Quick Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach Recipe for Dinner

Tucking into this incredibly tasty garlic chicken with broccoli and spinach promises a delightful culinary adventure that speaks directly to comfort food lovers.

Robust flavors dance across your plate with each perfectly seasoned bite.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become exciting when such simple ingredients combine into something spectacular.

Green vegetables add vibrant nutrition alongside tender, juicy chicken pieces.

Quick cooking techniques mean minimal preparation time for maximum deliciousness.

Nutritious and satisfying, this dish delivers both fantastic taste and wholesome goodness.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this scrumptious meal.

Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach That’s Bold and Balanced

• Packed with lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, and iron-loaded spinach, this recipe delivers a balanced, wholesome dinner that supports overall health and wellness.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup by using a single skillet to cook chicken, broccoli, and spinach, reducing dish washing time and simplifying the cooking process for home chefs of all skill levels.
• Combine aromatic garlic, savory chicken, and fresh vegetables to create a mouthwatering meal that tantalizes taste buds with its perfect blend of herbs, spices, and natural ingredients.

Everything to Grab for Garlic Chicken with Greens

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the main dish, look for fresh, high-quality cuts.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional topping that adds rich, salty flavor to the final dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: Classic seasonings that enhance chicken's natural taste, provide depth and slight heat.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that infuses dish with robust flavor, choose fresh for best results.
• Lemon Zest: Optional bright, citrusy note that adds freshness to the final dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element for those who enjoy extra heat.

• Broccoli Florets: Nutritious green vegetable with a crisp texture, select fresh and vibrant green.
• Spinach: Tender leafy green that wilts quickly, adds nutritional value.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps sear chicken and sauté vegetables, choose extra virgin for best flavor.
• Chicken Broth or Water: Liquid for steaming vegetables, enhances overall moisture and taste.
• Butter: Optional additional fat for cooking, adds richness to the dish.

How to Cook Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach

Step 1: Prep the Protein

• Slice chicken breasts into uniform chunks
• Sprinkle with salt
• Dust with black pepper
• Add paprika for extra zest

Pat chicken pieces to ensure seasoning sticks evenly.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat skillet on medium-high flame. Drizzle olive oil and toss minced garlic, letting it dance for half a minute until aromatic. Carefully place chicken pieces in pan. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and completely cooked. Transfer chicken to separate plate.

Step 3: Transform the Vegetables

In same skillet, add additional oil if needed. Tumble broccoli florets into pan. Saute for 2-3 minutes until edges start to soften. Pour chicken broth, cover with lid. Steam vegetables for 3-4 minutes until tender yet crunchy.

Step 4: Wilt the Greens

Remove lid and scatter fresh spinach across vegetables. Gently stir until spinach gracefully wilts, approximately 1 minute.

Step 5: Reunite and Warm

Return chicken to skillet. Gently mix with vegetables. Warm everything together for another minute, allowing flavors to mingle. Optional: Sprinkle lemon zest for bright undertones.

Step 6: Create the Final Masterpiece

Transfer chicken and vegetable blend onto serving plates. Accompany with rice or quinoa. Optionally crown with parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes for extra excitement.

Tips for Tender Chicken and Fresh Veggies

• Slice Chicken Carefully: Cut chicken breasts uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent taste in every bite.
• Boost Flavor with Seasoning: Don't skimp on salt, pepper, and paprika; these spices penetrate the meat and create a delicious golden exterior.
• Watch Cooking Time Closely: Chicken needs exactly 4-5 minutes per side to remain juicy and prevent drying out; use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Preserve Vegetable Crispness: Steam broccoli briefly to maintain its bright green color and crunchy texture, avoiding overcooking which leads to mushy vegetables.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version, use gluten-free broth for sensitive diets, or add extra red pepper flakes for those who enjoy spicy meals.

Store and Reheat Garlic Chicken the Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Place chicken and vegetables in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming.
• Warm a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying. Gently reheat the chicken and vegetables for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to maintain texture.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve flavor and prevent soggy texture.

Dishes That Pair Well with This Chicken

• Select a light, unoaked California Chardonnay that complements the garlic's richness and chicken's mild flavor, cutting through the dish's savory elements without overwhelming the delicate vegetables.
• Create a complementary side of quinoa mixed with fresh parsley, dill, and a touch of lemon zest to enhance the dish's green vegetable notes and provide a protein-packed base.
• Choose a bright, acidic Italian Pinot Grigio that refreshes the palate, balances the garlic's intensity, and provides a clean counterpoint to the hearty chicken and green vegetables.
• Sprinkle lightly toasted pine nuts over the dish to add a nutty crunch, introduce textural contrast, and bring a Mediterranean-inspired depth to the garlic chicken and greens.

Flavor Combinations to Try with Garlic Chicken

Keto-Friendly Version: Replace chicken breasts with thighs for higher fat content. Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice and omit any added sugars or high-carb ingredients.

Low-Sodium Alternative: Swap salt with herb blends like rosemary or thyme. Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added seasonings to minimize sodium intake.

Dairy-Free Adaptation: Skip parmesan cheese and use nutritional yeast for similar savory flavor. Replace butter with coconut oil or olive oil during cooking process.

Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Cut protein into similar-sized pieces and use same seasoning technique. Marinate protein beforehand to enhance flavor absorption and ensure protein remains tender during cooking.

Garlic Chicken With Broccoli And Spinach Recipe

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4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory garlic chicken with broccoli and spinach delivers a nutritious dinner packed with flavor and protein. Creamy sauce and tender chicken create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables:

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 3 cups fresh spinach leaves

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 g) black pepper
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) chicken broth or water
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Slice chicken breasts into uniform portions, then generously season with salt, black pepper, and paprika to develop a rich, flavorful exterior.
2. Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding olive oil and minced garlic. Allow garlic to release its aromatic essence for approximately 30 seconds.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken pieces into the fragrant oil, searing each side for 4-5 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms and internal temperature reaches safe cooking point.
4. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, maintaining its warmth and juiciness.
5. Without cleaning the skillet, introduce additional oil if needed, then add broccoli florets. Gently sauté the vegetables for 2-3 minutes to initiate softening.
6. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, covering with a lid to create a steamy environment. Allow broccoli to tenderize for 3-4 minutes while preserving its crisp texture.
7. Lift the lid and introduce fresh spinach leaves, stirring carefully until they gracefully wilt and integrate with the broccoli.
8. Reintroduce the seared chicken into the vegetable medley, gently mixing to ensure even heat distribution and flavor infusion.
9. For an optional bright note, sprinkle lemon zest over the dish, enhancing its aromatic profile.
10. Plate the garlic chicken alongside steamed rice or quinoa, offering optional garnishes like parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes to personalize the meal.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by marinating chicken in garlic, salt, and paprika for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance taste and tenderness.
• Prevent overcooking chicken by using a meat thermometer; internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption and juicy results.
• Preserve vegetable nutrients by keeping broccoli slightly crisp and avoiding over-steaming; quick sautéing maintains vibrant color and nutritional value.
• Customize the dish by swapping chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, ensuring similar seasoning and cooking techniques for comparable flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg