This Easy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is a tasty dish that’ll make dinner a breeze! Tender chicken, bright green broccoli, and fresh spinach come together in a garlicy delight!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for a lower fat option, you can use turkey breast instead. For a vegetarian twist, try tofu or tempeh, cut into cubes and marinated prior to cooking!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives a lovely crunch and is packed with nutrients. If you can’t find fresh, frozen broccoli works too—just adjust cooking time as it might need less time to cook. Cauliflower is another great substitute if you want to change things up!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for a vibrant color and flavor. Alternatively, you can use kale or Swiss chard, which are heartier greens and can withstand cooking better without wilting too much.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that aromatic flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, minced garlic from a jar is a good stand-in. Powdered garlic can be used, but it won’t be as robust.
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked Without Overdoing It?
The chicken should be golden brown and juicy, not dry. Start by heating your skillet to the right temperature—medium-high is ideal. Here’s how to cook it well:
- Cut the chicken into uniformly sized pieces for even cooking.
- Don’t crowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary for better searing.
- Once you add the chicken, let it sit for a few moments before stirring. This helps achieve the nice golden color!
Check for doneness by cutting into a piece; it should be opaque and juices should run clear. This takes about 5-7 minutes depending on size.
Feel free to mix up the ingredients and make the dish your own while following these simple tips! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Easy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This wonderful recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time. So, in just about 25 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Chicken:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through. Make sure to stir occasionally! Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sautéing the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to let it burn. It’s all about that lovely garlic smell filling your kitchen!
3. Steaming the Broccoli:
Now, toss in the broccoli florets along with the chicken broth (or water). Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes. This will make the broccoli tender yet still crisp, which is perfect!
4. Adding Spinach:
Once the broccoli is ready, stir in the fresh spinach leaves. You’ll see them wilt down quickly in just about 1 to 2 minutes. It’s incredible how vibrant and delicious they look!
5. Bringing It All Together:
Now, it’s time to bring the chicken back into the mix! Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the veggies. Pour in the soy sauce and lemon juice if you’re using it. Stir everything together so it’s nicely combined.
6. Final Cooking Steps:
Let it all cook together for another 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This will also help reheat the chicken. Taste your dish, and feel free to add more salt, pepper, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat if you like!
7. Serve Up and Enjoy:
Your Easy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is now ready! Serve it hot over rice, noodles, or on its own. Enjoy this wholesome, colorful dish!
Enjoy your quick and healthy garlic chicken with vibrant broccoli and nourishing spinach!
FAQs About Easy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out broccoli and spinach for other veggies that you enjoy. Bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots work great too! Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the hardness of the vegetables.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No worries at all! You can easily use water instead of chicken broth. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a bouillon cube or a splash of soy sauce to the water for extra taste!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Both will provide a similar flavor profile without the gluten.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Enjoy!
