GARLIC CHICKEN WITH BROCCOLI AND SPINACH EASY

The aroma of sizzling garlic mingling with tender chicken and vibrant greens – that’s the promise of this dish. Imagine biting into juicy, flavorful chicken, perfectly complemented by crisp-tender broccoli and wilted spinach, all coated in a luscious garlic sauce. This Garlic Chicken With Broccoli And Spinach is about to become your new go-to weeknight meal, offering both satisfaction and a nutritional boost.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Vegetables:

• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 5 oz fresh spinach
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), cornstarch (or arrowroot powder), and honey (or maple syrup). Set aside. This is your sauce!
2. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
3. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Pour the sauce over the chicken and bring to a simmer. Cook until the sauce has thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Cooking the Vegetables:

1. In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until they are crisp-tender. You might need to add a tablespoon or two of water to the skillet and cover it to help the broccoli steam. This ensures they cook evenly.
3. Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until it has wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste.

Combining Everything:

1. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the broccoli and spinach.
2. Toss everything together until the chicken and vegetables are well coated in the sauce.
3. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

Why This Recipe Works: The Magic Behind the Flavor

This Garlic Chicken With Broccoli And Spinach isn’t just another throw-it-together meal; it’s a carefully crafted combination of flavors and textures. The garlic, of course, is the star, providing a pungent and savory base. The touch of honey (or maple syrup) balances the garlic with a hint of sweetness, while the soy sauce (or coconut aminos) adds umami depth. The cornstarch (or arrowroot powder) thickens the sauce to a perfect consistency, coating every piece of chicken and vegetable in a delicious glaze. This is a fantastic Easy Lower Carb Dinner if you are looking to cut back on carbs without sacrificing flavor.

Making it Your Own: Variations and Substitutions

Don’t be afraid to experiment! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
• Add other vegetables: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas would all be delicious additions.
• Use different protein: Shrimp or tofu would work well in place of chicken.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.
• Serve it over rice or noodles: If you’re not worried about keeping it low-carb, serve this dish over brown rice, quinoa, or noodles for a more substantial meal. Consider serving it over linguine similar to Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With Your Garlic Chicken

While this Garlic Chicken With Broccoli And Spinach is delicious on its own, it’s even better when paired with the right side dishes. If you’re keeping it low-carb, cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles are excellent choices. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette would also be a refreshing complement. And if you’re not watching your carbs, steamed rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes are all great options. If you’re looking for other Simple Dinner Recipes Healthy Chicken, consider checking out my Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry for a similar quick and easy meal. Or, for something baked, you might like the Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake or the Chicken Broccoli Orzo Bake.

Tips and Tricks for Garlic Chicken Success

• Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s cooked through, and then remove it from the skillet. It will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
• Don’t burn the garlic: Burnt garlic is bitter and will ruin the flavor of the dish. Keep a close eye on it and remove it from the heat if it starts to brown too quickly.
• Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic has a much stronger and more complex flavor than jarred garlic. If possible, use fresh garlic for the best results.
• Adjust the sauce to your liking: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey (or maple syrup). If you prefer a saltier sauce, add more soy sauce (or coconut aminos).
• Make it ahead of time: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors will actually meld together even more as it sits. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Health Benefits: A Guilt-Free Delight

This Garlic Chicken With Broccoli And Spinach is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Chicken is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues. Broccoli is rich in vitamins C and K, as well as fiber. And spinach is loaded with vitamins A and iron. This dish is a great way to get your daily dose of Healthy Dinner Ideas With Vegetables! Plus, it’s naturally low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-carb diet.

Other Great Chicken Recipes

If you loved this recipe, why not try my Parmesan Chicken With Garlic Sauce for another quick and easy win? This Garlic Chicken With Broccoli And Spinach recipe is a winner because it’s fast, flavorful, and good for you. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and healthy meal on the table in under 30 minutes. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a dish that will become a staple in your kitchen!