If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, nutritious, and comes together faster than you can say “dinner’s ready,” this Easy Quick Garlic Spinach Ground Chicken Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It’s an effortless, delightful way to transform simple ingredients like fresh spinach and lean ground chicken into a savory, garlicky meal that satisfies every craving. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or craving something wholesome and tasty, this recipe ticks all the boxes with its perfect balance of quick prep, vibrant flavors, and comforting goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simplicity and freshness. The ingredients list is refreshingly short, yet every element plays a crucial part in creating a dish that’s both healthy and full of flavor. From the bright green spinach that adds a tender crunch, to the aromatic garlic that delivers a punch, each ingredient helps build the perfect texture and taste.
- 1 pound Ground chicken: Choose lean for a healthy, protein-packed base that cooks quickly.
- 5 ounces Fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color and a lovely mild flavor that pairs beautifully with garlic.
- 4 cloves Garlic: Mince finely to infuse the dish with that irresistible garlicky aroma.
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil: Ideal for sautéing and bringing a subtle richness to the dish.
- 1 medium Onion: Finely chopped for a sweet and savory foundation.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Enhances and brightens all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper: Freshly cracked to add a gentle kick.
- 1/4 teaspoon Red pepper flakes: Adds a perfect touch of heat without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon Soy sauce: Brings umami depth and a savory balance.
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice: Lightens and lifts the overall flavor for a fresh finish.
How to Make Easy Quick Garlic Spinach Ground Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by washing the spinach thoroughly and draining it well. Mince the garlic cloves finely and chop the onion into small pieces to ensure they cook evenly and build a lush flavor base.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant; this step will make your kitchen smell amazing and sets the flavor foundation.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Chicken
Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it is evenly browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. The chicken should lose its pink color and start to get a slight golden tone.
Step 4: Season and Add Spinach
Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, stirring well to combine. Then add the fresh spinach in batches, stirring after each addition until it wilts down. This keeps the spinach tender and evenly mixed with the chicken.
Step 5: Finish with Soy Sauce and Lemon Juice
Pour in the soy sauce and lemon juice, stirring everything together for another minute so the flavors can meld perfectly. Remove from heat and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Quick Garlic Spinach Ground Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dish even further, scatter freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of toasted sesame seeds on top. These garnishes add a delightful contrast in texture and a pop of color that makes every bite memorable.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a wholesome meal. If you want a low-carb option, serve it alongside cauliflower rice or zoodles, which soak up the flavors wonderfully without overpowering the star ingredients.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning the garlic spinach ground chicken mixture over warm pita bread or inside lettuce wraps for a fun, handheld meal. Alternatively, top it on baked sweet potatoes or mix it into a grain bowl with avocado and cherry tomatoes for a colorful, nourishing twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover Easy Quick Garlic Spinach Ground Chicken Recipe to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners on the go.
Freezing
This dish freezes quite well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and label with the date. Frozen leftovers are best consumed within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the spinach from becoming soggy, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Adding a splash of water or broth during reheating helps maintain moisture and freshness.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully as a substitute and will provide a similar texture and flavor profile. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Generally yes, but double-check your soy sauce choice. Using tamari or coconut aminos will keep this recipe gluten-free without sacrificing that umami kick.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to add more color and nutrients. Just sauté them along with the onions for the best results.
How spicy is this recipe?
The red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, but you can adjust the amount to match your spice tolerance. For a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes entirely.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This Easy Quick Garlic Spinach Ground Chicken Recipe is ideal for meal prep because it stays fresh for several days and reheats beautifully without losing flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Easy Quick Garlic Spinach Ground Chicken Recipe enough for anyone who wants a quick, healthy, and irresistibly tasty meal. It’s simple, vibrant, and flexible enough to suit any craving or dietary need. Give it a try and watch it become one of your go-to dishes in no time!
Print
Easy Quick Garlic Spinach Ground Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 2.2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Easy Quick Garlic Spinach Ground Chicken recipe is a delicious and healthy dish that combines lean ground chicken with fresh spinach and a punch of garlic flavor. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner, it boasts a balance of savory, spicy, and tangy notes, all sautéed together in a simple skillet. With just a few ingredients and under 20 minutes from start to finish, it’s a nutritious meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound Ground chicken (Choose lean for a healthy base.)
- 5 ounces Fresh spinach (Adds vibrant color.)
- 4 cloves Garlic (Mince finely.)
- 1 medium Onion (Finely chopped.)
Seasoning and Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil (For sautéing.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper (Freshly cracked.)
- 1/4 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (For heat.)
- 1 tablespoon Soy sauce (Adds umami.)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice (To lift flavors.)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Finely mince the garlic cloves and chop the onion into small pieces. Wash and drain the fresh spinach thoroughly to remove any excess water.
- Heat the Oil and Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Cook Ground Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
- Add Spinach and Seasonings: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2 minutes. Then add 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the skillet. Mix well to incorporate all the flavors.
- Finish with Soy Sauce and Lemon Juice: Pour in 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat the mixture and cook for an additional minute to combine the flavors.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately. This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or can be enjoyed as a low-carb option on its own.
Notes
- Use lean ground chicken to keep the dish healthy and light.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes depending on your spice preference.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with baby spinach or even kale for a different texture.
- Soy sauce adds umami but can be replaced with tamari for gluten-free options.
- For added richness, a splash of sesame oil can be added at the end.
