Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli

Garlic butter chicken broccoli has become my weeknight life-saver when I need something comforting and satisfying in a flash The rich garlic butter blends with juicy golden chicken and crisp broccoli for a meal that tastes far more decadent than fifteen minutes should allow

I threw this together on a night when I had almost nothing in the fridge and it instantly joined our family favorites Even picky eaters request seconds

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: cut into bite-sized pieces for quick even cooking Look for chicken that feels firm and looks pink without wetness
• Fresh broccoli florets: contribute gentle crunch and take on the flavors of the sauce Opt for bright green heads with compact buds
• Unsalted butter: forms the base of the sauce and allows you to control the saltiness Choose high-quality butter for best taste
• Olive oil: helps prevent the butter from burning Adding both ensures even browning
• Garlic, minced: Use fresh garlic for pungency and depth Pre-peeled cloves save time but fresh is best
• Soy sauce: offers salty umami flavor Use a low-sodium version for a lighter touch
• Lemon juice: brightens the dish and balances the richness Fresh squeezed is best
• Red pepper flakes (optional): Add gentle heat for a subtle kick Adjust to your taste
• Salt and black pepper: to season the chicken and bring forward all the flavors
• Sesame seeds (optional): These add a nutty aroma and extra crunch for garnish Choose unhulled seeds for greater nutrition
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Lends fresh color and a clean herby finish Select flat-leaf parsley for robust flavor

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Cut the chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces Season with salt and black pepper This ensures all pieces cook at the same rate and the seasoning penetrates the meat

Brown the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high Add chicken to the skillet and spread in a single layer Let cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes to develop a golden crust Turn pieces occasionally and continue cooking for five to six minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate

Steam the Broccoli:

In the same skillet add a quarter cup of water followed by the broccoli florets Cover with a lid Steam for two to three minutes until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender yet still has a crisp snap Drain off any remaining water and transfer broccoli to a plate to prevent overcooking

Infuse Garlic Butter:

Reduce the heat to medium-low to avoid burning Add unsalted butter to the skillet When melted stir in the minced garlic Cook for only thirty seconds stirring constantly just until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden Too much browning can make the garlic taste bitter

Build the Sauce:

Add soy sauce lemon juice and red pepper flakes if you like a little spice Stir to combine with the butter and garlic Make sure everything is well blended as this is the base for the finished dish

Combine Chicken and Sauce:

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet Toss it in the garlic butter sauce Stir and cook for one to two minutes so the chicken absorbs all the flavors and is well coated

Add Broccoli and Finish:

Stir the steamed broccoli back into the pan Gently toss everything together to make sure broccoli and chicken are evenly coated in sauce

Garnish and Serve:

Take the skillet off the heat Sprinkle over sesame seeds and chopped fresh parsley if you are using them These add a pop of color and extra flavor Serve warm as is or scoop over fluffy rice pasta or cauliflower rice for a complete meal

Save

The flavor of garlic is my favorite part I remember my kids helping to peel cloves and their laughter making dinner extra special For us this recipe became not just a quick fix but a delicious way to share time in the kitchen

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave at half power to avoid drying out If sauce thickens add a splash of water to revive its silky texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap chicken thighs for the breasts if you love richer flavor For a vegetarian spin try extra firm tofu or chickpeas in place of chicken If you are out of broccoli tender green beans or snap peas also work well in this quick sauce

Serving Suggestions

Spoon the chicken and broccoli over steamy jasmine rice for a takeout-inspired bowl Or try it atop pasta or cauliflower rice for a lighter version A drizzle of extra lemon juice or a handful of roasted peanuts makes for an even more vibrant plate

Cultural Touchpoint

This is not a traditional dish but borrows from stir fry techniques found in many Asian cuisines and features the deeply comforting flavors of garlic butter so loved in Western cooking Its real genius is in marrying these styles for an incredibly accessible weeknight meal

Save

Try this recipe the next time you crave a fast comforting dinner Each garlicky bite is a fresh warm hug

Recipe FAQ

→ How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Cut chicken into even pieces and avoid overcooking by sautéing just until golden and cooked through.

→ Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, thaw and drain broccoli before adding to the pan. Adjust steaming time as needed for tenderness.

→ Is there an alternative to soy sauce?

You may use tamari or coconut aminos for a similar salty, umami flavor.

→ How can I make this meal spicier?

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce.

→ What can I serve alongside this dish?

It pairs well with rice, pasta, or low-carb alternatives like cauliflower rice.