Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Spinach and Rice

Looking for an easy, one-pan chicken dinner that’s creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor? These lemon garlic chicken thighs are the perfect solution. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are seared until golden, then simmered in a rich lemon-garlic cream sauce with plenty of spinach. It’s a comforting, protein-packed meal that feels indulgent but stays light and healthy. According to Healthline, chicken thighs offer about 24.8g of protein per 100g, while spinach adds iron and vitamins for a nutrient boost. Served over fluffy rice, this dish is hearty enough for dinner but simple enough for any weeknight. Inspired by classics like BBC Good Food’s one-pot garlic chicken, this recipe is a go-to for families across the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. And if you love bold, creamy flavors, don’t miss our 30-Minute Magic: 1 Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken Recipe You’ll Love. Let’s dive into this flavorful favorite!

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

• Chicken thighs: 6 boneless, skinless (about 1.2 kg / 2.5 lbs) – a juicy, affordable cut.
• Salt & pepper: to taste (season generously before cooking).
• Olive oil or butter: 2 tbsp (30 ml) for searing.
• Garlic: 4–5 cloves, minced (or more to taste).
• Lemon: 1 large – zest (about 1 tbsp) and juice (about 2 tbsp) for bright flavor.
• Heavy cream: 1 cup (240 ml) – or swap for full-fat coconut milk (240 ml) in the dairy-free version.
• Chicken broth: 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium (or water + bouillon cube).
• Italian seasoning: 1 tsp (5 ml) or a mix of dried herbs (oregano, thyme, basil).
• Fresh spinach: about 100 g (4 cups loosely packed baby spinach).
• Rice: 1 cup (200 g) uncooked long-grain or basmati rice (yields ~3 cups cooked).
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley or cilantro, lemon wedges.

Optional add-ins: A pinch of red pepper flakes or ½ tsp chili powder for heat, or a few thyme or rosemary sprigs for extra aroma.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs Step-by-Step

1. Cook the rice. In a medium saucepan, cook 1 cup (200g) rice in 2 cups (480ml) water (or chicken broth) according to package instructions. Keep warm. (You can also use a rice cooker or instant pot.) While the rice simmers, prep the chicken.
2. Season and sear the chicken. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tbsp oil or butter. Once hot, place the thighs skin-side down and cook for 3–4 minutes until golden. Flip and cook 3–4 minutes more on the other side. Transfer the chicken to a plate. (It won’t be fully cooked yet – it will finish in the sauce.)
3. Sauté the garlic (and optional onion). In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. If using, add 1 tbsp butter and a finely chopped onion; sauté 2–3 minutes until translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic burn. (This step builds flavor – much like a classic garlic butter chicken).
4. Make the lemon cream sauce. Pour in 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the zest of 1 lemon, the juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp), and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 1 minute. Then stir in 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. It will start to thicken slightly.
5. Return chicken to the pan. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the sauce (spoon some sauce over the top). Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for about 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp ~75°C/165°F) and the sauce is thickened.
6. Add the spinach. Stir in the 4 cups (about 100g) of fresh spinach. Cover again and cook 1–2 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted into the sauce. Give everything a good stir; taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Serve. Spoon the tender lemon garlic chicken and creamy spinach sauce over the cooked rice. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro and a lemon wedge on the side. Enjoy hot!

Each step is straightforward, making this an easy chicken thigh recipe perfect for beginners or busy cooks. Using one pan (or one pot for rice) keeps cleanup to a minimum, just like that One-Pot Garlic Chicken on BBC Good Food bbcgoodfood.com. And because chicken thighs are used instead of breasts, the meat stays extra juicy and flavorful healthline.com.

Variations on Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

To tailor this lemon garlic chicken thighs recipe to different tastes or diets, try these swaps:

• Dairy-Free (Coconut Milk) Version Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk (same amount, ~240ml). The dish will still be rich and creamy, with a slight coconut aroma that pairs surprisingly well with lemon and garlic. Use olive oil or vegan butter for cooking if you need fully dairy-free. You can also thicken the sauce by adding 1 tsp cornstarch or flour mixed with a little water if you skip the cream altogether. This makes a healthy chicken thigh recipe that’s keto- and dairy-friendly.
• Spicy Lemon Garlic Chicken Variation Amp up the heat by stirring in ¼–½ tsp red pepper flakes (or cayenne pepper) when you sauté the garlic. You could also add a diced jalapeño or serrano chili with the onions. Another option is to sprinkle smoked paprika or chili powder into the sauce with the Italian seasoning for a smoky kick. This creates a spicy lemon garlic chicken dinner – perfect if you love a bit of fire with your garlic butter chicken flavors.

(Tip: Feel free to mix in fresh herbs like thyme or oregano during cooking for another layer of flavor, or swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different green.)

Serving Suggestions

This creamy lemon garlic chicken thighs dish is hearty on its own, but here are some ideas to round out your meal:

• Over Rice or Grains: Serve the chicken and sauce over fluffy rice (as directed) or try cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. Quinoa or orzo would also soak up the sauce beautifully.
• Pasta & Bread: For an Italian-style meal, pair it with Quick and Easy Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella taylorrecipe.com from our blog for a cheesy side. Crusty garlic bread or naan are also great for sopping up the lemon-garlic sauce.
• Vegetable Sides: A simple green salad (perhaps with a lemon vinaigrette) adds crunch and freshness. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans complement the rich sauce. Try steamed carrots or a cucumber-tomato salad for extra color and nutrition.
• Sandwiches & Leftovers: If you have leftovers, slice the chicken and fold it into a roll with extra mozzarella and marinara – check out our Top 7 Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Parmesan Sandwich taylorrecipe.com for inspiration. It makes a killer sandwich, too.
• Garnishes: Top with chopped fresh parsley or basil and a dusting of grated Parmesan if you like. An extra lemon wedge on the side lets each person add more zest to taste.

In short, this recipe is very adaptable. Whether you keep it simple or pair it with a pasta bake or salad, you’ll end up with a comforting, family-friendly meal. It hits the spot for weeknight dinners across the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia alike. Enjoy your creamy chicken dinner knowing it’s packed with protein, veggies, and bright flavors healthline.com.

Nutrition Note: Chicken thighs have more fat than breasts, which keeps the meat tender and flavor-rich healthline.com. However, using a light cream or yogurt can cut calories. Spinach adds fiber, vitamins C and K, and iron, making this dish more nutritious healthline.com. Lemons are high in vitamin C healthline.com, which brightens the dish and supports health. Overall, it’s a balanced meal (with carbs from rice, protein from chicken, and nutrients from spinach and lemon) that feels indulgent without being too heavy.

Enjoy this easy lemon garlic chicken thighs recipe on a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend dinner. It’s sure to become one of your go-to creamy chicken dinners for its simplicity and rich, satisfying flavor. Bon appétit!

Sources: Authoritative nutrition facts from Healthline and BBC Good Food (calories/protein in chicken thighs healthline.com, recipe inspiration for one-pot garlic chicken bbcgoodfood.com, spinach nutrients healthline.com, lemon health benefits healthline.com).