Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli: A Quick and Flavor-Packed Weeknight Favorite
If you’re on the hunt for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes, this Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli recipe is about to become your new go-to. With juicy bite-sized pieces of chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, garlicky butter sauce, this dish is everything you crave in a comfort meal—without the fuss.
Whether you’re feeding picky kids, whipping up a cozy solo dinner, or looking for something elegant-yet-easy to serve for guests, this versatile recipe delivers every time. It’s naturally low-carb, high in protein, and customizable for a variety of dietary preferences.
Let’s dive into why this dish belongs in your weekly meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli recipe checks all the boxes:
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Fast & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from prep to plate.
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Nutritious & Balanced: Packed with protein and veggies in one pan.
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Family-Friendly: Mild flavors with optional spice for those who like heat.
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Customizable: Easily adaptable for keto, gluten-free, or dairy-free diets.
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Minimal Cleanup: One pan is all you need!
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for:
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Busy professionals or parents who need something quick and satisfying after a long day.
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Meal preppers looking for a make-ahead dish that reheats well.
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Beginner cooks who want to build confidence in the kitchen.
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Anyone craving a savory, buttery garlic dish that doesn’t come from takeout.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything that goes into this savory masterpiece:
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Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs are also a juicy, flavorful option.
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Broccoli Florets: Fresh for best texture, but frozen works in a pinch.
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Butter (unsalted): Rich, creamy, and essential for the sauce.
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Fresh Garlic (minced): Go heavy—garlic is the heart of this dish!
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Olive Oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
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Soy Sauce: Brings in umami and depth.
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Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Adds a little heat. Adjust to your liking.
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Lemon Juice: Balances out the butter with a bright citrusy note.
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Salt & Pepper: To taste.
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Sesame Seeds & Parsley (optional): For garnish and added texture.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
To make this dish seamlessly, gather the following:
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Large skillet or sauté pan with lid
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Cutting board
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Sharp knife
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Measuring spoons
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Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
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Citrus juicer (optional, but helpful)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Dice the chicken breast into uniform, bite-sized cubes for even cooking. Season with salt and pepper. Rinse and cut your broccoli into small florets. Mince your garlic and set everything aside for a smooth cooking process.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for a minute or two to develop color, then flip and cook until golden brown and cooked through (5-6 minutes total). Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 3: Steam the Broccoli
In the same skillet, add ¼ cup of water and toss in the broccoli. Cover the pan with a lid and steam for 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is just tender but still has a crisp bite. Drain excess water.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Turn the heat to medium-low. Add butter and let it melt completely. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Add soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together.
Step 5: Combine & Finish
Return the chicken to the pan, tossing it in the sauce. Let it cook for another minute or two, then add the broccoli back in. Stir everything so it’s coated with the luscious garlic butter sauce.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm as is, or pair it with rice, pasta, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Storage:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
Freezing:
You can freeze this dish, but for best texture, undercook the broccoli slightly before freezing. Reheat from frozen in a skillet or microwave.
Recipe Variations & Swaps
Want to make this recipe your own? Try these easy variations:
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Keto-Friendly: Omit the soy sauce or replace it with coconut aminos. Pair with cauliflower rice.
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Add More Veggies: Sauté in bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for a veggie-loaded version.
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Make it Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a creamy garlic butter sauce.
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Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Perfect Pairings
To round out your meal, consider serving this with:
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Side Dishes: Jasmine rice, quinoa, garlic mashed potatoes, or stir-fried noodles.
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Low-Carb Options: Zoodles, cauliflower rice, or a side salad with a citrus vinaigrette.
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Wine Pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a buttery Chardonnay complements the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
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Non-Alcoholic Drink: Try sparkling water with lemon or a light iced green tea.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just steam it separately and add it during the final steps to avoid overcooking.
What’s the best cut of chicken to use?
Boneless, skinless chicken breast works well, but chicken thighs add more juiciness and flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the butter with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter or olive oil.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Definitely! It reheats wonderfully and holds up for several days in the fridge.
How do I avoid overcooked chicken?
Don’t overcrowd the pan, and make sure the chicken is cut into even-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a weeknight hero that brings comfort, nutrition, and incredible flavor to your plate. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a dish that proves home cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious.
If you loved this recipe, share it with your fellow food lovers and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more fast, flavorful, and fuss-free recipes delivered straight to your inbox. Happy cooking!
