Description
A flavorful and healthy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach recipe that combines tender chicken breast pieces sautéed with garlic, steamed broccoli, and fresh spinach, finished with a hint of lemon juice and Parmesan. Perfect for a quick and nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Steam the Broccoli: Pour in the chicken broth, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the broccoli steam for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until just tender.
- Combine and Wilt Spinach: Remove the lid, return the cooked chicken pieces to the pan, and stir in the fresh spinach. Cook for 2 more minutes, stirring frequently until the spinach wilts.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the lemon juice over the skillet, sprinkle with red pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese if using, then toss gently to combine. Serve warm, optionally over rice, quinoa, or pasta.
Notes
- Great served over rice, quinoa, or pasta for a complete meal.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in garlic and lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Frozen broccoli can be used – just thaw and drain before adding to the skillet.
