Save This Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli is my go-to for those nights when I only have fifteen minutes but want something full of flavor and nutrition. Tender bites of chicken seared golden in garlic butter mingle with just-crisp broccoli in a silky pan sauce that tastes indulgent but comes together in one pan. It is my favorite speedy meal to whip up after a long workday or when friends drop in with little warning.
The first time I made this chicken and broccoli dish was during a hectic finals week. It was the only dinner that fit my schedule yet tasted like real comfort food. It quickly became a repeat by popular demand with my family.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Fresh and lean protein that is easy to chop for quick cooking Choose firm moist chicken for best results
- Fresh broccoli florets: Adds color crunch and vitamins Look for vibrant green heads with tight buds
- Unsalted butter: Creates that luscious garlic sauce Use good quality butter for the richest flavor
- Olive oil: Gets the chicken beautifully golden and helps prevent sticking Pick an olive oil that smells grassy and bright
- Garlic cloves: The backbone of the sauce Choose fresh heavy cloves for the best flavor
- Soy sauce: Brings umami saltiness to pull everything together Opt for a low sodium one for more control
- Lemon juice: Lifts and balances the richness with a hit of freshness Use a plump juicy lemon
- Red pepper flakes: Optional if you want a touch of heat use fresh flakes for real zing
- Salt and pepper: Built in seasoning keeps flavors in balance Use kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper if possible
- Sesame seeds: Optional but I like them for crunch and nutty aroma
- Chopped parsley: Optional for garnish but adds a pop of green freshness
Instructions
- Prepare and Sauté the Chicken
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite size pieces Then heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high When oil shimmers add the chicken spread it out do not crowd Season with salt and pepper Cook for five to six minutes Turning pieces so every side browns Once chicken is golden and cooked through remove it to a plate Keep it warm
- Steam the Broccoli
- In the same pan pour in a quarter cup water Add the broccoli florets Cover the pan with a lid to trap the steam Let it cook two to three minutes Stir once halfway through Broccoli should stay bright and be just fork tender Drain out any excess water so nothing is soggy
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Turn the heat to medium low Add butter to the skillet Let it melt completely Add the minced garlic and stir constantly Cook only thirty seconds just until the garlic smells fragrant not browned
- Build the Flavor Base
- Pour in soy sauce lemon juice and if you like red pepper flakes Stir to marry the ingredients Scrape up any browned bits for extra flavor
- Combine Chicken and Broccoli
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan Toss to coat it fully in the sauce Let it cook a minute or two until chicken is glossy and heated through Add steamed broccoli Give everything a final stir for even sauce distribution
- Garnish and Serve
- Off the heat sprinkle sesame seeds and parsley over the top if using Serve the chicken and broccoli warm as is or pile over just made rice or fluffy cauliflower rice for a bigger meal
Save Broccoli is my favorite addition in this dish since it grabs onto the savory sauce and brings so much color to the pan. One weekend my niece helped break up the broccoli and could not stop sampling the little trees before we even finished cooking. It is such a simple way to add veggies that everyone in my family actually wants to eat.
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days I recommend reheating gently on the stovetop with a splash of water rather than microwaving which can dry out the chicken. This meal is also portable so I will pack up a serving for an energizing office lunch.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have fresh broccoli you can use frozen but steam it separately so it does not water down the sauce. Chicken thighs make a juicier substitute for breasts just trim and cut them the same way. For a dairy free version I sometimes use more olive oil or a vegan butter substitute which still gives the sauce a silky finish.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken and broccoli is perfect on its own for a low carb meal but it also pairs beautifully over fluffy jasmine rice buttery noodles or even mashed potatoes for extra comfort. For a lighter side serve it with a crisp Asian inspired slaw or a big green salad.
Cultural and Historical Context
Garlic butter sauce is a classic French flavor pairing but this dish is a weeknight shortcut inspired by American Chinese takeout. It is lighter but just as satisfying. The technique of quickly steaming vegetables in the same pan is often used in Asian stir fries for speed and flavor.
Seasonal Adaptations
Use cauliflower or asparagus in spring for a bright twist Swap in zucchini or sugar snap peas in summer For fall try this with Brussels sprouts sliced thin for a cozy feel
Success Stories
On a night when my son’s soccer game ran late we made this dinner together in under twenty minutes He said it reminded him of his favorite restaurant but fresher and homemade We have since taught it to his friends and it is on permanent rotation during our busy weeks
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can make a batch of cooked chicken and broccoli cool completely then freeze in portions Thaw overnight and rewarm on the stove adding a little water or broth to loosen the sauce Do not freeze with fresh parsley or sesame seeds as they lose texture just add after reheating
Save This crowd pleaser really does come together in minutes and keeps everyone full and happy. Try it for your next quick dinner and make it your own with seasonal veggies or toppings.