Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
This one-pan Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is a flavorful, healthy, and quick dinner option. Tender chicken breast is sautéed with fresh garlic, then combined with vibrant broccoli and spinach for a nutrient-packed dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or quinoa.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéed
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces 2 tbsp olive oil 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups broccoli florets 3 cups fresh spinach leaves 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste) 1/4 tsp black pepper 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick) 1/4 cup chicken broth or water 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the ingredients: Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic. Rinse and drain the broccoli and spinach. Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C), about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Sauté the broccoli: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the broccoli and cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften. Add the garlic and spinach: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and spinach to the skillet with the broccoli. Cook, stirring frequently, until the spinach wilts and the garlic is fragrant, about 2 minutes. Combine with chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth or water and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. Finish the dish: Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve immediately: Enjoy on its own or over rice, pasta, or quinoa.
Notes
Swap broccoli for asparagus or zucchini for variety. Use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal. To make it dairy-free, skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.