Pin This Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli recipe delivers a mouthwatering meal packed with juicy chicken bites and crisp-tender broccoli, all smothered in a garlicky butter sauce. It is a lifesaver on busy nights when you want something nutritious, low in carbs, and big on flavor & all done in a single pan and ready in just fifteen minutes. You will want to put this on regular rotation for those evenings when time is tight but the craving for homemade comfort is high.
The first time I made this was after a long day when I wanted something comforting but light on effort. My whole family devoured it and now it is our weeknight default when we need something cozy but still fresh.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces: Choose organic or free-range for best texture and taste. Cutting into smaller cubes keeps them juicy and helps everything cook evenly.
- Fresh broccoli florets: Go for firm tight heads with a deep green color for maximum crunch and nutrition.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the garlic flavor envelop the whole dish. Use good quality fresh butter for best results.
- Olive oil: Helps brown and sear the chicken while preventing sticking.
- Minced garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce its signature punchy aroma. Avoid jarred garlic for boldest flavor.
- Soy sauce: Gives a savory boost and balances the butter. Opt for low sodium if you prefer to control salt.
- Lemon juice: Adds a touch of brightness and freshness to cut through the richness.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle warmth. Use the freshest you can find for the best color and pop.
- Salt and pepper: Critical for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish): Adds crunch and a hint of nuttiness as a finishing touch.
- Chopped parsley (optional garnish): A burst of color and freshness just before serving.
Instructions
- Prep and Sear the Chicken:
- Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Heat olive oil over medium-high in a large skillet. Once shimmering, add the chicken, season generously with salt and pepper, and cook for five to six minutes. Flip occasionally so each piece turns golden brown and cooks through without drying out. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Steam the Broccoli:
- In the same pan, pour in a quarter cup of water and add your broccoli florets. Quickly cover the skillet with a lid to trap the steam. Let them steam for two to three minutes just until they turn bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Drain any remaining water so the broccoli does not get mushy.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Turn the heat down to medium-low. Add the butter and let it melt completely, swirling it in the pan. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about thirty seconds until fragrant and lightly golden. This is when the aroma will start to fill your kitchen.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients:
- Stir in the soy sauce lemon juice and if you like a little spice sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together so the flavors meld into a rich glossy sauce.
- Return Chicken to Sauce:
- Put your cooked chicken back into the pan and toss thoroughly so every piece gets coated in that buttery garlicky sauce. Let it cook for one to two minutes so the flavors soak in.
- Finish with Broccoli and Garnish:
- Add the steamed broccoli back to the skillet and gently fold it in being careful not to break the florets. Everything should look glossy and evenly coated in sauce. Take off the heat.
- Serve:
- Spoon onto plates and if you want an elevated look sprinkle over sesame seeds and fresh parsley. Enjoy hot, right away.
Pin Broccoli is what makes this dish a total win for me. My kids used to resist eating it until this recipe turned it into something they ask for with excitement. The buttery sauce soaks into each floret in the most irresistible way.
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to keep the chicken moist. Avoid microwaving too long which can toughen the meat and make broccoli soggy.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap in boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness if you prefer. If fresh broccoli is not handy frozen works as long as you thaw and drain first so extra moisture does not water down the sauce. For a dairy-free twist use plant-based butter and skip the garnish.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy as is for a light dinner or serve over steamed jasmine rice fluffy quinoa or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb plate. You can also tuck leftovers into wraps for a satisfying lunch. Sometimes I top with extra herbs for a garden-fresh finish.
Cultural and Historical Context
Garlic butter sauces have roots in French and Italian home cooking traditions where rich dairy and punchy aromatics elevate simple proteins and vegetables. Pairing with broccoli taps into sunny Mediterranean flavors while the soy sauce nods to quick Asian-inspired stir fry techniques.
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap in asparagus or snap peas when broccoli is out of season Add sliced mushrooms or red bell peppers for a heartier dish Top with diced fresh tomatoes in summer for added color and brightness A few helpful notes Always pat chicken dry before searing for better caramelization Let the butter melt fully before adding garlic to avoid burning If using larger broccoli pieces steam an extra minute for perfect tenderness
Success Stories
Friends have raved about making this as a last-minute dinner for unexpected guests impressed by the flavor and speed without any fancy techniques. A home cook told me she doubled the recipe to meal prep and it stayed delicious for three days. My neighbor even served it as a potluck main and it disappeared before anything else.
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can prep this for the freezer by dicing chicken and broccoli in advance then freezing portions separately. When ready to cook sauté from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the chicken cooking time. The garlic butter sauce can be whipped up fresh for top flavor and texture. Broccoli freezes well as long as it is not overcooked when reheated.
Pin This one-pan dinner is packed with flavor comfort and color & everything you need for a winning weeknight meal in just fifteen minutes. Try it soon for a new family favorite!
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used. Thaw it and pat dry to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
- → How do I keep the chicken tender?
Sear the chicken over medium-high heat and avoid overcooking. Remove from the pan when just cooked through.
- → What can I substitute for soy sauce?
Try tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for depth.
- → Is this dish low-carb?
Yes, it's naturally low in carbohydrates and suitable for lighter eating plans.
- → What sides go well with this?
Serve it over rice, pasta, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to complete your meal.
- → Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots can be added for extra color and flavor.