If you’re craving a delicious, wholesome meal that’s both healthy and satisfying, then this Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach recipe is perfect for you. Packed with lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and a savory garlic Parmesan sauce, this dish is simple to prepare and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe has it all.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love how easy this Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach comes together. With just a few simple ingredients, I can create a nutrient-packed meal that’s bursting with flavor. The garlic brings an aromatic depth to the chicken, while the broccoli and spinach provide a delightful texture and fresh taste. Plus, the Parmesan cheese adds that rich, creamy touch that ties it all together. This dish is a balanced combination of protein and greens, making it not only satisfying but nourishing.
Ingredients:
2 cups chicken breast, cubed
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup spinach leaves
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Directions:
Heat the Oil: I start by heating 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Cook the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, I add the cubed chicken breast to the pan, cooking until it browns on all sides. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Add Garlic: I then stir in the minced garlic and cook it for an additional minute until it becomes fragrant.
Add Broccoli and Broth: Next, I introduce the broccoli florets and chicken broth to the pan. I cover the pan and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
Add Spinach: I toss in the spinach leaves, stirring until they wilt, which only takes about 2-3 minutes.
Season and Serve: Finally, I sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. After stirring everything together to combine the flavors, I serve the dish hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serving Size: 4 servings
Variations
Add a squeeze of lemon: For a refreshing citrus touch, I sometimes squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the dish just before serving.
Swap spinach for kale: If I’m in the mood for a different green, I swap out spinach for kale, which provides a hearty texture.
Make it spicy: To add some heat, I toss in some red pepper flakes when adding the garlic.
Storage/Reheating
This Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is great for leftovers! I store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When I want to reheat it, I simply warm it up on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep everything moist. Alternatively, I can microwave it for a couple of minutes until heated through.
Related Recipes:
- Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
- Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole
- French Onion Broccoli Cheese Casserole
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes! If I don’t have fresh broccoli, frozen broccoli works just fine. I just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the pan to prevent excess moisture.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make this recipe dairy-free, I can skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative, like nutritional yeast, for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t contain any wheat or gluten-based ingredients. However, if I choose to use a store-bought broth, I’ll want to check that it’s labeled gluten-free.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! I love adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to this dish for extra flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if you add heartier vegetables.
Can I prepare this meal in advance?
While I prefer to enjoy this dish fresh, I can prepare the chicken and vegetables in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When I’m ready to eat, I can just heat everything up and finish the dish as directed.
Conclusion
Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is one of my go-to recipes for a healthy, quick, and satisfying meal. The combination of juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and wilted spinach in a savory garlic Parmesan sauce is something I never get tired of. Whether I’m cooking for myself or a group, this dish is always a hit. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a nourishing and delicious meal any day of the week!
Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is a healthy and satisfying dish packed with protein, vibrant vegetables, and a savory garlic Parmesan sauce. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
2 cups chicken breast, cubed
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup spinach leaves
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add cubed chicken breast to the pan and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add broccoli florets and chicken broth to the pan, cover, and simmer for about 5 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Toss in spinach leaves and stir until they wilt, about 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper, stir to combine, then serve hot.
Notes
Add a squeeze of lemon for a citrusy touch.
Swap spinach for kale for a different green texture.
For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes with the garlic.
This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of chicken broth or microwave.
Frozen broccoli can be used in place of fresh, just thaw before adding.
For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but make sure to use gluten-free broth if store-bought.
Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
