Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli (20 Minutes!)
If you’re on the lookout for a quick, delicious weeknight dinner that’s packed with flavor and nutrition, you’ve come to the right place! Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli is a stellar dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with vibrant broccoli, all enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce. With just 20 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings or when you just want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
This recipe is not only quick but also incredibly versatile. The combination of garlic, butter, and chicken is timeless, and adding broccoli boosts the nutritional value while providing a lovely crunch. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup! Whether you’re cooking for family or a simple dinner for one, this Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli is bound to impress.
What You’ll Need
- 2 medium chicken breasts (or 1 pound), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon each of:
- salt
- garlic powder
- oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon each of:
- black pepper
- chili powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup butter, divided
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 3-4 cups broccoli florets (or broccolini)
- 1/2 cup water or chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or juice of 1 lemon)
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Large skillet: For cooking the chicken and broccoli.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: To stir the ingredients together.
- Measuring spoons: For accurate seasoning.
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping the chicken and broccoli.
Cooking Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli (20 Minutes!): The Process
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by seasoning the cut chicken breast pieces. In a bowl, combine the salt, garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, and chili powder. Toss the chicken pieces in this seasoning mix until they’re well coated.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Allow it to cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Butter
Once the chicken is fully cooked, reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet along with the minced garlic. Stir everything together, and let the garlic cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Incorporate Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Pour in the water or chicken stock and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper. Stir everything together, then cover the skillet with a lid. Let it steam for about 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender.
Step 5: Finish with Lemon Juice and Remaining Butter
Remove the lid and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the lemon juice to the skillet. Stir well to combine, allowing the butter to melt and create a luscious garlic butter sauce that coats the chicken and broccoli.
Step 6: Serve
Once everything is heated through and well combined, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve your Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli hot, perhaps over a bed of rice or alongside your favorite grain for a complete meal!
Season-by-Season Upgrades
- Spring: Add fresh asparagus or snap peas for a seasonal touch.
- Summer: Toss in cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and sweetness.
- Fall: Incorporate diced butternut squash for added sweetness and heartiness.
- Winter: Use kale or spinach to add some greens during the colder months.
Pro Perspective
This Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli is a fantastic base recipe. You can easily swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu, making it a wonderful option for various dietary preferences. The garlic butter sauce is also incredibly versatile; try adding a splash of white wine or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra depth of flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite spices or herbs to make this dish your own!
Freezer-Friendly Notes
If you want to make a meal prep batch, this Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli can be stored in the freezer. Allow the cooked dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. This makes it a perfect option for those busy weeks when you want a homemade meal with minimal effort!
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well! Just be sure to add it to the skillet while the chicken is cooking, allowing a little extra time for the broccoli to thaw and heat through.
What can I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or even a simple side salad. You could also serve it with pasta for a heartier meal.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative, such as vegan butter or olive oil, to keep the dish rich and flavorful without dairy.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness or ensure that the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
Time to Try It
This Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli (20 Minutes!) recipe is a culinary delight that you can whip up in no time. With its rich flavors and vibrant colors, it’s sure to become a staple in your home cooking repertoire. Try it out tonight and savor every bite!
Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming, and with recipes like this, you’ll find that delicious, wholesome meals are just a few ingredients away. Grab your skillet and get started on this delightful dish!
Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli (20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by seasoning the cut chicken breast pieces. In a bowl, combine the salt, garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, and chili powder. Toss the chicken pieces in this seasoning mix until they're well coated.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Allow it to cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet along with the minced garlic. Stir everything together, and let the garlic cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Pour in the water or chicken stock and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper. Stir everything together, then cover the skillet with a lid. Let it steam for about 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender.
- Remove the lid and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the lemon juice to the skillet. Stir well to combine, allowing the butter to melt and create a luscious garlic butter sauce that coats the chicken and broccoli.
- Once everything is heated through and well combined, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve your Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli hot, perhaps over a bed of rice or alongside your favorite grain for a complete meal!
Notes
- This dish can be easily made dairy-free by substituting butter with a dairy-free alternative.
- Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or tofu to cater to different dietary preferences.
- To make it a complete meal, serve it over rice, quinoa, or pasta.
