A wholesome one-pan dish featuring tender, garlic-seasoned chicken paired with vibrant broccoli and spinach—ready in around 30 minutes—a nutritious weeknight winner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and vibrant flavors. It’s quick, healthy, and low-carb, with garlic and lemon brightening each bite. Ideal for busy schedules, it transforms into a meal prep staple you’ll want to revisit time after time
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ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
1.5 lbs (≈ 3 medium) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen)
3 cups fresh spinach
¼ cup chicken broth or water
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Juice of ½ lemon
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
directions
Prepare the chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken until golden and cooked through (6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Sauté garlic and broccoli: Add remaining oil or butter to the pan. Cook minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in broccoli florets and sauté for about 2 minutes.
Steam the broccoli: Pour in chicken broth (or water), cover, and steam broccoli for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
Add spinach and chicken: Remove lid, add spinach, and cook until wilted (1–2 minutes). Return roasted chicken to the pan and toss together.
Finish dish: Stir in Parmesan (if using) and squeeze lemon juice over top. Season with more salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
Servings and timing
Servings: Yields about 4 servings
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Preparation time: ~10 minutes .
Cooking time: ~20 minutes
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Total time: Around 30 minutes.
Variations
Spicy boost: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño during cooking
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Protein swap: Use chicken thighs, shrimp, turkey, or tofu for variety
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Cheesy option: Stir in mozzarella and cream cheese for a creamy twist
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Veggie substitutions: Replace broccoli or spinach with asparagus, green beans, Brussels sprouts, or mushrooms
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Low-carb serving: Pair with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or enjoy on its own
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storage/reheating
Storage: Let cool, transfer to airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to 3 days
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. Freezing is also possible for up to 2–3 months, but texture may change slightly
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Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to maintain texture. Microwave works too—cover and stir halfway
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FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli or spinach?
Yes—just thaw and drain to prevent excess moisture. Frozen veggies may need extra cooking time .
2. How do I make this spicier?
Add red pepper flakes during cooking or toss in chopped jalapeños to your desired spice level
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3. What other proteins work well?
Chicken thighs, turkey, shrimp, or tofu are excellent alternatives—adjust cooking times accordingly .
4. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes—it’s low in carbs and nutrient-dense, making it suitable for keto diets
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5. How do I prevent overcooked broccoli or spinach?
Steam broccoli until just tender-crisp. Add spinach later to wilt without becoming mushy.
6. Can I prep this ahead?
Absolutely. Prepare chicken and veggies in advance and quickly reheat when ready to serve
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7. What sides pair well with this dish?
Brown rice, quinoa, pasta, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice all complement well .
8. How do I add creaminess without cheese?
A splash of cream, coconut milk, or Greek yogurt at the end can impart creaminess.
9. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, transfer cooled food to freezer-safe containers and freeze up to 2–3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating .
10. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes—bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, asparagus, or green beans all work beautifully .
Conclusion
This garlic chicken with broccoli and spinach is a flavorful, healthy, and versatile meal that comes together effortlessly. It suits busy weeknights, meal prep plans, and various dietary needs—while remaining customizable to your tastes. Enjoy!
[tasty-recipe id=”19736″]