Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
I think we’ve all been there. It’s 6 PM, everyone’s hungry, and the thought of cooking something complicated feels like climbing a mountain. You just want something fast, healthy, and genuinely tasty.
That’s where this recipe was born. It came from one of those nights when I stared into my fridge, saw some chicken, a head of broccoli, and a bag of spinach, and decided to make some magic happen. No fancy techniques, no ingredients you can’t pronounce.
This garlic chicken stir-fry has become my go-to lifesaver. It’s a complete meal in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time for you. The combination of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and wilted spinach, all coated in a savory garlic sauce, is just incredible.
We’re going to walk through this step by step. I promise, by the end, you’ll have a new favorite weeknight dinner that feels like a treat but is packed with good stuff. Let’s get cooking.
What You’ll Need
Here is everything you’ll need to gather before you start. Having it all ready to go makes the cooking process so much smoother.
- For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Vegetables:
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets (about 4-5 cups)
- 5 oz fresh spinach (a large handful)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Garlic Sauce:
- 6-8 cloves garlic, minced (don’t be shy!)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Required Tools
You don’t need a professional kitchen for this. Just a few basic tools will do the trick.
- Large Skillet or Wok
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Small Bowl (for the sauce)
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Tongs or a Spatula
Pro Tips for a Perfect Dish
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take this simple dish from good to great. Here are my top tips for you.
1. Don’t Crowd the Pan: When you first cook the chicken, make sure it’s in a single layer with a little space around each piece. If you pile it all in at once, the chicken will steam instead of sear. You won’t get that beautiful golden-brown crust. If your skillet isn’t big enough, cook the chicken in two batches. It’s an extra step that’s worth every second.
2. Master the Broccoli Steam: To get broccoli that is tender but still has a nice bite, we use a simple steam-fry method. After you sauté it for a minute, add a couple of tablespoons of water or broth to the hot pan and cover it with a lid for 2-3 minutes. The steam will cook the broccoli perfectly without making it mushy.
3. Fresh Garlic is a Must: I know the pre-minced garlic in a jar is convenient, but for a recipe where “garlic” is in the name, using fresh cloves makes a world of difference. The flavor is brighter, sharper, and so much more aromatic. The extra two minutes it takes to mince it yourself pays off big time in the final taste.
4. Let the Sauce Thicken: When you add the sauce to the pan, give it a minute to bubble and thicken before you toss everything together. The cornstarch needs that heat to activate and create a glaze that coats every single piece of chicken and vegetable. Don’t rush this part!
How to Make Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
Alright, let’s get down to the actual cooking. Follow these simple steps for a delicious one-pan meal.
Step 1: Prep the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set it aside for later. This ensures the cornstarch is fully dissolved and won’t clump up in the hot pan.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel and season them with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to get bright green and slightly tender. Add 2 tablespoons of water to the pan, cover with a lid, and let it steam for another 2-3 minutes until it reaches your desired tenderness.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Spinach
Push the broccoli to one side of the skillet. Add the minced garlic to the empty side and cook for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Once the garlic smells amazing, add the fresh spinach to the pan. It will look like a lot, but it wilts down quickly. Stir everything together until the spinach is just wilted.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Give your sauce a quick re-whisk (the cornstarch can settle) and pour it all over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together and let the sauce bubble and thicken for 1-2 minutes. Once the sauce has thickened and coated everything beautifully, remove from heat and serve immediately.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is very forgiving. You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have or what you like.
| Ingredient | Substitution Idea | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | Shrimp, Tofu, Chicken Thighs | Adjust cooking times accordingly. |
| Broccoli | Asparagus, Bell Peppers, Snap Peas | Softer veggies need less cook time. |
| Spinach | Kale, Swiss Chard | Kale needs a few extra minutes to soften. |
| Honey | Maple Syrup, Brown Sugar | Keeps the sauce balanced. |
Dietary Swaps & Meal Pairing
Need to fit this into a specific diet? No problem. Here are some simple adjustments and pairing ideas.
For a Gluten-Free Diet: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free.
For a Keto/Low-Carb Diet: Omit the honey and use a keto-friendly sweetener if desired. Serve the dish on its own or with cauliflower rice. Cornstarch has carbs, so you can use a pinch of xanthan gum to thicken the sauce instead, or just let it reduce naturally.
Meal Pairing Suggestions: This dish is fantastic on its own, but it’s also great served over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice, quinoa, or even pasta. The extra grains are perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious garlic sauce.
| Base | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Jasmine Rice | Classic, soaks up sauce well. |
| Quinoa | Adds protein and a nutty flavor. |
| Zucchini Noodles | A great low-carb option. |
Leftovers and Storage
If you happen to have leftovers, they store wonderfully. Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it in short bursts or, for the best texture, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat. You might want to add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to a few common questions you might have.
Q1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Ans: Yes, you can. You don’t need to thaw it first. Add the frozen florets directly to the skillet. You will need to cook them for a few extra minutes to heat through, and you can skip the step of adding water to steam them, as they will release their own water as they cook.
Q2. My sauce is too thin or too thick. How do I fix it?
Ans: If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer for an extra minute or two to reduce and thicken. If it’s still not thick enough, you can mix another 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir that into the sauce. If it’s too thick, simply stir in a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Q3. Can I make this dish spicy?
Ans: Absolutely! The 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes adds a mild warmth. For more heat, feel free to add more flakes, a dash of sriracha, or even some thinly sliced fresh chili peppers along with the garlic.
Wrapping Up
And there you have it—a simple, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. This Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach proves that you don’t need a lot of time or complicated steps to put something amazing on the table.
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity and adaptability. It’s a template for you to make your own.
Now it’s your turn. I’d love to hear how it goes for you! Give this recipe a try and drop a comment below. Did you make any fun substitutions? Do you have any questions? Let’s talk about it!
