Description
This Garlic Chicken with Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breast pieces are sautéed with fragrant garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh vegetables including broccoli, tomatoes, and spinach. Cream cheese and shredded mozzarella add a creamy, cheesy finish, making this dish both comforting and nutritious. Ready in just 20 minutes and serving 4, it’s an easy way to enjoy a balanced dinner packed with protein and veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Cheeses
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken. This ensures the chicken will sear nicely and develop a golden crust.
- Cook chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Season them evenly with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. This step allows the garlic to release its fragrant aroma without burning.
- Cook vegetables: Add the broccoli florets and halved tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables for 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green, ensuring the tomatoes soften slightly.
- Add spinach and cheeses: Mix in the fresh spinach, shredded mozzarella, and cream cheese. Stir continuously until the spinach wilts and the cheeses melt into a creamy sauce that coats all ingredients.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the dish immediately while hot, enjoying the creamy and savory flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer more tender, juicy meat.
- For a lower-fat version, reduce the amount of cream cheese or use a light cream cheese alternative.
- If broccoli florets are large, cut them into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Adding a splash of chicken broth before adding the spinach can create a bit more sauce and prevent sticking.
- Serve with cauliflower rice or whole-grain pasta for a more filling meal.
