Description
This quick and easy Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli dish combines tender, golden seared chicken bites with crisp, steamed broccoli all tossed in a rich, fragrant garlic butter sauce brightened with soy sauce and lemon juice. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan meal comes together in under 15 minutes and can be served alone or with your choice of rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice for a wholesome, flavorful dinner.
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 chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden and thoroughly cooked. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Steam Broccoli: In the same skillet, add 1/4 cup water and broccoli florets. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and steam for 2-3 minutes until broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender. Discard any excess water carefully.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low, add butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Incorporate Sauce Flavors: Add soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the pan to enhance flavor.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss it thoroughly to coat with the garlic butter sauce and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Finish with Broccoli: Gently fold the steamed broccoli into the skillet until evenly mixed and coated in the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm on its own or over rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use low sodium soy sauce or tamari to keep sodium levels in check.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with extra olive oil or vegan butter alternative.
- You can swap fresh broccoli for frozen; steam separately to avoid watering down the sauce.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to maintain moisture; avoid microwaving to prevent drying out the chicken.
- Optional garnishes such as sesame seeds and parsley add texture and freshness but can be omitted.
- This dish keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and freezes well when prepared without garnishes.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to preference.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: One-Pot & Quick Meals
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: garlic butter chicken broccoli, quick chicken recipe, one-pan chicken dinner, low carb chicken broccoli, easy weeknight meal, healthy chicken recipe
