This easy garlic chicken dish comes alive with fresh broccoli and spinach! It’s a colorful, healthy meal that’s quick to whip up during busy evenings.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to work with. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey breast or tofu can be good substitutes. For added flavor, consider using thighs instead as they’re a bit juicier.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is key for crunch and nutrition. You can swap it out with green beans or snap peas if those are more to your liking. Frozen broccoli also works well if you’re in a hurry—just make sure to thaw and drain it first.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is great for wilting into the dish, but frozen spinach is an acceptable substitute. Just remember to thaw and squeeze out extra moisture before adding.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a nice punch. If you only have garlic powder on hand, you can use that, but the flavor won’t be as robust. Use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce keeps the flavors in check. If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos or tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) can be used instead. Just keep an eye on the salt levels in the dish.
How Can I Ensure My Garlic Doesn’t Burn?
Burnt garlic can quickly ruin your dish, so here’s how to avoid that. Cook garlic over medium heat and keep a close eye on it. Sauté until it’s just fragrant—around 30 seconds. If you notice it getting too brown, add your next ingredient (like the broccoli) immediately to cool the pan down.
- Use medium heat for more control.
- Stir often to help it cook evenly.
- For extra safety, prepare your next ingredient in advance, so it’s ready to go!
Easy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of half a lemon (optional, for brightness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight when you want a healthy meal without spending too long in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they’re browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but be careful not to let the garlic burn—it’ll turn bitter!
3. Cook the Broccoli:
Add the fresh broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to become tender.
4. Create a Flavorful Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and get all those tasty bits mixed in.
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you want a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the skillet. Cook for a minute or two until the sauce thickens.
6. Add Chicken and Spinach:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the fresh spinach leaves. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through evenly.
7. Final Touches:
Add the crushed red pepper flakes and lemon juice if you’re using them. Stir to combine everything, and taste to adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve:
Spoon the delicious garlic chicken and veggies into bowls and serve hot! You can enjoy it on its own or over some steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Enjoy your flavorful and nutritious Easy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach!
FAQ for Easy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to leave it in the fridge overnight or you can quickly thaw it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water until softened.
What Can I Substitute for Broccoli?
If you don’t have broccoli on hand, feel free to substitute with green beans or snap peas for a similar crunchy texture. Frozen broccoli works too—just make sure to thaw and drain it before using to prevent excess moisture.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicy?
If you love heat, try adding more crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha when sautéing the garlic. You can also add some sliced jalapeños for an extra kick!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist if needed.
