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

Scale

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