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
Scale
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