This Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is a tasty, one-pan meal that’s a breeze to make. Tender chicken is cooked with crunchy broccoli and fresh spinach, all flavored with garlic—yum!
I love that this dish is not only easy to whip up but also healthy. It’s a great way to sneak in those greens without anyone even noticing! 🥦✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to work with. If you want a change, boneless thighs add extra juiciness. For a meatless option, use tofu or chickpeas instead.
Garlic: Fresh garlic delivers the best flavor in this recipe. If you need a quick swap, garlic powder works—use about 1/8 tsp for each clove. However, fresh is always best!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add great texture. If you’re short on time, frozen broccoli is a quick alternative and still nutritious. Just thaw and add it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
Spinach: Fresh spinach shrinks significantly when cooked, making it perfect for this dish. You can substitute with kale, but make sure to cook it a bit longer as it’s tougher than spinach.
Chicken Broth: This adds depth to the sauce, but water works in a pinch. For a more flavorful kick, consider vegetable broth or homemade stock.
How Do I Cook Chicken So It’s Juicy and Tender?
Cooking chicken properly is key to ensuring it’s juicy. Here are some tips:
- Cut the chicken into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps in browning. Cook in batches if needed!
- Season well with salt and pepper before and during cooking for enhanced flavor.
- Cook until just done; check for clarity of the juices. Pull it off the heat soon as it’s no longer pink.
- Let it rest for a minute after cooking before combining with veggies. This keeps the juices locked in.
Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Time Needed:
This delicious meal will take about 25 minutes total—around 10 minutes for preparation and 15 minutes of cooking time. It’s quick, healthy, and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heating the Pan:
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is nice and hot before moving on to the next step.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken to the heated skillet. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sautéing the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
4. Adding the Vegetables:
Next, toss in the broccoli florets. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they start to soften a bit. You’ll want them to maintain a nice crunch!
5. Incorporating the Spinach:
Pour in the chicken broth (or water) along with the soy sauce if you’re using it. Add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook until the spinach wilts, which should take around 2 minutes.
6. Combining Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir it with the veggies. Let everything cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes, so the flavors meld.
7. Final Seasoning:
Take a moment to taste your dish. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed, depending on your spice preference.
8. Finishing Touch:
If you like, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the dish for some extra brightness—it really elevates the flavors!
9. Serving:
Serve the garlic chicken with broccoli and spinach hot, either on its own or accompanied by rice or noodles. Enjoy your nutritious and flavorful meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking! Thaw chicken in the fridge overnight or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this dish vegan, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also replace the soy sauce with a tamari or coconut aminos if you need a gluten-free option!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water to keep the vegetables from drying out.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas—just adjust the cooking time to ensure everything is cooked to your liking. It’s a great way to customize the dish to your taste!
