Looking for a dinner recipe that’s bursting with flavor, quick to make, and still healthy? This Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is a go-to solution for busy weeknights. Packed with lean chicken breast, fresh vegetables, and bold garlic flavor, this one-skillet meal satisfies your cravings without the hassle or guilt. It’s hearty, savory, and full of nutrients—everything you want in a satisfying homemade dinner.
This Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach dish comes together in just 25 minutes. Juicy chicken is pan-seared until golden, then tossed in a garlicky butter sauce with crisp-tender broccoli and lightly wilted spinach. The balance of protein and greens makes it a naturally low-carb option, but it pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or even mashed potatoes. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or need a last-minute dinner solution, this dish delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
- Quick and simple: One skillet and under 30 minutes from prep to plate.
- Nutrient-packed: Loaded with protein, iron, fiber, and vitamins A and C.
- Versatile: Delicious on its own or served with grains or pasta.
- Flavorful and satisfying: Garlicky butter sauce ties everything together.
Ingredients List
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
How to Make Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
- Season well with salt and pepper for maximum flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic and Veggies
- In the same skillet, add butter and garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add broccoli and a splash of water. Cover and steam for 2–3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Stir in the spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1 minute.
4. Combine and Finish
- Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat.
- Add red pepper flakes (if using), lemon juice, and adjust seasoning.
- Serve hot with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Expert Tips for Perfect Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
Top Tips
- Cut evenly: Uniform chicken pieces ensure even cooking.
- Sauté garlic gently: Avoid burning it to keep the sauce rich, not bitter.
- Finish with acid: Lemon juice brightens the entire dish.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the pan: Sear the chicken in batches if needed.
- Overcooking spinach: Add it last so it stays bright and tender.
- Skipping seasoning: Season every step to enhance flavor.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Use a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second bursts.
- Freeze: Store in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 17g
- Carbs: 8g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 410mg
Serving Suggestions & Variations
- Serve it over jasmine rice, whole wheat pasta, or mashed potatoes.
- Low-carb option: Pair with cauliflower rice or enjoy as-is.
- Make it creamy: Stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream.
- Add heat: Boost with more chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
If you love bold garlic flavors, you’ll also enjoy this comforting recipe for Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken.
Conclusion
When you’re short on time but want a flavorful, hearty dinner, Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is your best bet. It’s quick, satisfying, and so easy to customize based on what you have on hand. Give it a try this week and don’t forget to leave a comment or tag your creations with @recipesflare on Instagram—we’d love to see your version of this wholesome dish!
FAQs
Can I make Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach ahead of time?
Yes! It stores and reheats well, making it great for meal prep.
What other vegetables work well in this recipe?
You can swap in zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers. Just adjust the cook time slightly.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use vegan butter or extra olive oil instead of butter and skip the Parmesan.
Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
Ingredients
- – 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- – 2 tablespoons olive oil
- – 4 garlic cloves minced
- – 2 cups broccoli florets
- – 3 cups fresh spinach
- – 1 tablespoon butter
- – ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- – Salt and pepper to taste
- – Juice of ½ lemon
- – Grated Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.
- Remove chicken. Add butter and garlic to pan; sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add broccoli and splash of water. Cover and steam 2–3 minutes until tender.
- Stir in spinach; cook until wilted.
- Return chicken to skillet. Add lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Toss and heat through. Serve warm with optional Parmesan.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream just before serving.
- Want more flavor? Add a pinch of Italian seasoning or a few sun-dried tomatoes during the sauté step.
- To make it a complete meal, serve over rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
