This Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is a simple and tasty dish! Juicy chicken is cooked with fresh veggies, making it healthy and colorful. The garlic adds a lovely flavor that everyone loves!
Cooking this dish feels like a culinary dance in the kitchen. I enjoy seeing the bright green veggies pop against the chicken! Pair it with rice for a hearty meal—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using chicken thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work well too! If you’re looking for a leaner option, go with chicken breast. For a vegetarian twist, try using tofu or chickpeas instead.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds crunch and nutrition. If you don’t have it, you can use frozen broccoli or even cauliflower! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for frozen options.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for this recipe, but you can substitute with kale or Swiss chard. Just remember, if you use kale, it might need a bit more cooking time to soften.
Garlic: Fresh garlic packs the most flavor. If you don’t have fresh, garlic powder (1/8 teaspoon per clove) can work in a pinch, but fresh is definitely my favorite!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Chicken for This Dish?
The chicken should be tender and juicy, so cooking it right is key. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat the oil in the skillet until hot. This helps get a nice sear on the chicken.
- Season well to enhance the flavors. Salt and pepper are your friends!
- Cook the chicken without overcrowding it. If your skillet is too full, it’ll steam instead of sauté!
- Remove it from the skillet once golden to prevent overcooking, as it will continue to cook slightly from the residual heat.
Following these tips ensures perfectly cooked chicken for your Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach!
Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening sauce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook. In total, you can enjoy a flavorful Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Now, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t burn— you want it fragrant and golden!
3. Add the Broccoli:
Next, toss in the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to be bright green and a little tender but still crisp and crunchy for that perfect texture.
4. Steam Everything Together:
Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce (if you decided to use it). Cover the skillet and let everything steam together for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the broccoli to finish cooking while still keeping that nice crunch.
5. Add the Spinach:
Now, it’s time to add the spinach leaves! Stir them in and cook for about 1-2 minutes until they’re nicely wilted.
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet, mixing everything together well. If you prefer a thicker sauce, this is the moment to add your cornstarch slurry. Cook for another minute until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
7. Final Seasoning:
Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes if you like a little heat, and adjust the salt and pepper to taste!
8. Serve:
Serve hot, ideally over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. Dig in and enjoy your flavorful and healthy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach!
FAQ for Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli and spinach! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before cooking to prevent a watery dish. Also, reduce the cooking time slightly since frozen veggies are pre-cooked.
Can I Substitute the Chicken with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or even beef. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly; for instance, shrimp cooks quickly, usually in about 3-4 minutes, while toasting the tofu until golden will take a bit longer.
How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply switch the soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative, such as tamari or coconut aminos. Always check labels to ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth to refresh the dish if it gets dry!
