Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is a quick, one-pan dish packed with bold flavors and creamy, cheesy goodness. Tender chicken bites are sautéed with garlic, vibrant broccoli, and fresh spinach, then enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. This nutritious, low-carb meal comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder – Easy clean-up with everything cooked in a single skillet.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes for a fast and satisfying meal.
- Healthy & Nutritious – Loaded with protein and fiber while staying low-carb and keto-friendly.
- Creamy & Cheesy – A luscious sauce made with cream cheese and melted mozzarella.
- Versatile – Can be customized with different veggies or protein options.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add broccoli and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in the softened cream cheese until fully melted and combined. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top and let it melt.
- Adjust Seasoning & Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Dairy-Free Option – Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and omit mozzarella.
- Protein Swap – Try shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different twist.
- Extra Veggies – Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for more nutrients.
- Creamier Sauce – Mix in a splash of heavy cream for an even richer texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts until warm. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, but thaw and drain it first to prevent excess water in the dish.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the ingredients ahead, then cook everything fresh for the best texture.
3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add extra juiciness.
4. How do I prevent the cream cheese from clumping?
Make sure the cream cheese is softened before adding it to the skillet, and stir continuously as it melts.
5. What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with cauliflower rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad.
6. How do I thicken the sauce?
Let the dish simmer for a few extra minutes or add more cream cheese for a thicker sauce.
7. Can I make this dish keto-friendly?
Yes! This recipe is already keto-friendly, but you can skip the cherry tomatoes to reduce carbs further.
8. Can I add Parmesan cheese?
Definitely! A sprinkle of Parmesan adds extra flavor and richness.
9. Can I use canned spinach instead of fresh?
Fresh spinach is best, but drained canned spinach can work in a pinch.
10. How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based version.
Conclusion
Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious one-pan meal that’s packed with protein and veggies. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and tender chicken, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, healthy meal in just 20 minutes!
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Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is a quick, one-pan meal packed with juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this low-carb, keto-friendly dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Healthy, delicious, and easy to customize!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle chicken with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet. Cook garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add broccoli and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Return the chicken to the skillet. Add spinach and cook until wilted (1-2 minutes).
- Make It Creamy: Stir in softened cream cheese until melted and combined. Sprinkle mozzarella on top and let it melt.
- Adjust Seasoning & Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and omit mozzarella.
- Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp or tofu for the chicken.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Creamier Sauce: Stir in a splash of heavy cream for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, One-Pan Meal
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Healthy
