EASY GARLIC CHICKEN WITH BROCCOLI AND SPINACH

Imagine sinking your fork into tender, juicy chicken, infused with the pungent aroma of garlic, nestled amongst vibrant green broccoli florets and wilted spinach – all in one pan! This Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach recipe is the answer to your busy weeknight dinner dilemmas, promising a flavorful and nutritious meal on the table in under 30 minutes, guaranteed to become a new family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Broccoli and Spinach:

• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 5 ounces fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Cooked pasta or rice, for serving
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Pine nuts, toasted

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings.
2. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding).
3. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until it is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Cooking the Broccoli and Spinach:

1. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
2. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly tender-crisp. If the broccoli starts to brown too quickly, add a tablespoon of water to the skillet and cover it for a minute or two to steam them.
3. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spinach is wilted.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Combining and Serving:

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the broccoli and spinach. Stir to combine and heat through for another minute or two.
2. Serve the Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach immediately. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
3. Enjoy it as a standalone dish, or serve it over cooked pasta or rice for a more complete meal.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Garlic Chicken

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: When cooking the chicken, work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pan and cause the chicken to steam instead of sear, resulting in less flavorful chicken.
• Adjust the garlic to your liking: If you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to add even more garlic to the recipe! Just be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, broccoli, and spinach will give you the best flavor and texture. If using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the skillet.
• Add a touch of heat: The red pepper flakes add a nice kick to the dish, but you can adjust the amount to your liking or omit them altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Make it creamy: For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking.
• Customize with other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Marinate the chicken: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the garlic and herb mixture for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) before cooking.

Variations to Spice Things Up

• Lemon Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach: Add more lemon juice and zest for a brighter, more citrusy flavor.
• Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach and Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic before adding the broccoli.
• Spicy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach and Cheese: Stir in shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese at the end of cooking for a cheesy, comforting dish.
• Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach with Pasta: Toss the cooked chicken and vegetables with your favorite pasta shape for a complete and satisfying meal. Consider serving it with angel hair pasta for a light and delicious option.

Making It Ahead and Storing

You can easily prepare this Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach ahead of time. Cook the chicken and vegetables separately, then store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and vegetables in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Leftovers can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.

Why This Recipe Works

This Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is a winning combination for several reasons:

• It’s quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
• It’s healthy: Packed with protein, vitamins, and fiber from the chicken, broccoli, and spinach.
• It’s flavorful: The garlic, oregano, and lemon juice create a delicious and aromatic sauce.
• It’s versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.
• It’s family-friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the tender chicken and flavorful vegetables.

If you’re looking for other delicious chicken recipes, be sure to check out these options. For a quick and easy meal, try Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps. Or, for a comforting pasta dish, try Romano Chicken With Lemon Garlic Pasta or Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. If you prefer a hands-off approach, the Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is a great option. And for a more elegant dish, consider Cranberry Spinach Stuffed Chicken Perfect. You might also enjoy Broccoli And Chicken Penne.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Chicken Recipe

So there you have it – a foolproof recipe for Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach that’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but delicious enough to impress guests. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Happy cooking, and I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do!