Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach Recipe

If you’re looking for a speedy weeknight dinner that seriously delivers on flavor, this Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach will win you over fast. It’s a creamy skillet meal that brings together juicy chicken, vibrant greens, and the savory pop of garlic—plus gooey cheese—into a dish that tastes like comfort and freshness all at once.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless to Make: Everything cooks up in just one skillet for maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
  • Creamy & Cheesy: The melty mozzarella and cream cheese blend into a luscious sauce that clings to every bite.
  • Packed with Veggies: Broccoli, spinach, and tomatoes add both color and nutrition—making this feel-good comfort food.
  • Customizable for Every Table: It’s easy to adjust the ingredients, so you can make Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach your own every time.
Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are a handful of fresh ingredients to build bold flavor in this dish. Each one plays a special role in making Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach taste so irresistible—don’t skip the little touches, they make a big difference!

  • Chicken breasts: Lean and mild, chicken is the perfect canvas for all the garlicky, creamy flavors to shine.
  • Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the chicken brown beautifully for those tasty little bits on the skillet.
  • Minced garlic: Bold and aromatic, it’s the backbone of the dish—don’t be shy, real flavor lives here!
  • Broccoli florets: They hold their bite and deliver a lovely green crunch, plus a burst of vitamin C.
  • Cherry tomatoes: These bring a touch of sweetness and color, balancing the savory depth of the sauce.
  • Spinach: Wilts down into the creamy sauce for a silky feel and a boost of greens in every scoop.
  • Mozzarella cheese: Shredded and melty, it creates gorgeous cheese pulls and makes the sauce ultra-creamy.
  • Cream cheese: Makes the sauce irresistibly silky and tangy—just the right texture for coating every ingredient.
  • Italian seasoning: A classic blend that infuses the whole skillet with herby depth.
  • Black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and a boost of flavor—freshly cracked makes it pop.
  • Salt: Seasons the meal, pulling all the flavors together—taste and adjust to your liking!
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

The beauty of Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is how easily you can customize it! Whether you need to use what’s in your fridge or want to give it a twist for dietary preferences, this recipe is your playground.

  • Make it dairy-free: Swap in your favorite plant-based cheeses or omit the cheese altogether for a lighter, still-delicious version.
  • Add extra veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms can jump right in—just toss them in with the broccoli so everything cooks evenly.
  • Spice it up: If you love heat, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to give the sauce a kick.
  • Switch up the greens: Try baby kale or Swiss chard in place of spinach for a slightly different flavor and texture.

How to Make Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, keeping them as even as possible so they’ll cook evenly. This also helps the chicken soak up all the flavors once it hits the skillet. Pat the pieces dry with a paper towel for the best browning, then set them aside.

Step 2: Sauté and Season

In your favorite large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chicken to the pan, stirring now and then so every side gets beautifully golden. After about 5 minutes, sprinkle on the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper; toss to coat those juicy bites with every bit of herby goodness.

Step 3: Amp Up the Garlic

Add your minced garlic straight into the skillet, stirring for about a minute until the aroma fills your kitchen. You’ll know it’s perfect when it smells fragrant but hasn’t turned dark—garlic can go from golden to burnt in a flash, so keep an eye on it!

Step 4: Veggie Magic

Next up are the chopped cherry tomatoes and broccoli florets. Stir them into the skillet and let them cook for roughly 5 minutes, just until the broccoli turns bright green and fork-tender but not mushy. The tomatoes will soften and start breaking down, adding a gentle sweetness and a splash of juice to the sauce base.

Step 5: Get Creamy with Greens

Add the spinach, mozzarella, and cream cheese right into the mix. Stir steadily as the spinach wilts down and the cheeses blend together, creating a glossy, creamy sauce that wraps around every bite. Let it cook for another 2 minutes, just until everything is hot, gently bubbling, and ready to enjoy!

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove the pan from the heat, give everything a good final stir, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you love a green finish. Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is ready to serve—enjoy it while it’s deliciously hot and creamy!

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach

  • Cut Even Pieces for Perfect Doneness: Uniform chicken chunks cook at the same rate, so you get juicy bites without any overdone edges.
  • Layer in the Veggies: Add firmer veggies like broccoli earlier, and stir in spinach just at the end to keep it bright and tender.
  • Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese melts quicker and creates a silkier sauce—pull it out of the fridge while you prep your chicken.
  • Finish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle everything with parsley or a pinch of basil just before serving for a restaurant-quality touch.

How to Serve Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach

Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

This dish shines with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a few twists of black pepper, or even extra shredded mozzarella on top for that gooey moment. If you have a wedge of Parmesan on hand, a light grating gives the Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach an irresistible savory finish.

Side Dishes

For a cozy meal, pair this skillet with fluffy white rice, whole grains like farro or quinoa, or even a bowl of buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce. If you’re watching carbs, serve Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach over zucchini noodles or a crisp salad for crunch and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to turn presentation up a notch! Scoop the creamy chicken mixture into hollowed-out bread bowls for a bistro-style feel, or serve it family-style in a colorful casserole dish. For a weeknight dinner party, top individual portions with a basil leaf or a swirl of balsamic glaze—the color contrast is stunning!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftovers into an airtight container once cooled, and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors in Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach deepen overnight, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day!

Freezing

You can freeze Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach for future meals—just let it cool, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the creamy texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, stirring often so the sauce doesn’t split. Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce looks a bit thick, and heat until everything is steaming hot and creamy once more.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

    Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful—just cut them into equal pieces, and they’ll work wonderfully in place of breasts in this recipe.

  2. What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese?

    You can substitute with mascarpone, Neufchâtel for a lighter twist, or even a splash of heavy cream, though the sauce will be thinner. Greek yogurt is another option, but add it at the end off the heat to avoid curdling.

  3. Can I meal prep Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach?

    Definitely! This dish keeps well and reheats beautifully, so it’s ideal for making ahead for lunches or busy weeknights. Just portion into containers and store in the fridge or freezer as needed.

  4. Is this recipe low carb or keto-friendly?

    Yes! Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is naturally low in carbs and fits perfectly into a keto or low-carb meal plan, especially if you skip the side of rice or bread.

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about a one-pan dinner that’s this easy, nourishing, and packed with flavor—Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is truly one you’ll want to make again and again. I hope you’ll give it a try and let it become a family favorite at your table too!

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Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach Recipe

Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 70 reviews
  • Author: Jaden
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A delicious and flavorful dish, this Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is a wholesome meal packed with protein and veggies. The creamy texture and savory garlic flavor make it a family favorite.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken:

  • 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt, or more to taste

Veggies:

  • 4 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped in half
  • 1 cup spinach

Cheese Mixture:

  • 1/2 cup mozzarella, shredded
  • 4 oz cream cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add chicken, and cook until done.
  2. Season: Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. Garlic Flavors: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook briefly.
  4. Add Veggies: Incorporate broccoli and tomatoes, cook until tender.
  5. Finish Dish: Add spinach, cheeses, and blend well until melted. Garnish with parsley.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 361 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 379mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0.01g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 31g
  • Cholesterol: 112mg

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