This easy garlic chicken with broccoli and spinach is a quick and healthy meal! Juicy chicken is cooked with fresh veggies and lots of garlic for a tasty flavor that everyone will love.
I love how colorful this dish looks on the plate. Plus, it’s a breeze to make! Just toss everything in the pan, and dinner is done in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is great for sautéing given its flavor and health benefits. If you’re out, feel free to use canola oil, avocado oil, or even butter for a different taste.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor. If you only have garlic powder, use about 1/8 teaspoon as a substitute, but fresh is always better when possible.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and easy to cook. You can swap them for thighs for a richer taste, or use tofu for a vegetarian version.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds a nice crunch. If you’re short on time, frozen broccoli works great too! Just cook it straight from frozen.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds nutrients and color. You can replace it with kale or Swiss chard if you prefer something heartier.
Chicken Broth: Using broth adds flavor, but water works in a pinch. You could even use vegetable broth for a vegetarian dish.
How Can I Avoid Burning Garlic While Sautéing?
Sautéing garlic is crucial for flavor, but it can easily burn if not monitored. Here are some tips to keep your garlic perfectly golden:
- Always heat the oil before adding garlic. This prevents the garlic from cooking in cold oil, which can lead to uneven cooking.
- Keep the heat at medium. It’s better to cook slowly than to rush and risk burning.
- Stir frequently. This helps the garlic cook evenly and prevents it from sticking to the bottom.
- If you see it turning brown, it’s time to add the chicken or other ingredients immediately!
Easy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Juice of half a lemon (optional, for freshness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll be enjoying this delicious dish in just about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil and Sauté the Garlic:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds. You want it to smell amazing and become slightly golden. Be careful not to let it burn!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Next, toss the bite-sized pieces of chicken into the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s browned and fully cooked. Make sure there is no pink inside!
3. Add Broccoli and Steam:
It’s time to bring in the broccoli! Add the florets to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth. Cover the pan for about 3-4 minutes. This will let the broccoli steam, so it gets tender but still crunchy.
4. Stir in the Spinach:
Once the broccoli is looking bright and tender, add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts down. It adds a great color and nutrition!
5. Final Touches:
If you want to add some extra flavor, drizzle in the soy sauce and sprinkle with red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling spicy!). Give everything a good stir to combine.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat. If you like, squeeze some lemon juice over the dish for a refreshing touch. Serve warm on its own or over rice or noodles for a complete meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely first! Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Pat it dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with pressed tofu or tempeh. You can sauté them just like the chicken, seasoning to taste, and proceed with the recipe as directed. You could also add more veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a microwave or the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep everything moist.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly so that everything cooks evenly. Enjoy experimenting!
