Description
This one-pan Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli dish features tender chicken bites sautéed to golden perfection alongside crisp, bright green broccoli florets. Tossed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce with hints of soy and lemon, it comes together in under 15 minutes, making it a perfect quick and healthy weeknight meal. Optionally garnished with sesame seeds and fresh parsley, this low-carb and gluten-free recipe is ideal served alone or over rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice.
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 chicken pieces evenly spaced, season them with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
- Steam Broccoli: In the same skillet, pour in 1/4 cup 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 afterward to keep the dish from sogginess.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and add the butter to the skillet. Stir continuously as it melts, then add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Incorporate Sauce Flavors: Add the soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine all 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. Toss the chicken pieces thoroughly in the garlic butter sauce and cook for another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
- Finish with Broccoli: Gently fold in the steamed broccoli until everything is evenly mixed and coated with the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: 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 for a heartier meal.
Notes
- This dish is high in protein and loaded with nutritious greens.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to maintain moisture rather than microwaving.
- You can adjust spice levels by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Use frozen broccoli if fresh is unavailable, but steam separately to avoid excess water in the sauce.
- Chicken thighs can be used as a juicier alternative to breasts.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with extra olive oil or vegan butter.
- This recipe pairs well with rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad on the side.
- Freezing cooked chicken and broccoli portions is possible; omit parsley and sesame seeds until serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken, Chicken Broccoli, Quick Dinner, One-Pan Meal, Low Carb, Healthy Chicken Recipe, Weeknight Dinner, Gluten Free, Low-Carbohydrate, Easy Chicken Recipe
