Description
Savor comforting Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach. This simple, flavorful dish brings warmth to any table with fresh ingredients and easy steps.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Proteins & Veggies:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- Flavor Foundations:
- 6–8 cloves garlic, minced (or more, if you’re like me!)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Pantry Staples & Thickeners:
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional Extras:
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (for a little kick)
Instructions
- Prep Your Goodies:: First things first, get your chicken ready. Slice those breasts into bite-sized pieces, then pat them super dry with paper towels. This step is a game-changer for getting a nice sear, trust me! Then, chop your broccoli into small florets, mince that glorious garlic, and have your spinach ready to go. I always forget to pat the chicken dry, and then I get all grumpy when it steams instead of browns. Learn from my mistakes, friend!
- Sear the Chicken:: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your chicken in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or it won’t brown nicely! Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until it’s golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This is where I sometimes get impatient and flip too early, losing that beautiful crust. Resist the urge, let it cook!
- Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies:: Add another splash of olive oil to the same skillet if needed. Toss in your minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant – oh, that smell! Then add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re bright green and just starting to soften. I love the smell of garlic toasting; it just fills the kitchen with warmth. Don’t let it burn, though!
- Wilt the Spinach and Make the Sauce:: Now, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. It’ll look like a mountain, but it wilts down incredibly fast! Stir it in until it’s just barely wilted. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the veggies, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for a minute or two until the sauce thickens and gets all glossy. This is where the magic happens, watching that sauce come together!
- Bring It All Together:: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the thickened sauce and veggies. Toss everything gently to coat the chicken and broccoli evenly in that savory, garlicky sauce. If you’re using red pepper flakes, now’s the time to stir them in for a little kick. I always taste here to see if it needs a little more pepper or a touch more soy sauce. Sometimes, I add a tiny bit more garlic powder too, just because!
- Serve and Enjoy Your Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach:: Once everything is coated and heated through, your homestyle Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is ready! Serve it immediately, perhaps over a bed of fluffy rice or with some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. The final result should be vibrant, aromatic, and comforting – a dish that just makes you feel good. I love seeing the bright green of the broccoli against the golden chicken!