Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach Recipe
Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is a quick and healthy stir-fry featuring tender, juicy chicken cooked with vibrant broccoli and wilted spinach, all coated in a fragrant garlic sauce. The dish is packed with nutritious greens and bursting with savory flavors from the garlic, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights. The garlic sauce ties the ingredients together, balancing the natural sweetness of the vegetables with the savory richness of the chicken. Serve over rice or noodles for a wholesome and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients:
1 lb chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups broccoli florets
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped in half
1 cup spinach
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
4 oz cream cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp salt (or more to taste)
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
Start by slicing the chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat the 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 they are golden and no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and cherry tomatoes. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is vibrant and slightly tender. You may need to add a bit more olive oil if the skillet seems dry.
Add Cream Cheese and Spinach:
Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and coats the vegetables. Add the spinach and stir for another 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
Combine with Chicken:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well to combine with the creamy vegetable mixture. Cook together for another 2 minutes to reheat the chicken and blend the flavors.
Add Mozzarella:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the chicken and vegetable mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid for a minute or two, just until the cheese is melted.
Serve:
Serve hot, ensuring each plate has a generous amount of chicken, vegetables, and melted cheese.
Tips:
Variations: You can easily customize this dish by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
Notes for Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach Recipe
1. Chicken Preparation:
Cutting the Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Slice the chicken into thin, bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
Marination: Marinate the chicken in a little soy sauce, garlic, and cornstarch for about 10-15 minutes. This helps tenderize the meat and infuses it with flavor.
2. Garlic:
Fresh Garlic: Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor. Garlic is the star ingredient, so don’t skimp on it. Sauté the garlic briefly to release its aroma, but avoid burning it as it can turn bitter.
Garlic Quantity: If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to increase the amount for a bolder flavor. Adjust to taste.
3. Vegetables:
Broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli for 2-3 minutes before adding it to the stir-fry to ensure it’s tender-crisp but not overcooked. You can also stir-fry it directly if you like more bite.
Spinach: Add the spinach at the end, as it wilts quickly. Fresh spinach works best, but frozen spinach can be used if drained properly.
Other Veggies (Optional): You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms for extra texture and color.
4. Cooking Tips:
High Heat: Stir-fry the chicken over medium-high to high heat to sear and cook it quickly without drying it out. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan to avoid overcooking while you cook the vegetables.
Layering: Cook the chicken first, set it aside, then stir-fry the garlic and vegetables. Return the chicken to the pan once the veggies are cooked.
5. Sauce:
Simple Garlic Sauce: The sauce is typically a mixture of soy sauce, chicken broth, and a touch of cornstarch to thicken. Add a pinch of sugar or honey for sweetness if desired.
Cornstarch Slurry: Mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water to thicken the sauce at the end of cooking.
Optional Heat: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or chili sauce for a spicy kick.
6. Serving Suggestions:
With Rice or Noodles: Serve over jasmine or brown rice for a complete meal, or toss with noodles for a stir-fry variation.
Garnishes: Top with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added flavor and texture.
7. Storage:
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to rehydrate the sauce.
8. Customization:
Protein Swaps: Try substituting the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef for different protein options.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and increase the broccoli and spinach, or add tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.