Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
Introduction
This one-pan garlic butter chicken and broccoli combines tender chicken bites with crisp broccoli sautéed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce. Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s a perfect quick and flavorful meal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1/4 cup water and broccoli florets. Cover and steam for 2-3 minutes until broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender. Discard excess water.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low and melt butter in the pan. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Add soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine the sauce flavors fully.
- Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes to infuse flavors.
- Step 6: Gently fold in steamed broccoli until evenly mixed and coated with sauce.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm on its own or over rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice.
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- Swap fresh broccoli for frozen, but steam separately to avoid excess water.
- For a dairy-free option, use extra olive oil or vegan butter instead of unsalted butter.
- Add a pinch of chili crisp or grated ginger for extra flavor punch.
- Serve with jasmine rice, buttery noodles, or a crisp Asian slaw for variety.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep the chicken moist. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the chicken. This dish also makes a great portable lunch option.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli but it’s best to steam it separately to prevent excess water from watering down the sauce.
How do I make this dish dairy-free?
Replace the unsalted butter with extra olive oil or a vegan butter substitute to keep the sauce silky without dairy.
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This quick and easy Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli recipe features tender chicken pieces and crisp broccoli florets sautéed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce with hints of soy and lemon. Prepared entirely in one skillet, it makes a healthy, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Optional sesame seeds and fresh parsley add brightness and texture. Serve it on its own for a low-carb meal or over rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice for added heartiness.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Sauce and Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnishes
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces in a single layer, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate to keep warm.
- Steam Broccoli: In the same skillet, pour in 1/4 cup of water and add the fresh broccoli florets. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and steam for 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and just tender but still crisp. Remove the lid carefully and discard any remaining water to avoid sogginess.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the unsalted butter to the skillet. Let the butter melt completely, then stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned to prevent bitterness.
- Incorporate Sauce Flavors: Add the soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the pan for enhanced flavor.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss them thoroughly in the garlic butter sauce. Allow to cook for another 1-2 minutes to infuse the chicken with all the flavors and reheat through.
- Finish with Broccoli: Gently fold the steamed broccoli into the pan, mixing carefully until all components are evenly coated with the sauce without crushing the florets.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped parsley over the top if you like. Serve the dish warm, either on its own or atop cooked rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice for a more substantial meal.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli florets for best texture and flavor; frozen broccoli can be steamed separately to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with extra olive oil or vegan butter.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier texture; trim and cut similarly.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for mild flavor.
- Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days; reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to maintain moisture.
- Do not freeze the dish with sesame seeds or fresh parsley as texture will degrade; add these fresh after reheating.
- For additional veggies, try adding asparagus, snap peas, or Brussels sprouts during the steaming step.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: garlic butter chicken broccoli, quick chicken dinner, healthy chicken recipe, one pan chicken broccoli, garlic chicken stir fry, easy weeknight meals
