Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach Stacked Salad

If you’re looking for a healthy, protein-packed meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, this Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach Stacked Salad is the perfect choice. Juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and fresh spinach are layered together with a light parmesan garlic sauce to create a stacked salad that looks like a restaurant dish but is easy to make at home.

Health Benefits of This Salad

This recipe isn’t just about flavor — it’s also full of nutrients:

Chicken breast – a lean protein source that supports muscle building and keeps you full.
Broccoli – loaded with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that promote immune health.
Spinach – packed with iron, magnesium, and folate, perfect for energy and brain health.
Garlic – boosts immunity and supports heart health.
Olive oil – a heart-healthy fat rich in antioxidants.
Parmesan cheese – adds flavor, calcium, and a touch of creaminess.

Ingredients

2 cups chicken breast, cubed
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup fresh spinach leaves
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste
Juice of half a lemon (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

Heat half of the olive oil in a large skillet.
Add the cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 7–8 minutes).
Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3 minutes, keeping them slightly crisp.
Toss in the spinach leaves and let them wilt (about 1 minute).

3. Make the Sauce

Pour the chicken broth into the pan with the vegetables and bring it to a light simmer.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into a light, creamy sauce.
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix everything together.

4. Assemble the Stacked Salad

Use a small food ring mold (or even a wide glass) to layer the salad.
Start with a layer of chicken in sauce, then broccoli, then spinach.
Repeat until you have a neat stacked “tower.”
Drizzle with extra olive oil and sprinkle with more Parmesan.
Garnish with fresh parsley or a lemon wedge.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a main dish with crusty bread or fluffy white rice.
Pair it as a side dish with grilled steak or salmon.
For a lighter version, skip the cheese and top with crushed almonds for crunch.

Variations

Swap broccoli for cauliflower for a different flavor.
Add roasted cherry tomatoes for natural sweetness.
Use a splash of cream instead of broth for a richer sauce.

Preparation Time

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes