This Easy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is a quick and tasty meal! With tender chicken, bright broccoli, and fresh spinach, it’s packed with flavor and color.
You’ll love how simple it is to whip up. Just sauté everything in one pan, and you’re ready to enjoy a healthy dinner in no time. Plus, who doesn’t love garlic? 😄
I often serve this with rice or pasta to soak up all that yummy garlic sauce. It’s perfect for busy nights and makes the kitchen smell amazing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is great for sautéing because it adds flavor while keeping things light. If you’re out of olive oil, you can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or even avocado oil for a different taste.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for quick cooking. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey breast works well too. For a vegetarian alternative, try tofu or chickpeas!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a robust flavor. If you have garlic powder, you can use about 1/2 teaspoon, but fresh is always best. I love to use more garlic for extra flavor!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is key for crunch and nutrition. If you can’t find fresh, frozen broccoli can work, but reduce cooking time to avoid mushiness.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully in this dish. If you only have frozen spinach, thaw it and squeeze out excess water before adding it in.
Chicken Broth: This adds depth to the dish. If you’re low on broth, water works fine. Homemade stock is the best if you have it!
How Can I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken just right can be tricky. Here’s how to ensure yours is juicy and tender:
- Preheat the skillet: Ensure it’s hot before adding chicken.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed, so the chicken browns nicely.
- Check for doneness: Cut a piece open to ensure it’s no longer pink inside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Following these steps will help you avoid dry chicken, leaving you with delicious, tender pieces every time!
Easy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets (about 3 cups)
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Juice of half a lemon
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to cook, making it a quick and easy meal ready in around 30 minutes. Perfect for busy evenings or when you’re looking for something delicious and healthy without spending hours in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Olive Oil:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure you allow the oil to get hot, which will help in browning the chicken nicely.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While the skillet heats up, season the chicken pieces generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This will ensure the chicken is flavorful.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
4. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
5. Add Broccoli and Broth:
Now, toss in the broccoli florets along with the chicken broth (or water). Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for about 4-5 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still retains its bright green color.
6. Incorporate Spinach and Chicken:
Next, stir in the fresh spinach leaves along with the cooked chicken. Allow everything to cook together for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through.
7. Flavor It Up:
Add soy sauce (if you like), red pepper flakes for some heat, and squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the mixture. Stir well to combine all the flavors, adjusting salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Remove from heat and consider garnishing with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor if desired.
9. Enjoy!
Serve your Easy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach hot, alone or alongside some steamed rice, noodles, or crusty bread. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Hope you savor this vibrant and healthy dish! 😊
FAQ for Easy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw chicken safely in the refrigerator overnight or in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. This ensures even cooking and prevents any food safety issues!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Use the same cooking method, ensuring the tofu is pressed and cut into bite-sized cubes, which will absorb all the delicious flavors.
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, simply warm it up in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If you find it dry, add a splash of water or broth to bring back the moisture!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the type and size of the veggies, so adjust accordingly!
