Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
This Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is a quick, creamy, and flavorful 20-minute dinner that’s packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and plenty of garlicky flavor. Finished with melted mozzarella and creamy cheese, it’s an easy skillet meal that feels comforting without requiring a lot of time in the kitchen.
The chicken is cooked until tender and seasoned with Italian herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper. Fresh broccoli and tomatoes add color and texture, while spinach wilts beautifully into the creamy cheese sauce. Everything comes together in one skillet for a simple dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
If you’re looking for a quick chicken dinner, low-carb skillet meal, easy vegetable-packed recipe, or creamy garlic chicken recipe, this one is definitely worth adding to your weekly rotation.
Why Everyone Loves Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
- Ready in 20 minutes: This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you need dinner on the table quickly.
- Packed with vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, and cherry tomatoes add color, flavor, and texture.
- Creamy and cheesy: Cream cheese and mozzarella create a rich, satisfying finish.
- One-skillet recipe: Everything comes together in one pan for easy cooking and cleanup.
- Full of garlic flavor: Four cloves of garlic give the chicken and vegetables a delicious savory aroma.
- Low-carb friendly: With approximately 8 grams of total carbohydrates per serving, it’s a satisfying option for a lower-carb meal.
Ingredients Overview
- Chicken breasts – Provide lean protein and become tender and flavorful when cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Olive oil – Helps cook the chicken and adds richness to the skillet.
- Fresh garlic – Gives the entire dish its signature bold, savory flavor.
- Broccoli florets – Add a delicious tender-crisp texture and make the dish more substantial.
- Cherry tomatoes – Add natural sweetness, freshness, and beautiful pops of color.
- Spinach – Wilts quickly into the skillet and adds freshness and vibrant green color.
- Mozzarella cheese – Melts into the dish and creates a deliciously cheesy finish.
- Cream cheese – Makes the sauce creamy, smooth, and rich.
- Italian seasoning – Adds a blend of herbs that complements the chicken and vegetables.
- Black pepper and salt – Enhance the flavors of the chicken, vegetables, and creamy cheese sauce.
- Fresh parsley – Optional, but makes a bright and flavorful garnish.
Variations
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken – Replace some of the mozzarella with grated Parmesan for a stronger savory flavor.
- Spicy Garlic Chicken – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Mushroom Garlic Chicken – Add sliced mushrooms along with the broccoli for extra earthy flavor.
- Chicken and Zucchini Skillet – Add sliced zucchini for another delicious low-carb vegetable.
- Cheesy Broccoli Chicken – Increase the mozzarella for an extra-gooey and cheesy skillet dinner.
- Lemon Garlic Chicken – Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten the creamy sauce.
How to Make Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
1. Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces of approximately equal size.
Keeping the pieces similar in size helps them cook evenly and prevents smaller pieces from becoming dry while larger pieces finish cooking.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped chicken and cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.
Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, making sure the pieces are evenly coated.
3. Add the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the skillet.
Cook for approximately 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Be careful not to let the garlic burn. Cooking it briefly releases its aroma and adds a delicious savory flavor to the chicken.
4. Add the Broccoli and Tomatoes
Add the chopped cherry tomatoes and broccoli florets to the skillet.
Cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli becomes tender while retaining a little bite.
The tomatoes will soften slightly and release some of their juices, helping create a flavorful base for the creamy ingredients.
5. Add the Spinach and Cheese
Add the fresh spinach, shredded mozzarella, and cream cheese to the skillet.
Stir everything together until the spinach wilts and the cheeses begin to melt.
Continue cooking for approximately 2 minutes, stirring gently until the ingredients are well combined and creamy.
6. Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Taste and adjust the salt and black pepper if needed.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve the Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach immediately while the chicken is tender and the cheese sauce is warm and creamy.
Pro Tips and Cooking Secrets
Cut the chicken evenly. Bite-sized pieces of similar size cook more evenly and help keep the chicken juicy.
Don’t burn the garlic. Garlic only needs about a minute to become fragrant. Burnt garlic can make the entire dish taste bitter.
Don’t overcook the broccoli. Cook it until tender but still slightly crisp so it keeps its texture and bright color.
Add the cheese at the end. Adding the cream cheese and mozzarella after the vegetables have cooked allows them to melt smoothly without becoming overly thick or sticking to the skillet.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over cauliflower rice for a simple low-carb meal.
- Pair with brown rice, white rice, or quinoa if you’re looking for a heartier dinner.
- Serve alongside crusty garlic bread to soak up the creamy cheese sauce.
- Add a simple green salad with a light dressing for a fresh contrast.
How to Store Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Store the dish in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When reheating, warm it gently in a skillet over low to medium heat. Add a small splash of water or chicken broth if the creamy sauce has thickened too much.
Avoid overheating, as this can cause the chicken to become dry and the cheese sauce to separate.
Can You Freeze Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach?
Freezing is not recommended for the best texture because cream cheese and mozzarella can change consistency after freezing and thawing.
For the best results, prepare the recipe fresh or store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can save time by cutting the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and storing them separately in the refrigerator.
You can also mince the garlic and measure the seasonings in advance.
When you’re ready to cook, everything can come together quickly in the skillet for an easy 20-minute dinner.
Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work very well and tend to be especially juicy. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook until fully done.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Frozen broccoli can be used, although it may release more moisture during cooking. Cook until heated through and tender before adding the creamy ingredients.
Can I use another cheese?
Absolutely. Parmesan, Monterey Jack, cheddar, or provolone can be used in place of some or all of the mozzarella.
Can I make this recipe without cream cheese?
Yes. You can substitute heavy cream, sour cream, or additional shredded cheese, although the final texture will be slightly different.
How can I make the chicken more flavorful?
Season the chicken generously with Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper. You can also add paprika, onion powder, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.
Is Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach low carb?
Yes. Based on the provided nutrition information, each serving contains approximately 8 grams of total carbohydrates and 6 grams of net carbohydrates.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely. Mushrooms, zucchini, asparagus, bell peppers, or cauliflower can all work well in this skillet recipe.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes. Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a little hot sauce to the chicken while cooking.
Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach
Equipment
- large skillet
- knife
- cutting board
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, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt, or more to taste
Instructions
- Begin by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces of approximately equal size.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped chicken breasts and cook for about 5 minutes until they are fully cooked.
- Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, ensuring they are well coated.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Incorporate the chopped tomatoes and broccoli into the skillet and cook for approximately 5 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Next, add the spinach, shredded cheese, and cream cheese.
- Stir well to combine all the ingredients and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes until the cheeses are melted and everything is well blended.
- Remove from the heat, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and enjoy.
