Sizzling Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli Recipe: Family Favorite

Creamy garlic butter chicken and broccoli has become my go-to comfort meal when hunger strikes unexpectedly.

Weeknight dinners demand something fast yet delicious that won’t consume precious evening hours.

My kitchen experiments led me to this incredibly simple one-pan wonder that keeps everyone satisfied.

Tender chicken pieces nestled among bright green broccoli florets create a perfect protein-packed combination.

Melted butter infused with fresh garlic adds a rich, aromatic dimension that makes each bite irresistible.

Simple ingredients work magic when combined with smart cooking techniques, turning basic components into something spectacular.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when convenience meets incredible flavor.

Dive into this delightful dish that promises to become a staple in your meal rotation.

What Makes Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli Great

• Adapt the recipe to your taste by adjusting spice levels, swapping proteins, or serving over your favorite base like rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice for a personalized touch.
• Minimize cleanup with this single-skillet recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a flavorful meal, saving you time and effort after a long day.
• Combine lean protein from chicken with nutrient-rich broccoli, creating a balanced meal that's both satisfying and good for your body.

Ingredients for Chicken & Broccoli

• Chicken: Lean protein that serves as the primary dish.
• Garlic: Aromatic flavor enhancer with robust taste.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable adding nutrition and texture.

• Olive Oil: Cooking medium for searing chicken.
• Butter: Creates rich and smooth sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Brings bright and tangy note.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasoning for enhancing overall taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element.
• Sesame Seeds, Parsley: Optional garnish for extra flavor and visual appeal.

How to Make Chicken & Broccoli

Step 1: Sear The Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Sprinkle chicken pieces with salt and pepper.

Cook chicken, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and completely cooked through.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Steam The Broccoli

Add water to the same pan and toss in broccoli florets.

Cover and steam for 2-3 minutes until broccoli becomes slightly tender but maintains a crisp texture.

Drain any remaining water.

Step 3: Create Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low and melt butter in the skillet.

Quickly stir in minced garlic and cook until the aroma becomes wonderfully fragrant.

Step 4: Build The Flavor Profile

Pour in soy sauce, fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle red pepper flakes.

Mix ingredients thoroughly to create a delicious coating.

Step 5: Combine And Coat

Return cooked chicken to the pan.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece gets completely covered in the mouthwatering garlic butter sauce.

Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Final Mixing

Fold broccoli into the chicken, making sure all components are evenly distributed.

Step 7: Garnish And Finish

Remove from heat.

Optional: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped parsley on top for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Plate the dish and serve immediately.

Delicious on its own or paired with rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice.

Chicken & Broccoli Pro Cooking Tips

• Marinate chicken in garlic, salt, and pepper for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance depth and tenderness.
• Keep broccoli crisp-tender by steaming exactly 2-3 minutes; avoid overcooking to maintain bright green color and nutritional value.
• Adjust sauce thickness by adding more butter for richness or reducing liquid for a more concentrated flavor profile.
• Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef for versatile meal options that match the same delicious garlic butter sauce technique.
• Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to create a lighter, keto-friendly version of this satisfying one-pan dish.

Store & Reheat Chicken & Broccoli Right

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep chicken and broccoli together to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality.
• Place portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Warm slightly oiled skillet over medium-low heat. Add chicken and broccoli, stirring gently to prevent overcooking. Splash small amount of water or chicken broth to restore moisture. Heat 3-4 minutes until warmed completely.

Sides That Go with Chicken & Broccoli

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: A buttery white wine complements the garlic butter sauce, enhancing the chicken's rich flavors and cutting through the dish's richness.
• Create Zesty Rice Side: Prepare a cilantro-lime rice to add bright, fresh notes that balance the savory garlic butter and provide a complementary texture.
• Match with Roasted Asparagus: Grilled asparagus with lemon zest offers a similar green vegetable profile to broccoli, creating a harmonious vegetable accompaniment that echoes the main dish's herbal undertones.
• Select Craft Beer Pairing: A light wheat beer or hoppy pale ale can refresh the palate, cutting through the buttery sauce while matching the dish's bold garlic and pepper characteristics.

Chicken & Broccoli Meal Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the dish completely gluten-free while maintaining the savory flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or serve directly on a bed of sautéed spinach to reduce carbohydrate content and keep the meal light and nutritious.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, pressing and marinating the protein beforehand to ensure it absorbs the garlic butter sauce's rich flavors.
• Spicy Lover's Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha sauce for extra heat, and incorporate diced jalapeños during the cooking process to elevate the dish's spiciness.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Frozen broccoli works, but fresh broccoli provides the best texture and flavor. Thaw and pat dry frozen broccoli before cooking to prevent excess water.

• What type of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal. Cut them into uniform pieces for even cooking and quicker preparation.

• How spicy are the red pepper flakes?

Red pepper flakes add a mild heat. You can adjust the amount or skip them entirely based on your spice preference. Start with a small pinch and add more if desired.

• Is this dish gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the recipe completely gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels to ensure compliance.

Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken & broccoli elevates weeknight dinner with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Quick, creamy sauce and perfectly seared chicken promise a delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables:

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets

Seasonings and Flavoring:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat a large skillet to medium-high temperature and sizzle olive oil, allowing it to shimmer before introducing chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper.
2. Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes, rotating periodically until golden and thoroughly cooked through, then transfer to a separate plate.
3. Pour water into the identical skillet and nestle broccoli florets, covering to steam for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp, then drain any lingering liquid.
4. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low and melt butter, quickly introducing minced garlic and allowing it to release its aromatic essence for approximately 30 seconds.
5. Integrate soy sauce, lemon juice, and optional red pepper flakes, whisking to create a harmonious sauce.
6. Reintroduce chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece in the fragrant garlic butter mixture and heating for an additional 1-2 minutes.
7. Incorporate steamed broccoli, ensuring uniform distribution of sauce and ingredients.
8. Remove from heat, optionally garnishing with sesame seeds and freshly chopped parsley.
9. Present immediately, accompanying with rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

Notes

• Opt for skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs for even cooking and easier preparation.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming.
• Use fresh broccoli florets for the best texture and vibrant green color, avoiding frozen options.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance, adding gradually for controlled heat.
• Choose low-sodium soy sauce to manage salt levels and create a balanced flavor profile.
• For a low-carb version, serve over cauliflower rice or enjoy as-is without additional starches.
• Quickly stir-fry broccoli to maintain its crisp texture and prevent overcooking and mushiness.
• Customize by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and variety.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 100mg