Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli

Featured in Evening Meal Excellence.

Cook the chicken, soften the broccoli, stir in the garlic sauce, mix everything together, and enjoy with your favorite sides. Ready fast, perfect for busy days.
Ranah
Updated on Sun, 27 Apr 2025 17:07:00 GMT
A savory plate of chicken in garlic butter served with bright green broccoli, showcasing a light and tasty meal. Pin it
A savory plate of chicken in garlic butter served with bright green broccoli, showcasing a light and tasty meal. | chefemmakitchen.com

Take ordinary chicken and broccoli to new heights with this tasty one-pan creation that mixes juicy meat with crunchy veggies in a buttery garlic sauce. This speedy meal delivers fancy dinner vibes in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for hectic evenings when you need something yummy and healthy. Every mouthful gives you succulent chicken, perfectly done broccoli, and a mouthwatering garlic butter coating.

While hunting for speedy but impressive dinners, I stumbled on this combo that's now my go-to fix for crazy-busy evenings without giving up on taste.

Key Ingredients

  • Fresh chicken: Slice into same-sized pieces for consistent cooking
  • Vibrant broccoli: Look for deep green bunches
  • Real butter: Gives you that velvety sauce
  • Raw garlic: Adds that punch of flavor
  • Good olive oil: Helps get that nice brown crust

Cooking Steps Explained

Get Your Pan Ready:
Make sure your skillet is nice and hot before starting.
Brown The Chicken:
Fry until you see a nice golden color and it's just cooked through.
Cook The Broccoli:
Heat just until soft but still has some bite and stays green.
Whip Up The Sauce:
Let butter and garlic melt together until you can smell that amazing aroma.
Mix Everything:
Combine all parts until everything's nicely covered in sauce.
Watch The Temperature:
Keep an eye on it so nothing gets mushy or dry.
Finish It Off:
Sprinkle with some sesame seeds and fresh herbs on top.

My grandma always told me the trick to a great stir-fry was all about timing - each ingredient needs to hit the pan at just the right moment.

A bowl of chicken and broccoli with a spicy sauce. Pin it
A bowl of chicken and broccoli with a spicy sauce. | chefemmakitchen.com

Pairing Ideas

Make this into a full dinner by adding some steamed rice, riced cauliflower, or your favorite noodles. Dress it up with pretty toppings like sesame seeds or snipped herbs. You might want to keep extra sauce handy for folks who like things extra moist. Serve in wide shallow bowls topped with crispy bits of fried garlic for some crunch.

Tasty Twists

Switch things up with this flexible meal by trying different veggie and flavor combos. Throw in some mushrooms or sugar snap peas, or go for an Asian twist with some soy and ginger. You can also play with herbs like thyme or rosemary, or splash in some white wine to the sauce. Want it spicy? Add red pepper flakes. Craving creamy? Pour in a bit of heavy cream.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Keep everything tasting great by storing it right. Pop leftovers in sealed containers and they'll stay good in the fridge for about three days. If you're meal prepping, split into single portions. When it's time to eat again, warm it up slowly so the veggies don't turn mushy and the chicken stays juicy. Add any fresh herbs just before you dig in.

Garlic butter chicken accompanied by fresh broccoli. Pin it
Garlic butter chicken accompanied by fresh broccoli. | chefemmakitchen.com

Final Thoughts

This garlic butter chicken and broccoli has become what I turn to when time's tight. Though it's easy to throw together, paying attention to cooking time and heat creates amazing results that tick both the healthy and tasty boxes. Just remember, good ingredients and watching your heat will give you a winner every single time.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen broccoli?
Sure, just cook it a bit longer so it stays tender but not too soft.
→ Can I make this gluten-free?
Switch soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free tweak.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Pack in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove.
→ Can I add other vegetables?
Mix it up with snap peas, zucchini, or bell peppers for some variety.
→ What can I serve with this dish?
Serve with pasta, rice, cauliflower rice, or even a simple green salad.

Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli

Juicy chicken and perfectly cooked broccoli in a garlicky butter sauce. Easy, light, and perfect for weeknights!

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: emma

Category: Dinner

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 3 Servings (2-3 servings)

Dietary: Low-Carb

Ingredients

→ Core Components

01 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, diced into small pieces
02 2 cups of broccoli florets, fresh
03 3 tablespoons of butter, unsalted
04 1 tablespoon of olive oil
05 4 minced garlic cloves
06 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
07 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
08 ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
09 Pinch of salt and pepper, as needed
10 ¼ teaspoon of sesame seeds (optional garnish)
11 1 tablespoon of parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 01

Warm the olive oil in a big skillet on medium-high heat. Toss in the pieces of chicken, season with some salt and pepper, and stir occasionally for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Take out and set aside.

Step 02

Pour ¼ cup of water into the same pan and add the broccoli. Cover it up to let it steam for 2-3 minutes until it’s crisp-tender. Drain the extra water if needed.

Step 03

Keep the stove on medium-low and drop the butter into the pan. Once it's melted, stir the garlic in and cook for about 30 seconds until it smells aromatic.

Step 04

Pour in the soy sauce, lemon juice, and red chili flakes if you're using them. Stir until fully mixed. Add the cooked chicken to the pan and blend it with the sauce. Leave it over heat for another 1–2 minutes for everything to coat nicely.

Step 05

Mix the steamed broccoli into the pan, making sure everything is combined well. Take it off the heat and sprinkle sesame seeds or parsley on top if you'd like.

Step 06

Serve fresh and warm—enjoy it by itself or pair it with rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice.

Notes

  1. Swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
  2. Frozen broccoli works too, but tweak the cooking time to match.
  3. Store leftovers in a freezer-safe container for 3 months. Defrost in the fridge, then warm it up.

Tools You'll Need

  • A large skillet
  • A spatula or tongs
  • Chopping board and knife
  • Spoons for measuring

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (butter).
  • Becomes gluten-free if you use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 10 g
  • Protein: 28 g