Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli Recipe

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

Sear chicken, steam broccoli, make garlic butter sauce, combine everything, and serve. A quick, healthy meal ready in 15 minutes. Serve over rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice for extra satisfaction.
Ranah
Updated on Mon, 17 Feb 2025 13:46:43 GMT
A delicious bowl of garlic butter chicken served with vibrant broccoli, showcasing a savory and healthy meal. Pin it
A delicious bowl of garlic butter chicken served with vibrant broccoli, showcasing a savory and healthy meal. | tastyblom.com

Transform simple chicken and broccoli into a flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender meat with crisp vegetables in rich garlic butter sauce. This quick-cooking dish delivers restaurant-quality results in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and nutritious. Each bite offers juicy chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and savory garlic butter sauce.

During my quest for quick yet impressive meals, this combination emerged as the perfect solution for busy nights without sacrificing flavor.

Essential Elements

  • Fresh chicken: Cut uniformly for even cooking
  • Crisp broccoli: Choose bright green florets
  • Quality butter: Creates rich, silky sauce
  • Fresh garlic: Provides aromatic base
  • Pure olive oil: Ensures perfect searing

Creating Chicken Magic

Perfect The Pan:
Heat skillet until properly hot for best searing.
Sear The Chicken:
Cook pieces until golden brown and just done.
Steam The Broccoli:
Cook until tender-crisp, maintaining bright color.
Create The Sauce:
Combine butter and garlic until perfectly fragrant.
Master The Finish:
Toss everything together until well-coated.
Time The Heat:
Watch carefully to prevent overcooking.
Add Final Touch:
Garnish with sesame seeds and herbs.

My grandmother always said the secret to perfect stir-fry was timing - each component needs its own perfect moment.

A bowl of chicken and broccoli with a spicy sauce. Pin it
A bowl of chicken and broccoli with a spicy sauce. | A tempting bowl featuring garlic butter chicken and bright green broccoli.

Serving Suggestions

Transform this dish into a complete meal by serving over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles. Create a beautiful presentation with colorful garnishes like sesame seeds and fresh herbs. Consider offering additional sauce on the side for those who enjoy extra richness. Present in wide bowls topped with crispy garlic chips for added texture.

Creative Variations

Elevate this versatile dish by experimenting with different vegetables and seasonings. Try adding mushrooms or snap peas, or create an Asian-inspired version with soy sauce and ginger. Consider incorporating different herbs like thyme or rosemary, or add a splash of white wine to the sauce. Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or creamy with a touch of heavy cream.

Storage Solutions

Maintain the perfect texture by storing properly. Keep in airtight containers for up to three days in the refrigerator. For meal prep, portion into individual containers. Reheat gently to maintain vegetable texture and prevent chicken from drying out. Add fresh herbs just before serving.

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

Conclusion

This garlic butter chicken and broccoli has become my go-to recipe for busy nights. While simple to prepare, attention to timing and temperature creates impressive results that satisfy both healthy eating goals and flavor cravings. Remember, quality ingredients and proper heat control ensure perfect results every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but adjust cooking time slightly to ensure it’s tender without becoming mushy.
→ Can I make this gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or skillet.
→ Can I add other vegetables?
Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas for variety.
→ What can I serve with this dish?
Pair with rice, pasta, cauliflower rice, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Quick Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli

A flavorful, low-carb dish with juicy chicken and broccoli cooked in a garlic butter sauce. Quick, healthy, and satisfying for weeknight dinners.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 3 Servings (2–3 servings)

Dietary: Low-Carb

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
03 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 4 cloves garlic, minced
06 1 tablespoon soy sauce
07 1 teaspoon lemon juice
08 ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
09 Salt and pepper, to taste
10 ¼ teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
11 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 01

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–6 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 02

In the same pan, add ¼ cup of water and the broccoli florets. Cover and let them steam for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Remove any excess water.

Step 03

Reduce heat to medium-low and add butter to the pan. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 04

Add soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until everything is well coated.

Step 05

Stir in the broccoli, ensuring everything is evenly mixed. Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped parsley, if desired.

Step 06

Serve warm on its own, over rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice.

Notes

  1. For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
  2. Use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
  3. Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter).
  • Gluten-free if using 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