Garlic Chicken Spinach With Broccoli

Garlic Chicken Spinach with Broccoli is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy sauce. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want to impress your guests. The combination of garlic and fresh spinach elevates the flavors, making it a family favorite that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavor-Packed: With garlic, Italian seasoning, and creamy sauce, every bite bursts with flavor.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice, pasta, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with chicken and fresh vegetables, it balances taste and health.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family meals or entertaining guests; everyone will love this comforting dish.

Tools and Preparation

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

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or Dutch oven: Allows even cooking and provides ample space for all ingredients.
• Cutting board: A stable surface that keeps your workspace organized while chopping ingredients.
• Chef’s knife: Ensures clean cuts for uniform cooking and makes food prep quicker.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware surfaces.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

For the Vegetables

• 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
• 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. Add the chicken cubes and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning while cooking. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

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

Step 3: Add Broccoli Florets

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

Step 4: Incorporate Fresh Spinach

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally to help it along.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

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

Step 6: Combine Everything

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

Step 7: Add Some Heat (Optional)

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

Step 8: Serve

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

Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 | Calories: Approximately 450

How to Serve Garlic Chicken Spinach With Broccoli

Garlic Chicken Spinach with Broccoli is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or a light option, there are plenty of serving ideas to elevate your dining experience.

Over Rice

• Serve the garlic chicken and veggies over steamed white or brown rice for a wholesome meal that absorbs the creamy sauce.

On Pasta

• Toss the chicken and spinach mixture with your favorite pasta. This adds texture and makes for a comforting dinner option.

With Cauliflower Rice

• For a low-carb alternative, serve over cauliflower rice. It’s light yet filling and pairs well with the creamy sauce.

In a Wrap

• Use tortillas to create wraps filled with garlic chicken, spinach, and broccoli. Add some cheese for extra flavor!

As a Salad Topper

• Use the mixture as a topping for fresh greens. The warm chicken and veggies add delicious contrast to crisp salad leaves.

How to Perfect Garlic Chicken Spinach With Broccoli

Perfecting this dish can bring out the best flavors and textures. Here are some tips to achieve that:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, spinach, and broccoli enhance flavor significantly compared to dried or frozen options.
• Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk while maintaining richness.
• Customize Seasonings: Feel free to adjust Italian seasoning according to your taste. Adding herbs like thyme or basil can enhance the dish.
• Cook Chicken Properly: Ensure chicken is cooked through but not overdone. A juicy piece of chicken makes all the difference!
• Add More Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers or zucchini for added color and nutrition without compromising flavor.
• Garnish Thoughtfully: A sprinkle of fresh herbs or an extra layer of Parmesan cheese can elevate presentation and taste.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Chicken Spinach With Broccoli

To complement your Garlic Chicken Spinach with Broccoli, consider these delightful side dishes that pair perfectly with this flavorful main course:

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic choice! Crunchy garlicky bread provides great texture and absorbs any leftover sauce beautifully.

2. Quinoa Salad
   A light salad made with quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon dressing adds freshness to your meal.

3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
   Sweet potatoes roasted until crispy offer a sweet contrast to the savory flavors of garlic chicken.

4. Steamed Green Beans
   Bright green beans add color and crunch while being simple to prepare. Just steam them until tender!

5. Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort and act as a great base for soaking up extra sauce from the dish.

6. Couscous
   Fluffy couscous cooked in vegetable broth makes an excellent accompaniment, adding another layer of flavor.

7. Sautéed Zucchini
   Lightly sautéed zucchini enhances the dish’s veggie content while remaining quick and easy to prepare.

8. Mixed Veggie Stir-Fry
   A colorful stir-fry featuring bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas brings vibrancy and crunch alongside your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Garlic Chicken Spinach with Broccoli can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final dish.

• Boldly skip seasoning: Failing to adequately season the chicken and vegetables can lead to bland flavors. Always use salt, pepper, and herbs during cooking.
• Boldly overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Cook it just until browned and no longer pink inside, usually about 6-8 minutes.
• Boldly ignore ingredient prep: Not properly chopping or measuring your ingredients can slow you down. Take time to prep everything before starting to cook.
• Boldly rush the cooking process: Cooking on too high heat can burn garlic or overcook vegetables. Use medium heat for a controlled cooking environment.
• Boldly skimp on sauce: Not adding enough cream or broth will make the dish dry. Ensure there’s enough sauce for a creamy texture, enhancing flavor and moisture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Garlic Chicken Spinach With Broccoli

• Use a freezer-safe container or bag.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Garlic Chicken Spinach With Broccoli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Garlic Chicken Spinach with Broccoli.

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

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

How do I make Garlic Chicken Spinach With Broccoli dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, replace heavy cream with coconut milk and omit Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

What is the best way to serve Garlic Chicken Spinach With Broccoli?

This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice for a healthier option. You can also serve it as a main course alongside crusty bread.

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

The total cooking time is approximately 25 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick weeknight meal.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Chicken Spinach with Broccoli is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and allows for customization with various veggies or spices based on your preference. Try this recipe today!