There’s a certain joy that springs from the kitchen when the clock is ticking down to dinner time, and you need something quick yet delicious. I stumbled upon this delightful Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli recipe during one of those evenings when takeout just didn’t cut it. The golden, tender chicken pieces mingle harmoniously with crisp-tender broccoli, all enveloped in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce that could make any day feel special.
Imagine the satisfying sizzle as the chicken hits the pan, the buttery aroma filling the air, and the vibrant colors coming to life right before your eyes – it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience! What sets this dish apart is its incredible versatility and ease, allowing you to whip up a comforting dinner in under 15 minutes, using just one pan. Whether you’re feeding a family or enjoying a quiet night solo, this dish promises to be a winner, proving once and for all that quick meals don’t have to skimp on flavor. Let’s dive into the magic of Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli!
Why Will You Love Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli?
Quick Preparation: Whip up this dish in under 15 minutes, making it ideal for those busy weeknights.
One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time for you to enjoy your meal or spend with loved ones.
Flavor Explosion: The rich garlic butter sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken and vibrant broccoli.
Versatile Dish: Easily customize with your favorite seasonal vegetables or proteins for endless variations!
Crowd Pleaser: Impress family and friends with a restaurant-quality meal that’s simple yet sophisticated.
Experience the ease and delight of this quick-cooking meal, and for more amazing recipes, check out my collection of delicious one-pan wonders!
Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Chicken Breasts – cut into bite-sized pieces; substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier result.
For the Broccoli
• Broccoli Florets – adds vibrant color and nutrition; frozen broccoli can be used but should be steamed separately for best texture.
For the Sauce
• Unsalted Butter – provides richness; you can replace it with olive oil for a dairy-free option.
• Garlic – fresh minced garlic is key for that aromatic flavor boost.
• Soy Sauce – adds umami depth; swap with tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
• Lemon Juice – brightens the dish; lime juice is a great substitute for a different twist.
• Red Pepper Flakes – optional for a hint of heat; omit for a milder version or use fresh chilies as a substitute.
• Salt & Black Pepper – essential seasonings to elevate flavor.
For Garnishing
• Sesame Seeds – optional, for added crunch and flavor enhancement.
• Parsley – fresh herb garnish for color and a touch of brightness.
Whip up this Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli recipe to enjoy a quick, delicious meal that’s sure to satisfy!
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli
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Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, sautéing for 5-6 minutes until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
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Steam Broccoli: In that same skillet, add 1/4 cup water and toss in the broccoli florets. Cover the pan and steam for 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender. Discard any excess water.
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Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low, melt the unsalted butter in the pan, and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Incorporate Sauce Flavors: Stir in soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes until everything is well combined, creating a flavorful sauce.
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Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return the sautéed chicken to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat it in the rich sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to infuse the flavors.
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Finish with Broccoli: Carefully fold the steamed broccoli into the pan, mixing until every piece is well coated with that delicious garlic butter sauce.
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Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Optionally, sprinkle sesame seeds and parsley on top before serving. Enjoy warm, either on its own or over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Optional: Top with sliced green onions for extra flavor and color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli
Room Temperature: Enjoy your Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli fresh, but if left out, consume within 2 hours to ensure food safety.
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Reheating: Always reheat on the stovetop or oven rather than the microwave for the best texture and flavor.
Make Ahead Options
These Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prep the chicken and broccoli up to 24 hours in advance—just season and store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator, while the broccoli florets can be washed and cut ahead of time. For the garlic butter sauce, mix the butter, garlic, soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes in advance, refrigerating until needed. To maintain quality, make sure to refrigerate the components separately. Then, when you’re ready to enjoy, simply heat everything in a skillet until warmed through and toss together, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in minutes!
Variations & Substitutions for Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli
Feel free to get creative and tailor this dish to your preferences for a unique culinary experience!
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Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, marinated and sautéed until golden for a delightful plant-based option.
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Seasonal Swaps: Replace broccoli with colorful seasonal vegetables like asparagus in spring or Brussels sprouts in fall for a fresh taste of the season.
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Dairy-Free Option: Use olive oil instead of butter to keep the rich taste while making it dairy-free; add a splash of coconut milk for creaminess.
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Flavor Boost: Add freshly grated ginger to the garlic butter sauce for an added layer of warm spice that elevates the dish.
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Spice It Up: Toss in a teaspoon of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to give the dish a spicy kick that livens up mealtime.
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Crunch Factor: For an added texture, sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds on top before serving – almonds or sunflower seeds work beautifully!
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Citrus Twist: Experiment with lime juice instead of lemon for a zesty spin that brightens the entire dish with a tropical flair.
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One-Pan Pasta: Stir in cooked pasta towards the end to transform this chicken and broccoli dish into a hearty, all-in-one pasta meal.
Dare to explore these variations, and remember, cooking is about discovery and joy!
Expert Tips for Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken; overcooking can lead to dryness. Aim for a juicy texture by using a meat thermometer.
- Perfect Garlic Flavor: Sauté garlic just until golden to unlock its full flavor. Burning it will create a bitter taste you want to avoid.
- Broccoli Brightness: For the best texture, don’t oversteam the broccoli. It should be brightly colored and crisp-tender.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and broccoli enhance the overall taste of your Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli. Opt for fresh when possible!
- Store Wisely: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli?
Elevate your mealtime experience with delightful sides that perfectly complement this quick and flavorful dish.
- Fluffy Rice: The soft texture of rice allows it to soak up the rich garlic butter sauce beautifully, creating a satisfying meal.
- Garlic Bread: Cheesy, buttery garlic bread makes a fabulous pairing, enhancing the garlic flavor and providing a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken.
- Asian Slaw: A refreshing and crunchy slaw adds a burst of freshness, balancing the richness of the garlic butter chicken.
- Crispy Roasted Potatoes: These golden nuggets provide a hearty base, perfectly complementing the lightness of the broccoli and chicken.
- Steamed Green Beans: Their crispness offers a lovely contrast, while the vibrant green color lifts the entire plate visually.
- Sesame Noodles: Serve the chicken over sesame-flavored noodles for a delightful twist, with the noodles acting as a beautiful backdrop to the dish.
- Sweet Mango Salsa: The sweetness of the mango will create a spectacular flavor contrast that brightens the meal, making it feel more vibrant.
- Lemonade or Sparkling Water: A refreshing drink will cleanse the palate and enhance the meal, with the citrus notes echoing the lemon in the dish.
- Chocolate Mousse Cups: Finish your meal on a sweet note; the rich chocolate dessert serves as a lovely, indulgent end to a simple dinner.
- Matcha Green Tea: A warm cup of subtly sweet matcha tea offers a calming finish after your flavorful feast, helping you unwind.
Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken is best for Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli?
For this recipe, I recommend using chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces for a tender texture. If you prefer juicier chicken, feel free to substitute with chicken thighs. They will hold moisture better during cooking, making the overall dish richer and more flavorful!
How should I store leftovers of Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, I suggest reheating on the stovetop with a splash of water to help retain moisture and prevent drying out. It’s a great way to keep the flavors vibrant!
Can I freeze Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli?
Absolutely! To freeze, portion the dish into airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly on the stovetop for the best texture and flavor.
What if my broccoli is overcooked?
If you find that your broccoli has lost its vibrant color and is mushy, it won’t hurt the dish but can affect texture. To avoid this, steam the broccoli just until it’s bright green and crisp-tender. Pay attention to steaming time; about 2-3 minutes is usually perfect.
Are there any dietary considerations for Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli?
Yes! If you’re avoiding dairy, replace the unsalted butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. Also, if you need a gluten-free option, be sure to swap the soy sauce with tamari. This dish is also generally low-carb, making it a great fit for various dietary preferences.
What veggies can I substitute or add to this recipe?
Feel free to get creative! You can swap broccoli for other seasonal vegetables like asparagus in spring, zucchini in summer, or Brussels sprouts in the fall. For an extra flavor boost, consider adding some ginger to the garlic butter sauce. The more, the merrier!
Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli: 15-Minute Deliciousness
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, sautéing for 5-6 minutes until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In that same skillet, add 1/4 cup water and toss in the broccoli florets. Cover the pan and steam for 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender. Discard any excess water.
- Lower the heat to medium-low, melt the unsalted butter in the pan, and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes until everything is well combined, creating a flavorful sauce.
- Return the sautéed chicken to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat it in the rich sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Carefully fold the steamed broccoli into the pan, mixing until every piece is well coated with that delicious garlic butter sauce.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Optionally, sprinkle sesame seeds and parsley on top before serving. Enjoy warm, either on its own or over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.