One-Pan Garlic Chicken Dinner

This garlic chicken with broccoli and spinach has become my go-to weeknight dinner solution when I need something nutritious and delicious on the table quickly. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and vibrant vegetables creates a satisfying one-pan meal that leaves everyone feeling nourished without hours in the kitchen.

I first created this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed to clean out my refrigerator. What started as a simple kitchen cleanup turned into a family favorite that my children now request weekly. The bright colors and garlicky aroma always bring everyone to the table without complaint.

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts: About 1 lb. Choose plump pieces with even thickness for consistent cooking
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Extra virgin adds more flavor but regular olive oil works perfectly too
• 4 cloves garlic minced: Fresh is absolutely essential here as it forms the flavor foundation
• 2 cups broccoli florets: Look for deep green heads with tight florets for maximum nutrition
• 3 cups fresh spinach leaves: Baby spinach offers a milder flavor if you have picky eaters
• 1/2 tsp salt: Adjust to taste. I prefer kosher salt for better flavor distribution
• 1/4 tsp black pepper: Freshly ground provides more aromatic qualities
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes: Optional for heat. Adds a pleasant warmth without overwhelming
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water: Homemade broth elevates the flavor significantly
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice: The acidity brightens all the flavors and ties everything together
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Optional for garnish. Use freshly grated for best melting quality

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients:

Cut chicken breasts into uniform bite sized pieces about 1 inch to ensure even cooking. Mince garlic finely and set aside for maximum flavor distribution. Wash broccoli thoroughly and cut into florets approximately the same size as your chicken pieces. Rinse spinach and pat dry with paper towels if particularly wet.

Cook the Chicken:

Heat your largest skillet over medium high heat until it feels hot when you hold your hand a few inches above the surface. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and swirl to coat the pan evenly. Add chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding to ensure proper browning. Season with salt and pepper directly in the pan. Cook undisturbed for 3 minutes before stirring to develop golden color. Continue cooking until no pink remains and internal temperature reaches 165°F which usually takes another 3 to 5 minutes. Remove chicken to a clean plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Sauté the Broccoli:

Return the same skillet to the heat preserving all the flavorful chicken bits on the bottom. Add your remaining tablespoon of olive oil and immediately add broccoli florets. Stir to coat in oil and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the broccoli turns bright green and begins to soften slightly but still maintains a pleasant crunch. You should be able to pierce with a fork but feel resistance.

Add the Garlic and Spinach:

Reduce your heat to medium to prevent garlic from burning. Add minced garlic to the pan with the broccoli and stir continuously for 30 seconds until fragrant. Immediately add all the spinach which will look like an enormous amount but will wilt down significantly. Use tongs to gently turn and incorporate the spinach as it wilts into the broccoli and garlic mixture. This typically takes about 2 minutes.

Combine with Chicken:

Once spinach has wilted return the cooked chicken to the skillet including any accumulated juices from the plate. Pour in the chicken broth or water which will sizzle and help deglaze the pan incorporating all the flavorful bits from the bottom. Gently stir everything together and allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes which helps the flavors meld and ensures everything is heated through completely.

Finish the Dish:

Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle fresh lemon juice over everything which will brighten all the flavors. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using allowing the residual heat to melt it slightly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Give everything a final gentle toss to incorporate all ingredients evenly.

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The secret to this dish is definitely the garlic. I remember once trying to rush and using pre minced garlic from a jar which completely changed the flavor profile. Taking those extra two minutes to mince fresh garlic cloves creates an aromatic base that transforms this simple dish into something truly crave worthy. My daughter now refers to this as our special green chicken and always helps me mince the garlic albeit with close supervision.

Common Queries

→ Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute frozen broccoli and spinach. For the broccoli, add it directly to the pan but allow 1-2 extra minutes of cooking time. For the spinach, thaw and drain excess water before adding to avoid making the dish too watery.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

To increase the heat level, double the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, or include 1 finely diced jalapeño when sautéing the garlic. You could also finish the dish with a drizzle of chili oil or hot sauce.

→ What's the best way to store leftovers?

Allow the dish to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. The flavors often develop nicely overnight.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and often result in more tender meat. Cut them into similar bite-sized pieces and cook as directed, though they may need 1-2 additional minutes to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

This makes an excellent meal prep option. You can prepare it on Sunday and portion it into containers with rice or quinoa for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors meld nicely over time, though the vegetables will soften slightly upon reheating.

→ How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Simply omit the Parmesan cheese garnish or substitute it with nutritional yeast for a similar savory flavor. The dish is otherwise naturally dairy-free and still delicious without cheese.