Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate weeknight dinner that’s quick, healthy, and absolutely bursting with flavor, look no further than this Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach. Imagine tender, juicy chicken bites sautéed with heaps of fragrant garlic, vibrant broccoli, and leafy spinach, all coming together in one skillet for a meal that’s as colorful as it is delicious. This dish is a personal favorite in my kitchen – it comes together in just 25 minutes and manages to taste as if you’ve toiled away all afternoon. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking to meal prep for the week, Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is sure to hit all the high notes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – every single ingredient serves a purpose, from building flavor to creating the perfect texture. With just a handful of familiar staples and a few optional garnishes, you’ll create a dinner that feels both comforting and nourishing.
- Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless pieces for speedy cooking and juicy, tender bites every time.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps develop that irresistible golden color on the chicken and veggies.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic is the flavor hero here, infusing every bite with warmth and aroma.
- Broccoli florets: Broccoli brings crunch, color, and a hefty dose of nutrients to round out this dish beautifully.
- Baby spinach: These greens wilt down perfectly, adding a silky texture and extra vitamins to every forkful.
- Salt: Just a pinch makes all the other flavors pop and keeps the dish perfectly balanced.
- Black pepper: Adds the classic hint of heat and depth to complement the garlic and veggies.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a little kick, these take things up a notch without overpowering the other flavors.
- Chicken broth or water: This steams the broccoli, keeping it bright and crisp-tender while deglazing all the tasty bits.
- Lemon juice (optional): A quick squeeze at the end adds brightness and a slight tang, perfectly tying all the flavors together.
- Grated Parmesan (optional): Sprinkling some on top just before serving brings a touch of richness and umami.
How to Make Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer; don’t overcrowd, as this helps the pieces get beautifully golden and caramelized. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once done, transfer to a plate and set aside. This first step locks in flavor and keeps the chicken tender.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium and, using the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—you want those flavorful bits!), add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to keep it from burning. The smell will be irresistible and will set the stage for the star flavors in this Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach.
Step 3: Steam the Broccoli
Toss in the broccoli florets next, along with the chicken broth or water. Give everything a quick stir, then cover the skillet with a lid. Let the broccoli steam for 3–4 minutes until it’s bright green and just tender but still crisp. This method keeps the broccoli vibrant and fresh-tasting, with just the right amount of bite.
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach
Uncover the skillet and stir in the baby spinach. It will seem like a lot at first, but spinach wilts down rapidly. In about a minute, you’ll have a beautiful bed of silky greens, ready to welcome back the chicken for the final toss.
Step 5: Combine Everything and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring all the garlic, broccoli, and spinach are well mixed. Sprinkle over the red pepper flakes if you love a hint of heat, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. Serve your Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach hot from the skillet—don’t forget a shower of grated Parmesan if you’re feeling extra!
How to Serve Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
Garnishes
A good garnish turns a simple plate into a celebration! For Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach, I always reach for a handful of grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. A little fresh parsley, basil, or even chives will add a pop of color and just the right herbal finish. A final crack of black pepper or an extra squeeze of lemon also works wonders to wake up those flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish is lovely on its own, but it practically begs for a base that can soak up all those delicious juices. Serve your Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach over fluffy steamed rice, buttery quinoa, or your favorite pasta for a heartier meal. If you’re keeping it low-carb, a bed of cauliflower rice or even just a piece of crusty bread on the side is perfect for mopping up every last drop.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can be half the fun! Spoon the chicken and veggies onto a large platter for a family-style dinner, or pile it high on individual plates for a fancier feel. For a quick lunch idea, tuck leftovers into a warm tortilla or stuff into a pita pocket. You could even use Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach as a flavorful filling for a baked potato or toss it gently with cooked pasta and a splash of reserved cooking water for an effortless weeknight pasta bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach are a total gift! Let your skillet creation cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days without losing its punchy flavor or vibrant color.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for another day, this dish freezes surprisingly well! Spoon portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags and lay them flat for easy storage. Just keep in mind that the spinach may soften a bit more upon thawing, but the flavors remain fabulous.
Reheating
To reheat Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach, simply pop it in the microwave for a couple of minutes or warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat. A splash of water or extra broth will revive any moisture lost and help steam the veggies back to life, making leftovers taste almost as good as day one.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be juicier and add a slightly richer flavor to Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach. Just be sure to trim off any excess fat and cut them into similar bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Is there a dairy-free garnish alternative to Parmesan?
Definitely! Try a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, nutty flavor without dairy, or add toasted seeds or pine nuts for extra crunch and depth on top of your Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach.
How can I make the dish vegetarian?
You can easily swap the chicken for cubed tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. The core flavors will still shine, and you’ll have a hearty, protein-rich, meat-free version of Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach.
Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! Sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms work beautifully here—just add firmer veggies (like carrots or peppers) with the broccoli, and more delicate veggies (like zucchini) with the spinach towards the end.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
No worries! While fresh is best for that signature aroma in Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in a pinch. Add it along with the broccoli to ensure even flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you ask me, there’s no dish more reliable, satisfying, or fun to make than Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach. It’s the kind of meal you whip up once and find yourself craving again and again. Give it a try tonight—I promise you’ll want to add it to your regular dinner lineup!
Print
Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines tender chicken with vibrant green vegetables in a delicious garlic-infused sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
Veggies:
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups baby spinach
Seasoning:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Other:
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)
- grated Parmesan for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook seasoned chicken until browned. Set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add Veggies: Add broccoli, chicken broth, and steam until tender. Stir in spinach.
- Combine: Return chicken to the skillet, add red pepper flakes, and lemon juice if desired. Toss to combine.
- Serve: Garnish with Parmesan and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or pasta for a more filling meal.
- Add a splash of cream or a sprinkle of mozzarella for a creamy twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
