Garlic Chicken with Broccoli & Spinach

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 3 cups fresh spinach - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 tablespoon lemon juice The main ingredients in this dish all work together to create a balanced meal. The chicken gives protein, while broccoli and spinach add healthy greens. Garlic brings a strong flavor that ties everything together. Olive oil helps to cook the chicken and adds richness. The spices bring depth to the dish. - Grated Parmesan cheese - Lemon zest Garnishes can elevate your dish. Grated Parmesan adds a salty, creamy touch. Lemon zest adds a fresh, bright note that makes the dish pop. You can mix and match these garnishes to find what you like best! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to season the chicken pieces. In a large bowl, combine the chicken with smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat each piece evenly. This seasoning gives the chicken great flavor. Next, let's sauté the garlic. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds. You will know it's ready when it smells fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Now it’s time to brown the chicken in the skillet. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet with the garlic. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the chicken to be golden brown and fully cooked. Check that it’s no longer pink inside. While the chicken cooks, prepare the broccoli. Once the chicken is browned, add the fresh broccoli florets to the skillet. Pour in half a cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Cover the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes. This allows the broccoli to steam and become tender but still bright green. After the broccoli is cooked, it's time to add the spinach. Uncover the skillet and mix in the fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts down. This will take just a minute or two. Now, let’s add some lemon juice. Squeeze one tablespoon of lemon juice over the chicken and veggies. This will brighten the dish with a fresh taste. Mix everything well to combine the flavors. Finally, adjust the seasoning. Taste the dish and add more salt or pepper if you think it needs it. You want to make sure every bite is tasty! Serve your garlic chicken hot, and if you like, garnish it with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your meal! To ensure even cooking for the chicken, cut the pieces into uniform sizes. This helps them cook at the same rate. When you sauté the chicken, stir it often. This keeps it from sticking and helps it brown nicely. For steaming broccoli, add it after the chicken is cooked. Pour in the chicken broth, then cover the skillet. This traps steam and cooks the broccoli quickly. Cook until it is tender but still bright green. You want it crunchy, not mushy. To boost the flavor, I recommend adding fresh herbs. Basil or thyme can add a nice touch. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a little heat. When serving, pair this dish with whole grain rice or quinoa. These sides complement the meal well and add texture. You can also add a simple salad for a fresh crunch. Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: Consider marinating the chicken in the olive oil, garlic, and spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it more flavorful. Perfectly Cooked Broccoli: To keep the broccoli bright green and crisp, avoid overcooking it. A quick steam of about 5 minutes is ideal. Fresh Spinach Addition: Add the spinach at the end of cooking to maintain its vibrant color and nutrients. It wilts quickly, so just a minute or two is sufficient. Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese not only adds flavor but also enhances the dish's presentation. Consider adding some lemon zest on top for an extra pop of color and flavor. {{image_2}} You can change up the veggies to keep it fresh. Try adding bell peppers, carrots, or green beans. These add color and crunch. You can also use snap peas for a sweet bite. If you want a plant-based option, swap chicken for tofu or shrimp. Tofu absorbs the flavors well and gives a nice texture. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a seafood twist. Both options work great in this dish. For an oven-baked version, preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the seasoned chicken, garlic, and veggies in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and pour in chicken broth. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil, add lemon juice, and bake for another 10 minutes for a tasty finish. For the slow cooker, combine all the ingredients in the pot. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. This method makes the chicken super tender and allows the flavors to blend nicely. To keep your garlic chicken with broccoli and spinach fresh, follow these steps: - In the refrigerator: Place leftovers in an airtight container. They stay good for 3 to 4 days. Make sure to cool the dish before sealing it to avoid steam buildup. - Freezing guidelines: You can freeze the leftovers. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheating your meal properly helps maintain its great taste and texture. Here are some methods: - Best methods for reheating: Use a skillet over medium heat for even warming. Stir occasionally to heat all parts. You can also use a microwave on medium power, but cover it with a lid to keep moisture in. - Maintaining flavor and texture: Add a splash of chicken broth or a drizzle of olive oil when reheating. This helps keep the dish moist and flavorful. How long does it take to cook chicken? It takes about 5 to 7 minutes to cook chicken in a skillet. Make sure the chicken is browned and cooked all the way through. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Can I use frozen broccoli and spinach? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli and spinach. They may release some water, so adjust the chicken broth to avoid a watery dish. Cook them until heated through, then follow the rest of the steps. Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. It uses fresh ingredients and low-sodium chicken broth. Always check your broth label to ensure it contains no gluten. How can I make it low-carb? To make this dish low-carb, skip the optional Parmesan cheese. You can also reduce the amount of chicken broth. Serve it without rice or quinoa for a great low-carb meal. This recipe uses simple, healthy ingredients like chicken, fresh veggies, and olive oil. You learned how to prepare, cook, and store the meal effectively. Remember, you can customize it with herbs or different proteins. Enjoy your cooking journey as you try variations and tweak the recipe to fit your taste. These delicious meals can easily fit into your busy day while keeping nutrition in mind. Your kitchen can be a place of creativity and health!$

Garlic Chicken with Broccoli & Spinach

A delicious and healthy dish featuring chicken, broccoli, and spinach, enhanced with garlic and spices.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt and pepper
4 cups fresh broccoli florets
3 cups fresh spinach
0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
optional Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

In a large bowl, season the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Use a spatula to occasionally stir and ensure even cooking.
Once the chicken is cooked, add the broccoli florets to the skillet, followed by the chicken broth. Cover the skillet and cook for approximately 5 minutes, allowing the broccoli to steam until tender but still vibrant green.
Uncover the skillet and add the fresh spinach, stirring until wilted. Pour in the lemon juice for an added zest and mix everything well.
Cook for an additional 2 minutes to combine the flavors, then adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Serve with a side of whole grain rice or quinoa for a well-rounded meal.

Keyword broccoli, chicken, garlic, healthy, spinach