How to Make Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach in 30 Minutes

Looking for a quick and delicious dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights? Today, I’m excited to share with you one of my favorite recipes that’s not only healthy but also ready in just 30 minutes—Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach! This dish is a game-changer for anyone who loves flavorful, easy pasta recipes and quick family dinners. It’s packed with protein, veggies, and tons of garlic goodness that will leave your family asking for more. Plus, it’s a 30-minute meal that fits perfectly into your weeknight dinner ideas rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make in just 30 minutes
  • Packed with protein and healthy vegetables
  • Flavorful and aromatic with garlic and lemon
  • Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep
  • Can be served on its own or with rice, pasta, or quinoa

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach recipe:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for this Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach recipe. It’s so easy, you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together!

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mincing the garlic. Rinse and drain the broccoli and spinach. Having all your ingredients ready before you start cooking will make the process much smoother.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C), about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Broccoli

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the broccoli and cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Spinach

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and spinach to the skillet with the broccoli. Cook, stirring frequently, until the spinach wilts and the garlic is fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Step 5: Combine with Chicken

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth or water and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 6: Finish the Dish

Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are a few tips to make this recipe even better:

  • Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture.
  • Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, savory touch.
  • For an extra kick, include the red pepper flakes.
  • Customize the recipe by adding your favorite veggies or serving over rice or pasta.

How to Serve

This Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it on its own as a healthy, low-carb option or serve it over rice, pasta, or quinoa for a heartier meal. It’s also a great addition to meal prep for quick lunches throughout the week.

Make Ahead and Storage

If you’re meal prepping, you can cook the chicken and veggies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.

And there you have it—a quick, delicious, and healthy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other quick and easy dinner ideas like How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken in 20 Minutes and How to Make the Best Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl in 20 Minutes. Happy cooking!

Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach

A delicious and healthy dish featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and wilted spinach in a garlicky sauce, perfect for a quick dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course main
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • 0.5 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a kick
  • 0.25 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the ingredients: Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic. Rinse and drain the broccoli and spinach.
  • Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  • Sauté the broccoli: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the broccoli and cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften.
  • Add the garlic and spinach: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the garlic and spinach to the skillet with the broccoli. Cook, stirring frequently, until the spinach wilts and the garlic is fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  • Combine with chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth or water and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
  • Finish the dish: Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve immediately.

Notes

Serve over rice, pasta, or quinoa for a hearty meal. Adjust the red pepper flakes for desired spice level.
Keyword chicken

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