Description
This Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is a quick, flavorful skillet meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces are seasoned and pan-seared before being combined with sautéed garlic, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach. A creamy blend of cream cheese and melted mozzarella adds richness, creating a comforting dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
Vegetables
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Dairy
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning to ensure the meat is flavorful.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Add broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become slightly tender but still crisp. Then stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes to soften.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and all ingredients are heated through.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in the softened cream cheese until it melts and combines evenly with the other ingredients, creating a creamy sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top and allow it to melt, stirring gently if needed.
- Adjust Seasoning & Serve: Taste the dish and add additional salt or black pepper if needed. Serve the garlic chicken with broccoli and spinach hot for a delicious and hearty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar or Parmesan cheese if preferred.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
- Use fresh spinach rather than frozen for best texture and taste.
- This dish pairs well with a side of rice, quinoa, or crusty bread.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
