Juicy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach Recipe

Succulent chicken breasts marinated in a zesty garlic sauce bring magic to this hearty garlic chicken with broccoli and spinach.

The robust flavors dance beautifully across each tender bite.

Our simple recipe packs a nutritious punch with fresh greens and lean protein.

Garlic infuses depth and warmth into every mouthful of this comforting dish.

Each ingredient has been carefully selected to create a balanced and satisfying meal.

Colorful vegetables complement the juicy chicken, making this recipe a perfect weeknight dinner solution.

You’ll savor every delectable forkful of this nourishing and flavorful creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 310 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Garlic Chicken and Veggies

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein powerhouse that forms the heart of the dish, choose fresh, boneless cuts for even cooking and maximum tenderness.
• Salt: Flavor enhancer that helps season the chicken and brings out its natural taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds a warm, spicy kick and complements the chicken's mild flavor.
• Paprika: Provides a subtle smoky undertone and beautiful golden-brown color to the meat.

• Olive Oil: Healthy cooking fat that helps prevent sticking and adds a smooth, rich undertone.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that brings intense, pungent flavor and wonderful depth to the entire dish.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and extra savory notes, enhancing the overall taste profile.

• Broccoli Florets: Crunchy green vegetable packed with nutrients, select bright green, firm florets for the best texture.
• Fresh Spinach: Delicate leafy green that wilts quickly and adds a soft, earthy dimension to the meal.
• Lemon Zest: Optional bright, citrusy accent that cuts through the richness and adds a fresh finish.

Tools That Help With Stir-Fry Success

• Large Skillet or Pan: Essential for cooking chicken and sauteing vegetables evenly.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing chicken breasts into pieces.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for precisely cutting chicken and preparing ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and moving ingredients around the pan.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately measuring salt, pepper, and spices.
• Lid: Useful for steaming broccoli and trapping moisture during cooking.
• Tongs: Convenient for flipping chicken and handling ingredients safely.

Cook Garlic Chicken with Spinach and Broccoli

• Slice and Season Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into uniform pieces and dust with salt, black pepper, and paprika for deep flavor and beautiful color.

• Sizzle in Skillet

Heat skillet over medium-high flame. Drop in olive oil and crushed garlic, creating an aromatic base. Cook chicken 4-5 minutes per side until golden and fully done. Transfer chicken to waiting plate.

• Tenderize Green Veggies

Using same skillet, add extra oil. Toss broccoli florets and let them dance for 2-3 minutes. Pour chicken broth, cover, and steam 3-4 minutes until veggies are crisp-tender.

• Wilt Fresh Greens

Uncover skillet and tumble in fresh spinach. Stir quickly until leaves soften and collapse, about 1 minute.

• Reunite and Warm

Return chicken to pan, mixing with vibrant vegetables. Warm everything together, allowing flavors to mingle. Optional: Sprinkle lemon zest for bright notes.

• Plate and Enjoy

Serve hot alongside rice or quinoa. Garnish with parmesan or red pepper flakes if craving extra zing.

Tips to Balance Chicken, Broccoli, and Greens

• Slice garlic extra fine for maximum flavor infusion without burning.
• Skip rice and serve over cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly alternative that keeps protein and veggie balance intact.
• Cook extra chicken and vegetables, store separately in airtight containers for quick 3-4 day lunches or dinners.
• Replace parmesan with nutritional yeast for same cheesy flavor, perfect for lactose-intolerant or vegan diners who want protein-packed meals.
• Add red pepper flakes or cayenne during chicken seasoning for extra kick, transforming mild dish into a zesty flavor explosion that tingles taste buds.

Serve This Garlic Chicken with a Healthy Touch

• Zesty Family Dinner Delight: Serve this chicken over fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious garlic sauce, creating a satisfying and complete meal.
• Quick Meal Prep Champion: Pack leftovers in meal prep containers with separate compartments to keep the chicken crisp and vegetables fresh for easy lunch options during the week.
• Flavor Boost Combo: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts on top for an extra layer of texture and a Mediterranean-inspired twist that elevates the entire dish.
• Protein-Packed Side Companion: Pair with a light quinoa salad or roasted sweet potato wedges to add more nutritional value and create a well-balanced, wholesome dinner plate.

Storage Tips for This Chicken and Veggie Mix

• Transfer leftover chicken and vegetables into airtight containers, keeping ingredients separate to maintain crispness. Label with the date and consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and nutrition.
• Portion the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Store up to 2 months for quick future meals.
• Warm refrigerated meals in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Microwave with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out, stirring midway for even heating.
• Cook extra chicken and vegetables during initial preparation. Create lunch portions in grab-and-go containers for quick, nutritious workday meals that save time and reduce daily cooking stress.

FAQs

• How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C). When you cut into the thickest part, the meat should be white throughout with no pink areas.

• Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli and spinach. Just thaw them first and drain excess water to prevent the dish from becoming too watery. Frozen vegetables might slightly change the texture compared to fresh.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they cook quickly and evenly. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a more flavorful, slightly fattier cut of meat.

• Is this recipe considered healthy?

Absolutely! This dish is protein-rich, low in calories, and packed with nutrients from the broccoli and spinach. It’s a balanced meal with lean protein and green vegetables, making it a nutritious option for those watching their diet.

Tender Garlic Chicken With Broccoli And Spinach Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach delivers a hearty Mediterranean-inspired meal packed with nutrients. Fresh ingredients and simple cooking techniques bring this healthy dish from kitchen to table in under 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 454 g), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• ¼ cup (60 ml) chicken broth or water
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp (1.25 g) black pepper
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Slice chicken breasts into uniform portions and coat thoroughly with salt, black pepper, and paprika to create a robust flavor profile.
2. Garlic Infusion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, sautéing minced garlic until its fragrant essence permeates the cooking surface, approximately 30 seconds.
3. Chicken Searing: Carefully position seasoned chicken pieces into the aromatic oil, developing a golden-brown crust by cooking each side for 4-5 minutes until reaching safe internal temperature.
4. Vegetable Transformation: Without cleaning the skillet, add broccoli florets and chicken broth, covering to steam vegetables for 3-4 minutes while maintaining their vibrant crispness.
5. Final Integration: Incorporate wilted spinach leaves into the vegetable mixture, reintroduce seared chicken, and gently blend to ensure comprehensive flavor distribution.
6. Finishing Touch: Optional enhancement includes sprinkling lemon zest for brightness, then plate alongside steamed rice or quinoa, with potential garnishes like parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes to elevate the culinary experience.

Notes

• Slice Chicken Evenly: Cut chicken breasts into uniform thickness to ensure consistent cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Control Garlic Intensity: Adjust garlic quantity based on personal preference, keeping in mind that fresh minced garlic provides a more robust flavor than pre-chopped varieties.
• Maximize Skillet Flavor: Avoid cleaning the skillet between cooking chicken and vegetables to preserve the delicious caramelized bits and enhance overall dish depth.
• Preserve Vegetable Crispness: Watch broccoli cooking time carefully to maintain a vibrant green color and slight crunch, preventing mushy or overcooked texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg