This easy garlic chicken dish is packed with flavor, featuring juicy chicken cooked with fresh broccoli and spinach. It’s a colorful meal that’s good for you and tastes great too!
Who doesn’t love garlic? It makes everything better! 😂 I love tossing this together for a quick dinner—it’s simple, healthy, and always gets a thumbs up from the family!
Making this dish is a breeze: just sauté the chicken and veggies together, and dinner is served! I like to pair it with rice or pasta for a filling meal that’s ready in no time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are tender and cook quickly. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, chicken thighs work well too, offering a bit more flavor.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds a nice crunch and color. If fresh isn’t available, frozen broccoli can be a good substitute—just adjust cooking time since it’s pre-blanched.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully and adds nutrients. If you have baby kale or Swiss chard, those make nice substitutes as well!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If garlic is scarce, you could use garlic powder, but I recommend using fresh if you can. It makes all the difference!
Chicken Broth: This adds depth to the dish. If you don’t have broth, water can work in a pinch, but broth does enhance the flavor!
How Do I Ensure the Chicken is Cooked Just Right?
Cooking chicken perfectly can be tricky, but a few tips can help. First, remember to pat the chicken dry before seasoning! This allows it to brown better. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have one, slices should be white all the way through, with no pink.
- Start cooking the chicken on medium-high heat for a nice sear.
- After the first side is cooked, flip it gently and lower the heat to medium. Covering the pan can help cook the chicken evenly.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking; this keeps it juicy.
With these tips, your chicken will be tender and tasty every time!
Easy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful garlic chicken dish can be prepared in about 30 minutes—perfect for a busy weeknight dinner! You’ll spend approximately 10 minutes on prep and 20 minutes on cooking, making it a quick and nutritious meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
First, pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. This helps them sear nicely. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper to taste.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it’s hot. Carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked (with an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Next, in the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Be cautious not to let it burn; you want it to be lightly golden.
4. Add the Broccoli:
Now, introduce the broccoli florets and pour in the chicken broth (or water). Cover the skillet with a lid and allow it to cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
5. Stir in the Spinach:
After the broccoli is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach leaves. Cook just until they are wilted, which should take about 1-2 minutes. The colors will be vibrant and appetizing!
6. Return the Chicken:
Carefully place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, nestling it among the vegetables. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle the red pepper flakes over everything. You can also drizzle the lemon juice for added flavor if desired.
7. Final Cooking:
Let the dish cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. This allows the chicken to rewarm and all the flavors to combine beautifully.
8. Serve:
Once everything is perfectly cooked, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve this delicious garlic chicken warm, either on its own or over a bed of cooked rice, pasta, or quinoa for a complete meal.
Enjoy your Easy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach—it’s healthy, tasty, and so simple to make!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thoroughly thaw it before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Pat it dry and season as usual before cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Broccoli?
If broccoli isn’t available, you can easily substitute it with green beans, asparagus, or even cauliflower. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different vegetables may require more or less time to cook through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out during reheating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Just be mindful of their cooking times—some may need to be added earlier or later in the cooking process to ensure everything is perfectly tender.
