Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach Recipe
If you’re looking for a fast, wholesome dinner that tastes like it took hours, Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is about to become your new weeknight hero. This skillet meal is loaded with juicy, garlicky chicken, vibrant broccoli, and tender spinach, all finished with a splash of lemon and a sprinkle of Parmesan. It comes together in just 25 minutes, but every bite is packed with bright, fresh flavor and satisfying protein. Perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or when you want to sneak extra greens onto everyone’s plate, Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is a favorite for good reason!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this dish truly special is how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create something magical. Each addition brings its own pop of flavor, color, or texture, ensuring that every forkful is both nourishing and delicious.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and lots of golden, flavorful edges.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully—don’t skip it!
- Garlic: Minced fresh for the biggest punch of aromatic, savory flavor in every bite.
- Broccoli Florets: Brings a satisfying crunch and a burst of green color that makes the dish pop.
- Fresh Spinach: Wilts down into silky ribbons, adding nutrients and a mild, earthy taste.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and vegetables just right.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat—add as much or as little as you like.
- Chicken Broth or Water: Keeps everything juicy while helping to steam the broccoli to tender perfection.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens and lifts all the flavors.
- Parmesan Cheese (optional): Adds a final layer of salty, savory goodness—especially delicious if you love a cheesy touch.
How to Make Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces, season them with salt and pepper, and let them cook for 6 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally, watching as they turn golden brown and juicy. Once cooked through, scoop out the chicken and set it aside—don’t worry, it’ll return for the grand finale!
Step 2: Cook the Garlic
Turn the heat down to medium, then add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Give it a quick stir for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn—this step is all about infusing the oil with that mouthwatering garlicky aroma.
Step 3: Steam the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets and pour in the chicken broth (or water). Cover the skillet with a lid and let the broccoli steam for 3 to 4 minutes, until just crisp-tender. This keeps it bright green and full of life, while softening it enough to soak up all the flavors.
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach
Remove the lid and toss in the fresh spinach. Stir everything together, letting the spinach wilt down—this should only take 1 to 2 minutes. The spinach will shrink a lot, but it’s what makes each bite so lush and silky.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken (and any juices) to the skillet. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the top, add crushed red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy, and give it a good toss. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for a little extra indulgence. Serve your Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach hot, straight from the skillet or plated up prettily!
How to Serve Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
Garnishes
A final flourish is always welcome! Try a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, or even a few lemon zest curls to really make your Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach look and taste restaurant-worthy. Cracked black pepper on top is never a bad idea either.
Side Dishes
This dish is fantastic over a fluffy bed of rice, quinoa, or your favorite pasta shape. If you’re after something lighter, serve it alongside cauliflower rice or a simple green salad. The saucy bits at the bottom of the skillet are perfect for soaking up with a chunk of crusty bread, too!
Creative Ways to Present
Try stuffing the chicken and veggies into a warm pita or wrap for an easy lunch, or pile it high on baked sweet potatoes for a cozy twist. If you’re hosting, serve Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach in a big, shallow bowl family-style—let everyone help themselves for a relaxed, inviting meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to mingle and deepen, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner even more delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish if you like, though the spinach and broccoli may soften a bit more when reheated. Let the dish cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months for an easy heat-and-eat meal.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to keep everything moist. The microwave works fine, too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring between each, until everything is piping hot.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic swap for breasts here—they’ll make the Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach even juicier and a bit more flavorful. Just cut them into chunks and cook as you would the breast meat.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is naturally gluten-free as written. Just double-check your chicken broth label to be sure, and you’re good to go!
How can I make the dish creamier?
If you crave a creamy sauce, stir in a couple tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end. It creates a luscious, comforting texture that pairs beautifully with the garlic and veggies.
What vegetables can I substitute?
Feel free to swap in asparagus, snap peas, or kale for the broccoli and spinach if that’s what you have on hand. The recipe is flexible, so use your favorite greens or whatever is in your fridge.
Can I meal prep Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach?
This recipe is meal prep gold! Portion into containers with rice or quinoa, and you’ve got quick, nourishing lunches or dinners ready to reheat all week long. Just store the garnishes separately to add fresh when serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a meal that’s fast, wholesome, and full of flavor, and Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach checks every box. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to share, so give it a try and watch it become a regular at your table!
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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 quick, healthy skillet dinner featuring tender chicken breasts sautéed with fresh garlic, steamed broccoli, and spinach. This flavorful, low-carb, gluten-free dish is perfect for weeknight meals and can be customized with optional parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes for added taste.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Vegetables
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups fresh spinach
Liquids and Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic and steam broccoli: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Add the broccoli and chicken broth, then cover the skillet and steam for 3–4 minutes until the broccoli is just tender.
- Cook the spinach: Remove the lid, stir in the fresh spinach, and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
- Combine and finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir all ingredients together. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the mixture and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or pasta for a complete meal.
- Chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts for a juicier texture.
- For a creamier variation, stir in a couple tablespoons of cream cheese or add a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
