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Crispy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach

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A quick and easy dinner recipe featuring crispy skin-on chicken thighs paired with garlicky sautéed broccoli and spinach. This healthy, flavorful dish is perfect for weeknight meals and offers a comforting yet light option.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil (for frying)
  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 10.5 ounces / 300 grams)
  • 4 cups fresh spinach leaves (about 4.2 ounces / 120 grams), washed and tough stems removed
  • 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (or olive oil as a substitute)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 3 minutes). Place chicken thighs skin-side down carefully. Cook without moving for 6-7 minutes until skin is deep golden and crispy.
  3. Flip chicken and cook another 5 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature about 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken and set aside, tented with foil to keep warm.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet, then toss in sliced garlic. Stir frequently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and just starting to turn golden. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  5. Add broccoli florets to the garlic and butter. Stir to coat, cover the pan with a lid, and cook for 4-5 minutes until broccoli is tender but still crisp and bright green. Toss occasionally.
  6. Remove lid and add spinach leaves. Stir gently until spinach wilts, about 2 minutes. Season veggies with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice if desired. Toss to combine flavors.
  7. Plate the garlic broccoli and spinach, top with crispy chicken thighs, and spoon any pan juices over the top.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry thoroughly for best crispiness. Use skin-on thighs for optimal texture. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming the chicken. Watch garlic closely to avoid burning. You can substitute kale or Swiss chard for spinach, or Brussels sprouts for broccoli for variations. Butter can be swapped with olive or avocado oil for dairy-free option. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days and reheat best in skillet or oven to preserve crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy garlic chicken, broccoli, spinach, healthy dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, garlic chicken thighs, sautéed greens

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/crispy-garlic-chicken-with-broccoli-and-spinach-easy-healthy-dinner-recipe/