Description
Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful dish combining tender chicken infused with aromatic garlic and vibrant, fresh greens. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and offers a balanced meal packed with lean protein, vitamins, and antioxidants. This versatile recipe is suitable for low-carb, paleo, and gluten-free diets, and requires minimal cleanup with an all-in-one skillet preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables
- 3–4 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
Pantry Items
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional), to taste
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water (optional, for steaming and deglazing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin, even strips or bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking. Lightly season with salt and pepper to build a simple flavor foundation.
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant but not browned, about 30 seconds, releasing its delicious aroma.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning to brown all sides until fully cooked through and juicy.
- Add the Broccoli: Toss in the broccoli florets, stir well, and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Splash in a little chicken broth or water if needed to steam the broccoli slightly, keeping it tender-crisp and bright green.
- Wilt the Spinach: Add fresh spinach leaves to the pan, stirring constantly so they wilt evenly and blend with the other ingredients, which usually takes about 2 minutes.
- Finish with Lemon and Seasoning: Remove the pan from heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish. Adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Toss everything gently and serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic cloves for a more vibrant and punchy flavor compared to pre-minced alternatives.
- Do not overcook broccoli to preserve its crunchy texture and nutrients; quick sautéing is best.
- Let the chicken rest for 2 minutes after cooking to retain its juiciness.
- Add spinach at the very end since it wilts quickly and should remain vibrant, not mushy.
- Deglaze the skillet with broth or a splash of wine to lift the flavorful browned bits for a savory sauce base.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: garlic chicken, broccoli, spinach, healthy dinner, quick chicken recipe, low-carb recipe, gluten-free chicken dish
