Garlic Chicken Spinach With Broccoli

Garlic Chicken Spinach with Broccoli is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, vibrant greens, and rich flavors in a creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this one-pan meal is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients. The combination of garlic and Italian seasoning elevates the taste, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Cooking Time: This dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a great option for weeknight dinners.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything is cooked in one skillet.
• Flavorful & Creamy: The garlic and Italian seasoning create a deliciously rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken and veggies.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Packed with spinach and broccoli, this meal is as healthy as it is satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

To make Garlic Chicken Spinach with Broccoli, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or Dutch oven: Perfect for cooking the chicken and veggies together without overcrowding.
• Sharp knife: Ensures precise cutting of vegetables and chicken for even cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Guarantees accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Vegetables

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 5 oz fresh spinach

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)

How to Make Garlic Chicken Spinach With Broccoli

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

First things first, let’s get that chicken cooked! Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
1. Add the chicken cubes and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
2. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning while cooking.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Now for the veggies!
1. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt.
2. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Broccoli

Add the broccoli florets to the skillet.
1. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start turning bright green and tender-crisp.

Step 4: Incorporate Spinach

Reduce the heat to medium.
1. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet.
2. Cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream.
1. Bring to a simmer while stirring constantly.
2. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
1. Stir everything together to coat the chicken and vegetables in the creamy sauce.

Step 7: Add Spice (Optional)

If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes!

Step 8: Serve Hot

Serve hot over rice, pasta, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Garlic Chicken Spinach With Broccoli

Garlic Chicken Spinach with Broccoli is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various sides. You can elevate your meal by serving it in different ways, catering to your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Over Rice

• White or Brown Rice – Fluffy rice absorbs the creamy sauce perfectly, making every bite delicious.
• Cauliflower Rice – A great low-carb option that adds a light texture while remaining flavorful.

With Pasta

• Fettuccine or Penne – Toss the creamy chicken and vegetables with pasta for a hearty meal that’s filling and satisfying.
• Whole Grain Pasta – A healthier alternative that adds fiber without sacrificing taste.

In a Wrap

• Tortilla Wraps – Fill whole wheat or spinach tortillas with the chicken mixture for a quick and nutritious lunch or dinner.
• Lettuce Wraps – For a lighter option, use large lettuce leaves to create fresh wraps that are crunchy and refreshing.

On Its Own

• As a Main Dish – Serve the garlic chicken spinach with broccoli alone for a protein-packed, nutritious meal.

How to Perfect Garlic Chicken Spinach With Broccoli

To ensure you create the best Garlic Chicken Spinach with Broccoli every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh garlic, spinach, and broccoli enhance the flavors significantly compared to their dried counterparts.
• Control Your Heat – Cook on medium heat to avoid burning the garlic, which can turn bitter.
• Adjust Seasoning – Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for a balanced flavor.
• Cream Alternatives – For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half or coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
• Add More Veggies – Feel free to include other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for additional nutrients and color.
• Make it Ahead – This dish keeps well in the fridge. Make it ahead and reheat for an easy weeknight dinner!

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Chicken Spinach With Broccoli

Pairing side dishes with Garlic Chicken Spinach with Broccoli can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread – Crispy and buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce.
2. Quinoa Salad – A refreshing salad with quinoa, cucumbers, and tomatoes adds a healthy grain option packed with protein.
3. Steamed Green Beans – Lightly steamed green beans provide a nice crunch and complement the flavors of the main dish.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes – The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes contrasts beautifully with the savory chicken dish.
5. Couscous – Fluffy couscous absorbs flavors well, making it an excellent base for this creamy chicken recipe.
6. Mixed Green Salad – A simple salad with mixed greens dressed in vinaigrette offers freshness and balances richness.
7. Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes serve as comfort food that pairs well with the rich sauce of the chicken dish.
8. Zucchini Noodles – Spiralized zucchini noodles are an excellent low-carb alternative that adds freshness to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking can be tricky, and it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for when preparing Garlic Chicken Spinach with Broccoli.

• Boldly skip the seasoning: Failing to season the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always season your chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning during cooking for better taste.
• Boldly overcook the vegetables: Overcooking broccoli can make it mushy and dull in color. Cook it just until bright green and tender-crisp for the best texture.
• Boldly ignore the garlic timing: Adding garlic too early can burn it, resulting in a bitter flavor. Sauté garlic only until fragrant after the onions have softened.
• Boldly underestimate cream’s role: Using too little cream may lead to a dry dish. Ensure you use enough heavy cream to achieve a rich and creamy sauce.
• Boldly forget about resting time: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps keep it juicy. Set aside cooked chicken for a few minutes before adding it back into the skillet.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Make sure the dish is cooled completely before sealing.

Freezing Garlic Chicken Spinach With Broccoli

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months.
• Label containers with date and contents for easy reference.

Reheating Garlic Chicken Spinach With Broccoli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Garlic Chicken Spinach with Broccoli that might help you as you prepare this delicious recipe.

Can I use other vegetables in Garlic Chicken Spinach With Broccoli?

Yes! Feel free to substitute or add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for variety.

How long does it take to make Garlic Chicken Spinach With Broccoli?

The entire cooking process takes about 25 minutes from start to finish.

Is there a low-carb option for Garlic Chicken Spinach With Broccoli?

Absolutely! Serve it over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice or pasta for a low-carb meal.

What can I pair with Garlic Chicken Spinach With Broccoli?

This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it on its own for a lighter meal.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Chicken Spinach with Broccoli is not just delicious but also versatile. It allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences while delivering rich flavors. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the creamy goodness packed with nutrients!