat but infuses it with vibrant flavors that soak deep into the fibers of the chicken. Lemon juice helps break down the protein slightly, ensuring each bite is juicy, tender, and bursting with bold seasoning.

Pan-searing the chicken in a hot skillet gives it a beautiful, golden crust that seals in the juices. As it cooks, the marinade caramelizes slightly, creating irresistible browned bits that enrich the pan sauce. Whether served whole or sliced, this chicken delivers big flavor and plenty of lean protein to keep you satisfied and energized.

Sautéed Garlic Spinach: A Simple, Nutrient-Dense Side

To complement the hearty chicken, the dish features a generous serving of fresh spinach sautéed with garlic, chili flakes, and lemon juice. This combination is quick to prepare and loaded with nutrition, providing fiber, antioxidants, iron, and vitamins A and C. Spinach wilts down significantly as it cooks, so six cups may seem like a lot but results in just the right portion once sautéed.

The sautéed spinach adds both texture and freshness to the plate. The garlicky, slightly spicy flavor contrasts the smoky chicken, while the hint of citrus brightens everything up. It’s a fantastic side that doesn’t feel like an afterthought—instead, it enhances and balances the whole dish.

Built-in Sauce for Added Flavor and Moisture

One of the highlights of this dish is the pan sauce created by deglazing the skillet with leftover marinade and a splash of chicken stock. This step captures all the rich, browned bits left behind from cooking the chicken and turns them into a bold, savory sauce that ties everything together. The sauce thickens slightly and is drizzled over the sliced chicken and spinach just before serving, adding moisture and elevating the flavor to restaurant quality.

If you enjoy a more indulgent finish, you can garnish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dollop of herbed yogurt. But even without extras, the natural richness of the sauce makes the dish feel complete and deeply satisfying.

A One-Pan Wonder for Busy Nights

The real beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Everything cooks in one skillet—starting with the spinach, followed by the chicken, and then the sauce. There’s minimal cleanup, making it ideal for weeknights when time is short but you still want to enjoy a wholesome, home-cooked meal.

It’s also easily scalable. Cook for one or two and save the rest for meal prep, or double the recipe for a family dinner. The leftovers reheat beautifully, making it perfect for lunches or repeat meals throughout the week.

Paleo, Gluten-Free, and Low-Carb Friendly

For those following specific dietary lifestyles, this meal checks all the boxes. It’s naturally gluten-free, paleo-friendly, and low in carbohydrates—ideal for anyone seeking cleaner eating options without compromising flavor. There’s no flour, sugar, or processed ingredients involved, and you get a full meal rich in vitamins, healthy fats, and lean protein.

You can also make easy swaps to suit your needs. Substitute the chicken with boneless thighs for more richness, or swap the spinach with kale or Swiss chard if that’s what you have on hand. For extra heat, increase the chili flakes or add a touch of harissa paste to the marinade.

Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers

This dish is not just great for dinner—it’s also perfect for meal prep. The chicken can be marinated in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. Once prepared, both the chicken and spinach store well for up to four days in the fridge, making it an ideal make-ahead lunch or dinner option.

Pack it into individual containers with some quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a ready-to-go bowl that’s both filling and flavorful. It reheats quickly and maintains its taste and texture, which is essential for any good meal prep dish.

Ideal for Light Dinners and Elegant Lunches

Asado Chicken Breasts with Sautéed Garlic Spinach walks the line between comfort food and clean eating. It’s light enough to leave you feeling energized but hearty enough to satisfy serious hunger. Serve it with a side of roasted sweet potatoes or a simple cucumber salad to round out the meal, or enjoy it as-is for a low-carb plate packed with nutrients.

This dish also works beautifully for lunch, whether at home or packed to go. The bold flavors hold up well when served at room temperature or lightly reheated, making it a standout alternative to the usual sandwiches or grain bowls.

Conclusion

Asado Chicken Breasts with Sautéed Garlic Spinach is the kind of recipe that earns a regular place in your weekly rotation. With bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors, lean protein, and leafy greens, it delivers a complete, nourishing meal in under 30 minutes—all in one skillet. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and ideal for everything from weeknight dinners to meal-prepped lunches.

Whether you’re following a specific diet or just looking for a delicious, balanced meal, this dish offers the perfect combination of flavor, convenience, and nutrition. From the zesty marinated chicken to the garlicky spinach and savory pan sauce, every element works in harmony to create a dish that’s as satisfying as it is wholesome.

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