Golden Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach Recipe
Succulent chicken breasts dance with vibrant greens in this garlic chicken with broccoli and spinach recipe that promises a burst of flavor.
Tender pieces of meat mingle with crisp vegetables, creating a nutritious and delightful meal.
The robust garlic infuses every bite with aromatic warmth and depth.
Simple ingredients come together in a harmonious blend that satisfies hunger and delights the palate.
Fresh broccoli and spinach add vibrant color and essential nutrients to the dish.
Home cooks will love how quickly this meal comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Savor every forkful of this wholesome and delicious culinary creation that brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table.
Standout Flavors in Garlic Chicken with Veggies
What Goes into Garlic Chicken with Spinach
Main Protein:Seasonings:Vegetables:Dairy Components:Cooking Ingredients:Garnish:Steps to Make Garlic Chicken with Broccoli
Step 1: Slice Chicken Chunks
Grab chicken breasts and slice them into uniform bite-sized pieces.
Making each piece similar in size ensures consistent cooking throughout the dish.
Step 2: Heat and Sear Chicken
Pour olive oil into a large skillet over medium heat.
When the oil starts to shimmer, add chicken pieces.
Cook while stirring occasionally until the meat turns golden and loses its pink color, approximately 5 minutes.
Step 3: Enhance with Seasonings
Sprinkle the chicken with:Stir thoroughly to coat each chicken piece evenly with the flavorful seasonings.
Step 4: Awaken Garlic Flavors
Introduce minced garlic to the skillet and cook alongside chicken for about one minute.
Watch carefully to prevent burning and allow the garlic to release its aromatic essence.
Step 5: Incorporate Colorful Vegetables
Add to the skillet:Let vegetables cook with chicken for roughly 5 minutes until broccoli becomes tender and tomatoes soften.
Step 6: Create Creamy Cheese Blend
Introduce to the skillet:Stir continuously until cheese melts completely, creating a smooth, rich sauce that coats chicken and vegetables.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove skillet from heat.
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a vibrant finish.
Serve hot and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
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FAQs
Yes, this garlic chicken recipe is naturally low-carb, packed with protein from chicken and nutrition from vegetables like broccoli and spinach. It’s perfect for those following ketogenic or low-carbohydrate diets.
Absolutely! While mozzarella and cream cheese work wonderfully, you can substitute with cheddar, gouda, or parmesan for different flavor profiles. Just ensure the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.
To boost protein, consider adding extra chicken, incorporating grilled tofu, or sprinkling some additional cheese. You could also include nuts like almonds or pine nuts for added protein and crunch.
For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese, reduce the amount of cheese, choose skinless chicken breast, and use a minimal amount of olive oil when cooking. This helps maintain flavor while cutting down on calories.
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Garlic Chicken With Broccoli And Spinach Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Succulent garlic chicken dances with crisp broccoli and tender spinach in this quick Mediterranean-inspired dinner. Packed with protein and green goodness, you’ll savor each flavorful bite of this easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Main Protein:
- 1 lb (0.45 kg) chicken breasts
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped in half
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cooking and Dairy Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized chunks to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent uneven texture.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature (375°F). Add chicken pieces and cook approximately 5-6 minutes, stirring intermittently until meat turns opaque and loses pink coloration.
- Generously season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Thoroughly mix to distribute spices evenly across meat surfaces.
- Introduce minced garlic into skillet, sautéing for 45-60 seconds until aromatic without burning. Stir continuously to prevent scorching.
- Incorporate broccoli florets and halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, allowing vegetables to soften and develop slight caramelization while maintaining crisp texture.
- Gently fold spinach, mozzarella, and cream cheese into skillet. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts completely, creating a smooth, creamy coating over chicken and vegetables.
- Remove skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, providing a vibrant herbal note and visual appeal. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and glossy.
Notes
- Ensure chicken pieces are uniformly cut to guarantee even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
- Monitor garlic closely during sautéing to avoid burning, which can create a bitter taste and ruin the dish’s delicate flavor profile.
- Consider low-carb adaptations by replacing cherry tomatoes with bell peppers and serving over cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Clara Thompson
Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation
Education
Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.
Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media
Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.
Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.