Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
If you’re craving a wholesome, flavorful meal that comes together in a flash, this Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Tender chicken breast pieces meld beautifully with crisp broccoli and a burst of garlicky goodness, while creamy cheeses add a luscious touch that takes this dish from simple to spectacular. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe hits all the right notes with its vibrant colors, comforting textures, and that irresistible aroma that fills your home with warmth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors. From the juicy chicken to the fresh veggies and creamy cheeses, every component is essential yet straightforward.
- Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces: Choose fresh, firm chicken for the best texture and quick cooking.
- Olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity base for sautéing and enhances the overall flavor.
- Broccoli florets: Provides a satisfying crunch and vibrant green color packed with nutrients.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that seasons the chicken perfectly and ties all the flavors together.
- Garlic cloves, minced: The heart of this recipe, bringing that irresistible warm and aromatic punch.
- Grape or cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds a juicy sweetness and a pop of color.
- Fresh spinach: Brings a soft leafy texture and a boost of green goodness.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully to create a creamy, gooey finish.
- Cream cheese: Adds richness and smoothness, making every bite indulgent.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance all the flavors.
How to Make Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add your bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes, letting it develop a beautiful golden crust. This step locks in moisture and flavor, ensuring every piece is juicy and tender.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for just a minute. Be careful not to burn it! This quick step releases your garlic’s rich fragrance, infusing the chicken with that unmistakable savoriness that defines this recipe.
Step 3: Toss in Broccoli and Tomatoes
Now it’s time to add the vibrant broccoli florets and halved grapes or cherry tomatoes. Cook them for about 5 minutes until the broccoli turns bright green and becomes tender, but still retains a little crunch. The tomatoes soften just enough to add sweet bursts with every bite.
Step 4: Combine Spinach and Cheeses
Finally, mix in fresh spinach, shredded mozzarella, and cream cheese. Stir everything together until the cheeses melt into a creamy sauce that coats the veggies and chicken perfectly. This step transforms the dish, adding luscious texture and rich flavor that will have you reaching for seconds.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Once everything is heated through and melded beautifully, remove the skillet from heat. Your Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe is now ready to enjoy—warm, cheesy, and bursting with garlic goodness.
How to Serve Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of red pepper flakes on top can elevate the presentation and flavor. A little grated Parmesan cheese is a lovely finishing touch if you want to amp up the cheesiness without overpowering the dish’s delicate balance.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like fluffy steamed rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or even a crisp green salad. The mildness of these sides lets the garlicky chicken and cheesy broccoli shine front and center.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make it extra special? Serve the dish over cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist or tuck it inside warm tortillas for easy, flavorful wraps. You can also turn it into a hearty pasta sauce by stirring through freshly cooked noodles just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. The Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe stays moist and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for future meals, this dish freezes well. Just cool it completely and pack into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep for up to 2 months and thaw with minimal loss of quality.
Reheating
When reheating, use a low heat setting on the stovetop or microwave to gently warm the dish without drying out the chicken. You can add a splash of water or broth to help revive the creamy sauce and keep everything nice and tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works just fine, but be sure to thaw and drain it well to prevent excess moisture from making the dish watery.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free Italian seasoning and check labels on any packaged ingredients.
Can I substitute the chicken breast with another protein?
Definitely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs, turkey, or even tofu can be great alternatives, just adjust your cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic or drizzle some hot sauce on top when serving. It gives a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh, use dairy-free cream cheese and mozzarella alternatives, and cook as usual. The flavors will still sing beautifully!
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe is a total win when you want something quick, nutritious, and downright delicious. Its perfect blend of garlicky chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy cheese makes it a dish you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it with those you love as much as I do!
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Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Garlic Chicken with Broccoli recipe is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breast pieces are sautéed with aromatic garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh vegetables including broccoli, grape tomatoes, and spinach. Cream cheese and shredded mozzarella add a creamy, cheesy finish, making this dish comforting yet wholesome.
Ingredients
Protein and Dairy
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1 lb)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, preparing it for cooking the chicken.
- Cook chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken breast pieces to the hot skillet. Season them evenly with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Sauté garlic: Stir in the minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute, allowing the garlic to release its fragrant aroma without burning.
- Add vegetables: Toss in the broccoli florets and halved grape tomatoes. Continue cooking for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli becomes tender but still vibrant green.
- Incorporate spinach and cheeses: Add the fresh spinach leaves, shredded mozzarella, and cream cheese to the skillet. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and the cheeses melt into a creamy sauce that coats the chicken and vegetables well.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the garlic chicken with broccoli immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier variation.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cream and mozzarella cheeses or use plant-based alternatives.
- Add a splash of chicken broth if you prefer a saucier dish.
- Serve over cooked rice, pasta, or quinoa to make it a complete meal.
- Adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American