Description

This Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli is a quick, easy, and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken pieces seared to perfection and tossed with vibrant, crisp-tender broccoli in a rich garlic butter sauce. Brightened with soy sauce and lemon juice, and optionally spiced with red pepper flakes and garnished with sesame seeds and parsley, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches. Naturally gluten-free and low-carb, it can be served on its own or with rice or pasta for a heartier meal.

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
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. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and sauté for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown 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 broccoli florets. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and steam for 2-3 minutes until the broccoli turns bright green and is crisp-tender. Discard any excess water after steaming.
Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Incorporate Sauce Flavors: Pour in the soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine all the flavors and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra depth.
Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pieces with the garlic butter sauce. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors fully.
Finish with Broccoli: Gently fold in the steamed broccoli, mixing until the broccoli is evenly coated with the sauce and combined well with the chicken.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped parsley over the top if desired. Serve warm on its own or alongside rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

Notes

Use fresh, firm chicken breasts for best texture and quicker cooking.
Steam broccoli briefly to keep it crisp and vibrant without becoming soggy.
For dairy-free, substitute butter with extra olive oil or vegan butter.
Frozen broccoli can be used but should be steamed separately to avoid watering down the sauce.
Adjust red pepper flakes as per your spice tolerance or omit for no heat.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Do not freeze with garnishes like sesame seeds or parsley; add them fresh after reheating.
This recipe pairs well with jasmine rice, buttery noodles, or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: garlic butter chicken broccoli, one pan meal, quick dinner, healthy chicken recipe, low carb chicken broccoli, weeknight meals