Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
A quick, nutritious, and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender garlic-infused chicken with fresh broccoli and spinach. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish offers a healthy balance of protein and greens with a vibrant, aromatic touch of garlic and lemon.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cups baby spinach, rinsed and dried
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the garlic finely, cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets, rinse and pat dry the spinach leaves. Trim and slice the chicken into even pieces to ensure quick, uniform cooking.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through, turning occasionally. Season with salt and pepper during cooking for even flavor.
- Cook the Broccoli and Garlic: Push the chicken to one side of the pan and add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in the broccoli and minced garlic. Stir and cook for 3-5 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
- Add Spinach and Broth: Stir in the spinach leaves and pour in the chicken broth. Allow everything to simmer together for 2-3 minutes, letting the spinach wilt and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Finish with Lemon Juice: Turn off the heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish for a lively brightness. Give it a quick toss, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Let chicken sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed to get a nice sear.
- Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor and aroma.
- Add spinach last and cook just until wilted to maintain vibrant color and nutrients.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control saltiness and avoid overpowering the garlic flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: garlic chicken, broccoli, spinach, one-pan meal, healthy dinner, quick recipe, gluten free