Garlic Chicken Broccoli Spinach

Garlic chicken with broccoli and spinach comes together in one pan for a quick delicious meal that never makes me feel like I am sacrificing nutrition for convenience. This fragrant dish packs protein greens and a burst of flavor from plenty of garlic. It is my go-to whenever I want something satisfying but light after a busy day.

The first time I tossed spinach into this garlicky skillet my kitchen filled with the most inviting aroma. Now every time I make it my family hovers by the stove waiting for dinner to be served.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast cubes: provide lean protein and cook up juicy and fast look for chicken with a pinkish color and no strong odor for freshness
• Broccoli florets: add crunch and a pop of green stick to tight compact florets for the best taste
• Spinach leaves: bring in a tender leafy texture fresh spinach wilts beautifully or you can use baby spinach for extra mildness
• Olive oil: carries flavor and keeps things heart healthy choose cold pressed extra virgin for the richest aroma
• Chicken broth: builds a savory base and keeps everything moist low sodium broth lets you control the saltiness
• Grated Parmesan cheese: brings a salty umami finish grate your own from a block for best melting
• Minced garlic: adds depth make sure the cloves feel firm heavy and without sprouts
• Salt and black pepper: essential seasonings for balance use freshly ground pepper if possible

Instructions

Prep the Ingredients:

Begin by cubing the chicken breast into even bite pieces and preparing the broccoli into small florets. Rinse your spinach leaves and pat them dry. Grate the Parmesan cheese if you have a block for the best flavor. Mince your garlic cloves so they are ready to cook. Taking this time up front makes the cooking process go much smoother.

Cook the Chicken:

Pour olive oil into a large pan and heat it over medium heat. When the oil shimmers lay in the chicken cubes evenly. Sauté the pieces allowing them to brown on all sides. This usually takes about six to eight minutes depending on their size. Make sure not to crowd the pan so each piece gets a nice sear which locks in juices.

Bloom the Garlic:

Push the browned chicken to the edges of the pan and add the minced garlic to the center. Let it cook for around one minute while stirring constantly so the garlic does not burn but does release its full aroma. This step gives the entire dish a base of deep garlicky flavor.

Steam the Broccoli:

Add the broccoli florets and pour in the chicken broth. Quickly cover the pan to trap steam. Simmer the mixture for about five minutes until the broccoli turns bright green and fork tender. The steam softens the broccoli while the broth infuses everything with savory notes.

Wilt the Spinach:

Lift the lid and scatter spinach leaves across the hot pan. Gently fold them in so they wilt from the residual heat. This only takes about two minutes and helps the spinach retain its color and nutrients.

Season and Finish:

Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese salt and black pepper. Stir the whole pan well to melt the cheese and ensure every bite is seasoned. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed before serving the dish piping hot.

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Spinach is my secret favorite here because it disappears right into the sauce yet makes the dish so vibrant. My kids never complained about eating their greens once they tried this. Every time I make this for friends the Parmesan crusted bits at the bottom are what everyone goes back for seconds.

Storage Tips

Garlic chicken with broccoli and spinach keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you wish to reheat simply do so gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Freezing is possible though the veggies may soften slightly more upon thawing.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap in boneless thigh meat for more flavor. Try kale or Swiss chard in place of spinach for a heartier twist. If you are dairy free skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative. Vegetable broth works well if you are out of chicken broth.

Serving Suggestions

Spoon this chicken and veggie mix over fluffy rice or favorite grains. It is wonderful tossed with pasta for a more filling dinner. Add a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of chili flakes for a fresh zing at the table.

Cultural Context

This meal reminds me a little of classic Italian American chicken and broccoli pastas but with a lighter touch. Garlic and olive oil are such Mediterranean staples and pairing them with the freshness of broccoli and spinach is a trick I learned visiting homey trattorias.

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If you crave both flavor and balance this easy skillet meal delivers without fuss. A single pan and a handful of fresh ingredients are all you need for a weeknight dinner you will want to add to your rotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you keep the chicken tender?

Cook chicken cubes over medium heat and avoid overcooking to keep them juicy and tender.

→ Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be substituted. Thaw and drain excess water before adding to the pan.

→ What type of chicken is best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breast works well for uniform cubes and even cooking.

→ Is it possible to substitute spinach?

Baby kale or Swiss chard are good alternatives if you prefer different greens in the dish.

→ How can I enhance the garlic flavor?

Increase the garlic quantity or add roasted garlic toward the end for deeper aroma.

→ What to serve with this dish?

This meal pairs nicely with steamed rice, quinoa, or a side of crusty bread.