Introduction:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach recipe is your answer to a healthy, flavorful, and quick weeknight dinner! Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces infused with aromatic garlic, stir-fried to perfection with vibrant green broccoli florets and nutritious spinach. This dish is not only incredibly easy to make but also packed with wholesome ingredients, delivering a satisfying and guilt-free meal in minutes.
What makes this garlic chicken stir-fry so irresistible? It’s the harmonious blend of savory garlic flavor, tender protein, and crisp-tender vegetables. The simple yet delicious sauce enhances every ingredient, creating a dish that’s both comforting and refreshing. Plus, making it at home allows you to control the ingredients, skip the excess sodium and unhealthy additives often found in takeout versions, and customize it to your taste.
Get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen. Prepare to be amazed at how effortlessly you can create this Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach – the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that the whole family will love!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
To create this flavorful and healthy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach, you’ll need a selection of fresh and pantry-staple ingredients. These components work together to build layers of taste and texture in this quick stir-fry. Having everything prepped and measured before you start cooking will make the stir-frying process smooth and efficient.
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces – Chicken breasts are a leaner option, while thighs offer more flavor and stay juicy during stir-frying.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce – Soy sauce is the base of the marinade, adding savory umami flavor.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil – Sesame oil adds a distinctive nutty aroma and flavor to the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch – Cornstarch helps tenderize the chicken and promotes browning during stir-frying.
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper – White pepper adds a subtle earthy heat without overpowering other flavors.
For the Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil – Vegetable oil is used for stir-frying the chicken and vegetables.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Freshly minced garlic is the star flavor of this dish, providing a pungent and aromatic base.
- 1 inch ginger, minced – Fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy, and aromatic complexity that complements the garlic and chicken.
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets – Fresh broccoli florets provide a slightly bitter, earthy flavor and a crisp-tender texture, a classic stir-fry vegetable.
- 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped – Fresh spinach adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a boost of nutrients. It wilts down quickly in the stir-fry.
- 2 tablespoons water – Water helps steam the broccoli florets and creates a bit of steam in the wok to cook the vegetables through.
For the Garlic Chicken Sauce:
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (low sodium) – Chicken broth is the liquid base of the sauce, adding savory chicken flavor. Low sodium broth allows you to control salt level.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce – Soy sauce enhances the savory flavor of the sauce and adds umami depth.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for richer flavor) – Oyster sauce adds a deep umami richness and slight sweetness to the sauce. (Vegetarian option: use mushroom sauce or hoisin sauce as a substitute).
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar – Rice vinegar adds a gentle tanginess to balance the savory and rich flavors.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil – Sesame oil enhances the sauce with its signature nutty and aromatic notes.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar – Sugar balances the savory and acidic flavors and rounds out the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch – Cornstarch thickens the sauce to a glossy and clingy consistency.
Optional Garnish:
- Sesame seeds, for garnish – Sesame seeds add visual appeal, a nutty aroma, and a slight crunch as a garnish.
- Chopped scallions (green onions), for garnish – Chopped scallions add a pop of color and fresh oniony flavor as a garnish.
HOW TO MAKE “Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach”:
Making Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is a quick and efficient stir-fry process, perfect for busy weeknights. The recipe is broken down into simple stages, from marinating the chicken and prepping the vegetables to stir-frying everything in a wok or skillet and creating the flavorful garlic sauce. Each step is designed for ease and maximum flavor payoff.
The process begins with marinating the chicken, which tenderizes it and infuses it with savory flavors even before cooking. This step is crucial for juicy and flavorful chicken.
Next, all the vegetables are prepped – broccoli is cut into florets, spinach is roughly chopped, and aromatics like garlic and ginger are minced. Having vegetables ready to go ensures a smooth stir-frying process.
Then, the garlic sauce is whisked together in a small bowl. Having the sauce pre-mixed allows for quick and easy addition to the wok during stir-frying.
The stir-frying begins by cooking the marinated chicken in a hot wok or large skillet until it is browned and cooked through. Stir-frying chicken first ensures it’s properly cooked before adding vegetables.
Next, aromatics like minced garlic and ginger are stir-fried until fragrant, infusing the oil with their flavors.
Broccoli florets are then added to the wok and stir-fried until they are crisp-tender, adding water to steam them slightly for even cooking.
Finally, fresh spinach is added and stir-fried until it wilts, followed by pouring in the prepared garlic sauce. The sauce thickens quickly and coats the chicken and vegetables in a glossy, flavorful glaze. Let’s explore the step-by-step instructions to guide you through each stage of this quick and healthy recipe.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken.
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and white pepper.
Stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the marinade.
Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator. Marinating tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Chicken Sauce.
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and cornstarch until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth. Ensure cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent lumps in the sauce. Set aside.
Step 3: Prep Vegetables.
Cut the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. Roughly chop the fresh spinach. Mince the garlic and ginger. Have all vegetables prepped and ready before you begin stir-frying for efficient cooking.
Step 4: Stir-Fry Chicken.
Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until it is shimmering hot. Wok or large skillet is needed to accommodate all ingredients and stir-fry efficiently.
Add the marinated chicken to the hot wok and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Ensure chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the cooked chicken from the wok and set aside on a plate.
Step 5: Stir-Fry Aromatics and Broccoli.
Add the minced garlic and minced ginger to the now empty wok. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Stir-frying aromatics first infuses the oil with flavor.
Add the broccoli florets and 2 tablespoons of water to the wok. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until the broccoli is crisp-tender and bright green. Adding water helps steam the broccoli and cook it evenly.
Step 6: Add Spinach and Sauce.
Add the chopped spinach to the wok with the broccoli. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, until the spinach wilts and becomes tender. Spinach cooks very quickly, stir-fry just until wilted.
Pour the prepared garlic chicken sauce into the wok with the vegetables.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and become glossy. The sauce will thicken quickly as the cornstarch activates in the heat.
Step 7: Combine Chicken and Sauce.
Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the sauce and vegetables.
Toss everything together thoroughly until the chicken, broccoli, and spinach are evenly coated in the garlic sauce and heated through. Ensure all ingredients are well combined and heated through.
Step 8: Serve.
Serve the Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach immediately, hot.
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions, if desired. Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or noodles and enjoy this healthy and flavorful stir-fry! Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
USEFUL TIPS:
To make your Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach even more delicious and perfect for any weeknight meal, consider these helpful tips. These suggestions can enhance both the flavor and the overall experience of preparing and enjoying this healthy stir-fry. Let’s explore some valuable insights to refine your stir-frying process.
For best stir-fry results, use a wok or a large, heavy-bottomed skillet. Woks and large skillets provide ample surface area for stir-frying and even heat distribution, essential for proper searing and cooking. Cast iron skillets or carbon steel woks are ideal.
Make sure your wok or skillet is very hot before adding ingredients for each stir-fry step. High heat is crucial for stir-frying to achieve proper sear, prevent steaming (except when intentionally steaming broccoli with water), and develop wok hei (wok aroma). Pre-heat the wok until it is smoking slightly before adding oil and ingredients.
Don’t overcrowd the wok when stir-frying. Overcrowding lowers the temperature of the wok and can lead to steaming instead of stir-frying, resulting in soggy vegetables and chicken. Stir-fry in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and proper searing.
Prepare all ingredients (chop vegetables, make sauce, marinate chicken) before you start stir-frying. Stir-frying is a fast-paced cooking method, and having all ingredients prepped and within reach makes the process much smoother and more efficient. Mise en place is key for stir-frying success.
For extra flavor, use fresh ginger and garlic rather than powdered versions. Fresh ginger and garlic provide a much brighter and more aromatic flavor compared to dried spices. Freshly minced or grated ginger and garlic are essential for authentic stir-fry flavor.
Taste and adjust the sauce to your preference. Garlic chicken sauce can be adjusted to be sweeter, saltier, or tangier according to your taste. Taste the sauce before adding it to the wok and adjust seasonings (soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, oyster sauce) as needed to achieve your preferred flavor balance.
For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the wok when stir-frying the garlic and ginger, or add a dash of chili garlic sauce (Sriracha, sambal oelek) to the garlic sauce. A little heat can balance the savory and umami flavors and add a pleasant warmth. Adjust the amount of spice to your preference.
If you prefer softer broccoli, you can blanch or steam the broccoli florets briefly before stir-frying to partially cook them. Blanching or steaming broccoli before stir-frying will result in a softer texture and reduce the stir-fry time needed for the broccoli.
DETAILS:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
The preparation time for Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is approximately 20 minutes. This includes the time needed to cut the chicken, marinate it, chop all the vegetables, mince the garlic and ginger, and prepare the sauce. Efficient prep work makes the stir-frying process much smoother.
Cook Time: 15 minutes
The cooking time for this recipe is around 15 minutes. This encompasses the time to stir-fry the chicken, stir-fry the vegetables, and cook the sauce. Stir-frying is a quick cooking method, making this a fast meal option.
Total Time: 35 minutes
The total time from start to finish for Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is approximately 35 minutes. This includes both the prep time and the cook time, making it a remarkably quick and weeknight-friendly meal option, perfect for busy evenings when you crave a healthy and homemade dinner.
Yield: 4 servings
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, depending on portion sizes. It is ideally suited for a family dinner for four. The yield can be easily scaled up or down if you need to make more or less servings; simply adjust the ingredient quantities proportionally. Leftovers are also excellent for lunch the next day.
Category: Main Course
This dish is categorized as a main course, specifically a chicken and vegetable stir-fry. It is substantial and satisfying enough to serve as the central component of a meal, providing both protein from the chicken and fiber and nutrients from the broccoli and spinach, along with the flavorful garlic sauce. Stir-fries are a popular and healthy main course option.
Method: Stir-Frying
The primary cooking method used in this recipe is stir-frying. Stir-frying is the essential technique for creating authentic stir-fry flavor and texture. It involves cooking ingredients quickly over high heat in a wok or skillet with constant stirring. Stir-frying is a fast and healthy cooking method that preserves the crispness of vegetables and the tenderness of protein.
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
The cuisine of this recipe is best described as Asian-inspired. While not strictly authentic to any single Asian cuisine, it draws inspiration from Chinese and other East Asian stir-fry techniques and flavor profiles, featuring soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger as key flavor components. Asian-inspired stir-fries are popular for their quick cooking, healthy ingredients, and bold flavors.
Diet: Healthy, Balanced
The diet classification for this recipe is healthy and balanced. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and rich in protein from the chicken and fiber and vitamins from the broccoli and spinach. It is also lower in calories and fat compared to many takeout versions of similar dishes, especially when using chicken breasts and controlling oil usage. It can be further adapted to be lower-sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce and broth and omitting or reducing oyster sauce.
NOTES:
Serving Suggestions: Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is delicious served over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. You can also serve it with noodles like egg noodles or ramen noodles if preferred. For a complete and balanced meal, consider serving it with a side of steamed dumplings, spring rolls, or a light Asian-style salad. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions for added visual appeal and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy immediately!
Make it Ahead: While stir-fries are best enjoyed fresh, you can prep some components ahead of time to streamline the cooking process for busy weeknights.
* Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Marinating chicken ahead enhances flavor and saves time on cooking day.
* Chop all the vegetables (broccoli, spinach, garlic, ginger) up to 1 day in advance and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Pre-chopping vegetables significantly speeds up the stir-frying process.
* Prepare the garlic chicken sauce up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Having the sauce pre-made makes the stir-frying step very quick.
* Cook rice or quinoa ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve.
Reheating Leftovers: Leftover Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach can be reheated, although the broccoli may soften slightly and the spinach may become more wilted upon reheating. For best results, reheat in a wok or skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking and restore moisture. Stir-fry gently until heated through. Microwave reheating is also possible for quicker reheating, but the texture may be less ideal. Reheat in short intervals and stir in between to avoid overheating and drying out.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the vegetables in your Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry to your liking and what you have on hand. Other great vegetable additions or substitutions include:
* Carrots (thinly sliced or julienned)
* Bell peppers (any color, sliced)
* Snow peas or snap peas
* Mushrooms (sliced shiitake, cremini, or button mushrooms)
* Baby corn
* Water chestnuts
* Bok choy or other leafy greens (added towards the end of cooking)
* Asparagus (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Use a variety of vegetables for different flavors, textures, and colors in your stir-fry.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I use frozen broccoli or spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli and frozen spinach in this Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry if fresh is not available.
* Frozen Broccoli: Use frozen broccoli florets. You do not need to thaw them completely before stir-frying. Add frozen broccoli to the wok and stir-fry as directed, you may need to cook slightly longer to ensure it is heated through and tender-crisp.
* Frozen Spinach: Use frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry. Ensure spinach is well-drained after thawing to remove excess water before adding it to the wok. Add thawed and squeezed spinach towards the end of stir-frying as it cooks very quickly.
Using frozen vegetables is a convenient alternative, but fresh vegetables generally provide better texture and slightly brighter flavor in stir-fries.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry can easily be made vegetarian or vegan.
* Vegetarian: Substitute firm or extra-firm tofu (pressed and cubed) or tempeh for the chicken. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the sauce. Use vegetarian oyster sauce alternative or mushroom sauce or hoisin sauce instead of oyster sauce.
* Vegan: Follow vegetarian substitutions above. Ensure all sauce ingredients are vegan (check oyster sauce and soy sauce brands for vegan certification if needed).
Can I add other protein like shrimp or beef?
Yes, you can easily substitute shrimp or beef for the chicken in this recipe.
* Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry: Use peeled and deveined shrimp instead of chicken. Marinate shrimp briefly (about 10-15 minutes) in the same marinade or a simple marinade of soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir-fry shrimp until pink and cooked through (shrimp cooks quickly, about 2-3 minutes).
* Garlic Beef Stir-Fry: Use thinly sliced beef steak (such as flank steak or sirloin) against the grain. Marinate beef as directed for chicken. Stir-fry beef until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
Adjust stir-frying times as needed for different proteins to ensure they are cooked through but not overcooked.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning when stir-frying?
Garlic can burn quickly when stir-frying due to its high sugar content. To prevent garlic from burning:
* Mince garlic finely and evenly. Finely minced garlic cooks more quickly and evenly.
* Don’t add garlic to a smoking hot wok. Heat oil in the wok over medium-high heat, then add garlic when the oil is hot but not smoking excessively.
* Stir-fry garlic quickly and constantly for a short time (about 30 seconds) until fragrant. Garlic only needs to be stir-fried briefly until aromatic.
* Add garlic after stir-frying chicken and before adding heartier vegetables like broccoli. This sequence helps to prevent garlic from burning while allowing it to infuse the oil with flavor.
* If garlic starts to brown too quickly or burn, reduce the heat slightly and continue stir-frying quickly.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes, you can easily add spice to your Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach! Spice additions include:
* Red pepper flakes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the wok when stir-frying the garlic and ginger, or add directly to the sauce.
* Chili garlic sauce (Sriracha, sambal oelek): Add chili garlic sauce to taste to the garlic sauce, or serve it on the side for those who want extra spice.
* Fresh chili peppers (jalapeno, Thai chili): Add thinly sliced fresh chili peppers when stir-frying the garlic and ginger.
* Ginger (increase amount): Increase the amount of fresh ginger for a warmer and spicier flavor.
Adjust the amount of spice to your personal preference and tolerance for heat.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
To store leftover Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach properly and maintain its quality, follow these guidelines:
Cool Completely: Allow the garlic chicken stir-fry to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Storing warm food can create condensation inside the container, leading to soggy vegetables and potentially affecting food safety. Do not leave cooked stir-fry at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth.
Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled garlic chicken with broccoli and spinach to an airtight container. A well-sealed container is essential to prevent the stir-fry from drying out, absorbing odors from the refrigerator, and maintaining freshness. Use a container with a tight-fitting lid.
Refrigerate Promptly: Refrigerate the airtight container of leftover garlic chicken stir-fry promptly after cooling. Refrigerate at or below 40°F (4°C) to maintain food safety and prevent spoilage. Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking.
Storage Duration (Refrigerator): Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. For best quality and flavor, consume leftovers within the first 2-3 days. Stir-fries with vegetables are generally best enjoyed sooner rather than later, as vegetables can soften over time and sauces can lose some of their glossy texture.
Reheating Instructions:
For reheating leftover garlic chicken stir-fry, wok/skillet or microwave reheating are both suitable, with stovetop generally recommended for better texture:
- Wok or Skillet Reheating (Recommended): Reheat the stir-fry in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth to the wok to prevent sticking and restore moisture to the vegetables and sauce. Stir-fry gently, tossing frequently, until the stir-fry is heated through. Stovetop reheating helps to maintain a better texture for the vegetables and chicken compared to microwave.
- Microwave Reheating (Convenient for Single Servings): Place the stir-fry in a microwave-safe dish, add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth to moisten it, cover loosely, and microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Microwave reheating is quicker and convenient, especially for single servings, but may slightly soften the vegetables and chicken texture. Reheat in short intervals and check frequently to avoid overheating and drying out.
RELATED RECIPES
If you enjoyed this healthy and flavorful Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach, you will surely love these other easy and quick Asian-inspired stir-fry and chicken recipes:
Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Thighs (Pan-Seared or Baked): Tender and juicy chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Offers a different flavor profile but similar ease and garlic-forward appeal.
Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry (Savory and Sweet): Thinly sliced beef stir-fried with scallions in a savory and slightly sweet Mongolian-inspired sauce. A beef stir-fry alternative with a different sauce base but also quick and flavorful.
Kung Pao Chicken (Spicy and Savory): A classic Sichuan stir-fry with chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and a spicy, savory, and slightly sweet Kung Pao sauce. Offers a spicier stir-fry option with peanuts for added texture and flavor.
Chicken and Vegetable Skewers with Peanut Sauce (Grilled or Baked): Grilled or baked chicken and vegetable skewers served with a flavorful peanut dipping sauce. A different format for chicken and vegetables, with a peanut sauce instead of garlic sauce.
Lemon Chicken with Rice (Classic Takeout Style): Crispy coated chicken tossed in a bright and tangy lemon sauce, served with rice. Offers a crispy chicken texture and lemon-forward flavor, a popular takeout dish.
CONCLUSION
Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach is a recipe that truly embodies the best of weeknight cooking: it’s quick, healthy, incredibly flavorful, and satisfying. From the tender, marinated chicken to the crisp-tender broccoli and nutritious spinach, all coated in a luscious and aromatic garlic sauce, every element of this dish is designed to deliver maximum flavor and enjoyment with minimal effort. It’s the perfect solution when you’re craving a wholesome and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
This recipe beautifully balances straightforward techniques with deeply rewarding flavors, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. The readily available ingredients and clear, step-by-step instructions mean that anyone can confidently create this flavorful and impressive Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach at home. Whether you are a seasoned home cook looking for a reliable and healthy weeknight staple or a beginner cook wanting to master a classic stir-fry dish, you can achieve garlic chicken stir-fry perfection with this recipe.
So gather your ingredients, heat up your wok, and prepare to indulge in the savory, garlicky, and utterly delightful goodness of this Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach masterpiece. Enjoy the fast-paced and fun stir-frying process and the immense pleasure of sharing this truly healthy and family-friendly meal with your loved ones. This is one recipe that is destined to become a cherished staple in your recipe repertoire, a beloved classic that you’ll return to again and again for its simple perfection, customizable nature, and undeniably delicious garlic-infused flavor. You’ll be declaring Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach your new go-to healthy and flavorful weeknight dinner!
