Introduction

Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is a light yet satisfying dish loaded with protein and fiber. The tender chicken is seared to perfection, then tossed in a garlicky sauce with fresh green vegetables. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and ideal for those looking for a nourishing, balanced meal — all in one pan.

Ingredients Breakdown

Main Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter (optional, for added flavor)
4–5 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
2 large handfuls of fresh spinach
¼ cup chicken broth or water
1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Grated Parmesan or chili flakes (optional toppings)

Step-by-Step Recipe

Prep the chicken
Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Cook the chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 5–7 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté garlic and broccoli
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil or butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then add the broccoli. Pour in the broth or water, cover, and steam for 2–3 minutes until broccoli is tender-crisp.
Add spinach
Stir in the spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes, until wilted.
Combine everything
Return the chicken to the pan and toss everything together. Add lemon juice if using, and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve
Plate as is, or serve over rice, quinoa, or pasta. Top with Parmesan or chili flakes for extra flavor.

Tips for Success

Slice chicken evenly for quick, uniform cooking.
Don’t overcook the spinach — it wilts fast!
Add the garlic just before the veggies to avoid burning.
Use pre-steamed broccoli to save time, or blanch it quickly beforehand.

Variations and Customizations

Add a creamy twist: Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk.
Asian-style version: Use soy sauce, sesame oil, and a bit of ginger.
Add grains: Serve with brown rice or couscous for a heartier meal.
More veggies: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

Per serving (approximate, without added toppings):

300–350 calories
30g protein
10–15g fat
6–8g carbs
High in fiber, low in sugar, gluten-free, and rich in vitamins A, C, and K

Great for low-carb, keto-friendly, or diabetic-friendly diets (just skip rice if needed).

FAQ

Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes! Use frozen broccoli and thawed spinach — just adjust the cooking time.

How long does it keep?
Up to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely — it holds up well and reheats without drying out.

Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 18

Total Time 30

Servings: 4

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
4 cloves garlic minced or sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional for extra flavor
Juice of ½ lemon optional for extra brightness
For the Vegetables:
2 cups broccoli florets
4 cups fresh spinach or 1 bag baby spinach
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter for sautéing
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for a bit of heat
¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth or water optional for steaming
Garnishes and Optional Add-ins:
Freshly grated parmesan cheese optional for serving
Lemon wedges for extra brightness
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt, pepper, oregano (or thyme), and smoked paprika if using. If you have time, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for about 15 minutes to infuse more flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, place the chicken breasts in the pan.
Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil or butter if needed. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Toss in the broccoli florets and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender-crisp. If you prefer softer broccoli, add ¼ cup of chicken broth or water, cover the skillet, and steam the broccoli for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Spinach
Stir in the fresh spinach, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down. Spinach cooks quickly, so be sure to monitor it to avoid overcooking.
Season the vegetables with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces among the vegetables. Reduce the heat to low and allow the chicken to warm through for another 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
For added brightness, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the dish before serving.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve hot, with optional garnishes like grated parmesan cheese, lemon wedges, or fresh parsley or basil. This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, from quinoa and brown rice to mashed cauliflower or whole-wheat pasta.

Notes

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

1. Avoid Overcooking the Chicken

One of the most common mistakes when cooking chicken is overcooking it, which can lead to dryness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The safe internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F. Once the chicken reaches this temperature, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices.

2. Cook Broccoli to Your Preference

If you prefer your broccoli to be more tender, steam it before adding it to the skillet, or cook it with the lid on for a few extra minutes to trap in the steam. For those who enjoy a crisp bite, sautéing the broccoli for 5-7 minutes should be sufficient.

3. Sear the Chicken for Flavor

Searing the chicken properly helps develop a golden crust, which locks in flavor and juices. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the chicken, and avoid moving the chicken too early. Let it sear for 4-5 minutes per side to develop that deep, flavorful crust.

4. Layer Flavors with Garlic

To maximize the garlic flavor, cook the garlic until just golden before adding the chicken. Avoid overcooking the garlic, as burnt garlic can become bitter. Adding the garlic in layers—first for the chicken and again for the vegetables—helps build a rich, savory base for the dish.

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