Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli: A Quick & Delicious Meal

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you looking for a dish that’s both quick and delicious? Well, you’re in the right place! Today, I’m excited to share with you one of my go-to recipes: Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli. It’s a perfect meal for those busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a great choice for a healthy dinner. So, let’s dive in and explore why this recipe is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make—ready in just 30 minutes!
  • Packed with flavorful garlic butter sauce that everyone will love.
  • A healthy and balanced meal with lean protein and vibrant broccoli.
  • Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
  • Customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli recipe. Don’t worry, it’s a simple list of ingredients that you might already have in your pantry!

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s walk through the steps to create this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli. It’s a breeze to make, and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time!

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 2: Steam the Broccoli

Add a quarter cup of water to the same skillet, then add the broccoli florets. Cover the pan and let it steam for 2-3 minutes until tender but still crisp. Drain any excess water and set the broccoli aside if needed.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using) and stir to combine.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the skillet, followed by the broccoli. Toss everything to coat in the garlic butter sauce and cook for another minute to warm through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli to a serving plate. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides like rice, quinoa, or pasta—or enjoy it as a low-carb option on its own.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Fresh vs. Frozen Broccoli: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh broccoli. It makes a big difference in this recipe!
  • Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a bit of spice, keep the red pepper flakes. If not, you can omit them or reduce the amount.
  • Garlic Lovers Rejoice: Feel free to add an extra clove or two of garlic if you’re a garlic fanatic like me!
  • Make it Creamy: For a creamy twist, stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or Greek yogurt towards the end of cooking the sauce.

How to Serve

This Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli is versatile and can be served in several ways:

  • With Rice: A classic pairing that soaks up the flavorful sauce perfectly.
  • Over Pasta: Toss cooked pasta (like fettuccine or linguine) in the garlic butter sauce for a quick and indulgent meal.
  • With Quinoa: For a healthier option, serve it over a bed of quinoa.
  • Low-Carb Option: Enjoy it on its own for a protein-packed, low-cararb meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Prepping ahead or storing leftovers? Here’s how to keep your Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli fresh:

  • Make Ahead: Prepare the ingredients (chicken and broccoli) up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge until ready to cook.
  • Storage: Cool the cooked dish completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
  • Freezing: While the dish is best fresh, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

And there you have it—a quick, delicious, and healthy meal that’s perfect for any day of the week! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out some of my other favorites like Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta and Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media—I’d love to see what you make!

Close-up of a bowl of honey garlic chicken and broccoli.

Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli

A flavorful and quick dish featuring chicken and broccoli in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: main dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
Broccoli
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Butter and Oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garlic
  • 4 cloves garlic cloves minced
Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Seasoning
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
Garnish
  • ¼ teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Set aside.
  2. Add water to the skillet, then add broccoli. Cover and steam for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain excess water.
  3. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
  4. Return chicken to the skillet with broccoli. Toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with sesame seeds and parsley if desired. Serve hot with rice, pasta, or as a low-carb option.

Notes

For a low-carb option, serve without rice or pasta. Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spice level.