Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach Recipe

Imagine the irresistible aroma of sizzling garlic chicken with broccoli and spinach filling your kitchen as tender chicken pieces cook to perfection alongside vibrant green vegetables. This nutrient-packed one-pan wonder combines lean protein with vitamin-rich greens in a savory garlic sauce that coats every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep staple, this versatile dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. You’ll learn how to perfectly cook chicken alongside broccoli and spinach for a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This garlic chicken with broccoli and spinach recipe will quickly become a household favorite for multiple reasons. First, it’s incredibly wholesome—combining lean protein with two powerhouse vegetables for a balanced meal that satisfies without weighing you down. The textural contrast between the tender, juicy chicken pieces, the slight crunch of perfectly cooked broccoli, and the silky wilted spinach creates an exciting mouthfeel with every bite.

The real magic happens with the garlic-infused sauce that brings everything together—rich enough to feel indulgent but light enough to let the natural flavors shine through. And unlike many restaurant versions, you control the ingredients, allowing you to adjust seasonings and reduce sodium without sacrificing flavor.

Perhaps best of all, this is truly a one-pan meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The versatility of this chicken and greens combination means it works equally well on its own or served over rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice.

Ingredients

For this flavorful garlic chicken with broccoli and spinach, you’ll need:

• 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 tablespoons (60ml) olive oil, divided
• 6 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 4 cups (280g) broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 6 cups (180g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• ¾ cup (180ml) chicken broth, low-sodium preferred
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

The chicken provides lean protein while the broccoli adds fiber and crunch. Fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the sauce, and the combination of garlic, soy sauce, and lemon creates a deeply satisfying flavor profile that elevates this simple dish.

Pro Tips

Season and Rest the Chicken: For the juiciest garlic chicken with broccoli and spinach, season your chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper at least 15 minutes before cooking. This allows the seasoning to penetrate and helps the chicken retain moisture during cooking. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels before adding to the hot pan for better browning.

Master the Vegetable Timing: The key to perfect texture in this dish is adding the vegetables in the right order. Broccoli needs more cooking time than spinach, which wilts almost instantly. Add broccoli first and cook until it’s bright green but still has some bite (about 3-4 minutes), then add the spinach during the final minute of cooking. This prevents the dreaded mushy broccoli while ensuring the spinach is properly wilted.

Create a Slurry for Silky Sauce: Rather than adding cornstarch directly to your pan (which can create lumps), mix it with a small amount of cold chicken broth to create a slurry before adding it to the hot pan. This technique ensures a perfectly smooth, glossy sauce that coats every piece of chicken and vegetable. For an even richer flavor, let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes after adding the slurry to cook out the raw cornstarch taste.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures your garlic chicken with broccoli and spinach develops a beautiful sear. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, and cornstarch until smooth, then set aside. Having this mixture ready allows you to thicken the sauce at exactly the right moment.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary). Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on the bottom, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until almost cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the same pan. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until wonderfully fragrant but not browned. The garlic should sizzle gently and release its aromatic oils without burning.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
Add the broccoli florets to the pan along with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover the pan and steam for about 2 minutes until the broccoli turns bright green. Remove the lid and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the broccoli is crisp-tender. Now add the chopped spinach in batches, stirring as it wilts to make room for more, until all spinach is incorporated.

Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan. Give your cornstarch-broth mixture a quick stir to recombine, then pour it into the pan. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is completely cooked through. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice, which brightens all the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then garnish with chopped parsley before serving your beautiful garlic chicken with broccoli and spinach.

Variations

Creamy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach: Transform this dish into a richer version by adding ¼ cup of heavy cream or coconut milk (for a dairy-free option) during the final minute of cooking. The creamy sauce wonderfully complements the garlic chicken and greens, creating a more indulgent experience while still maintaining the nutritional benefits of the vegetables. For extra depth, sprinkle with ¼ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.

Spicy Asian-Inspired Version: Give this versatile chicken and vegetable recipe an Eastern twist by replacing the Italian seasoning with 1 tablespoon of grated ginger and adding 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to the sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions instead of parsley. This variation creates a sweet-spicy flavor profile that works beautifully with the garlic-infused broccoli and chicken.

Mediterranean Lemon Herb Chicken: Enhance the Mediterranean flavors by adding ½ cup of halved cherry tomatoes and ¼ cup of kalamata olives along with the spinach. Increase the lemon juice to 3 tablespoons and add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. This bright, tangy variation of the garlic chicken with broccoli and spinach pairs wonderfully with a side of couscous or warm pita bread.

Storage and Serving

This garlic chicken with broccoli and spinach stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Once cooled completely, store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop overnight, making leftovers particularly delicious. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months—though note that the broccoli texture may soften slightly upon thawing and reheating.

For serving, this versatile dish works wonderfully over a bed of steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the delicious garlic sauce. For a lower-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. The protein-vegetable combination also pairs perfectly with quinoa for an extra protein boost.

For a complete meal experience, serve with a side of crusty garlic bread to mop up the savory sauce, or alongside a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to complement the bright flavors in the dish. For entertaining, transfer to a large serving platter and garnish with additional fresh herbs and lemon wedges for an impressive presentation.

FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables for this garlic chicken recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli and spinach in this garlic chicken with broccoli and spinach recipe. For frozen broccoli, add it directly to the pan without thawing but extend the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. For frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.

How can I make this recipe more kid-friendly?
To appeal to younger palates, reduce the garlic to 3-4 cloves and omit the red pepper flakes. You can also cut the broccoli into smaller pieces and consider adding a tablespoon of honey to the sauce for a touch of sweetness that kids often enjoy.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs make an excellent substitution and often result in juicier chicken. Cut them into similar-sized pieces and follow the same cooking instructions, though they may require an extra minute of cooking time.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
This dish is perfect for meal prep. It reheats well and maintains its flavors for several days in the refrigerator. For best results when reheating, add a splash of water or broth and heat gently to prevent the chicken from drying out.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. All other ingredients in the standard recipe for garlic chicken with broccoli and spinach are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation.

Conclusion

This garlic chicken with broccoli and spinach is comfort food at its finest — nourishing, satisfying, and bursting with fresh flavors that make you feel good from the inside out. It’s the kind of dish that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week ahead, or simply wanting a balanced one-pan meal that delivers on both nutrition and taste, this recipe delivers every time. The combination of tender chicken, nutrient-rich vegetables, and that irresistible garlic sauce creates a meal that’s greater than the sum of its parts — simple ingredients transformed into something truly special.

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