Description
This creamy garlic chicken with broccoli and spinach is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious skillet meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breast pieces are sautéed with fresh garlic, Italian seasoning, and vibrant vegetables, then combined with creamy cream cheese and melted mozzarella for a luscious finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse them with flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Then add the broccoli florets and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but remain slightly crunchy. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes to soften.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the fresh spinach and stir everything together until the spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in the softened cream cheese until it melts and thoroughly coats the chicken and vegetables in a creamy sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top and allow it to melt for a minute or two over low heat.
- Adjust Seasoning & Serve: Taste the dish and add additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve the garlic chicken with broccoli and spinach hot for a satisfying, wholesome meal.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure it melts smoothly into the skillet mixture.
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
- You can swap mozzarella cheese with Monterey Jack or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Serve over cooked rice, pasta, or quinoa for a more filling meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
