This easy garlic chicken with broccoli and spinach is a tasty one-pan meal that’s ready in no time! Tender chicken, bright green veggies, and a simple garlic sauce make it super appealing.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish as they cook quickly. If you’re looking for a substitute, turkey breast works well too! For a different flavor, you could use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add a nice crunch. If you don’t have broccoli, feel free to swap in green beans or snap peas. Frozen broccoli can work, just adjust cooking time as it’s usually pre-blanched.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is perfect here, but you can substitute it with kale or Swiss chard if that’s what you have on hand. Both will change the texture a bit but still taste fantastic!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a strong, awesome flavor, but you can use jarred minced garlic in a pinch. Just remember that pre-minced can be a bit stronger, so use less than what’s called for!
Chicken Broth: If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth or water work fine. Using water may make the dish slightly less flavorful, so a bit of extra seasoning can help make up for it.
How Do You Achieve the Best Flavor in This Dish?
A key step for amazing flavor is in how you cook the chicken. Start by heating olive oil over medium heat to ensure it gets nice and hot, which helps brown the chicken. Browning adds great flavor!
- When you add garlic, watch it closely; garlic can burn quickly. Stir it and keep an eye for that lovely fragrant moment.
- Add the chicken pieces and let them sit a bit before stirring. This allows them to develop a nice crust.
- The soy sauce is optional but a little bit can really enhance the flavor, so consider using it if you like that extra umami kick.
Lastly, don’t rush the cooking time for the broccoli. You want it tender yet still slightly crisp to keep that fresh bite!
Easy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 15-20 minutes for cooking. So, in just about 30-35 minutes, you’ll have a healthy and tasty meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Garlic:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds or until it becomes fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken to the skillet. Season them with salt, pepper, and the dried Italian seasoning or oregano. Cook everything together, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through, which should take around 6-8 minutes.
3. Add the Broccoli:
Now, it’s time to add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and the soy sauce (if using). Stir everything well to combine. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 4-5 minutes until the broccoli is tender yet still crisp.
4. Finish with Spinach:
Next, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir it in and let it cook for approximately 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and bright green.
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir it into the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Make sure to taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired. Serve your garlic chicken hot, with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh squeeze of flavor if you like. Enjoy this speedy and healthy meal!
FAQ for Easy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s completely thawed before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the quick method of submerging it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Be sure to pat it dry with paper towels before cooking!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! Other great additions include bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times as needed so that all the vegetables are tender yet crisp.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply omit the soy sauce or use a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. You can also add flavor with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free boost!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to revive the moisture in the chicken and vegetables.
