OnePan Wonder Speedy Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli a Weeknight Lifesaver

Speedy Onepan Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:15 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 5 lbs (680 g) Boneless, skinless Chicken Breast, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Olive Oil, for searing
• 1 tsp Kosher Salt, divided
• 1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper, divided
• 4 cups (450 g) Broccoli Florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) Low Sodium Chicken Stock or Water
• 4 Tbsp (56 g) Unsalted Butter, cold and cut into pieces
• 4-5 cloves Garlic, finely minced
• 1 tsp Dried Italian Herbs (optional)
• 1 Tbsp (15 ml) Fresh Lemon Juice
• 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Fresh Parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

• Season the Chicken: Pat the diced chicken dry, then toss lightly with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
• Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until deeply golden and crispy on the edges. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked chicken to a clean bowl, leaving the remaining oil and browned bits (the fonds) in the pan.
• Start the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the pan. Once the butter is melted and foaming, add the minced garlic and dried herbs. Sauté for about 60–90 seconds until fragrant—do not let the garlic burn.
• Deglaze: Pour in the chicken stock (or water) and the lemon juice. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
• Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets and remaining salt/pepper to the sauce. Stir well to coat. Cover the pan with a lid or foil and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender.
• Combine and Finish: Return the seared chicken and any accumulated juices from the bowl to the pan. Stir gently to coat everything thoroughly with the garlic butter sauce. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). If needed, continue cooking uncovered for 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in the fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:726 kcal

Protein:11.5 g

Fat:52.3 g

Carbs:29.7 g

Fiber:8.8 g

Sugar:0.0 g

Sodium:447 mg

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Contemporary American

The Weeknight Kitchen Secret: Why This Dish Works

In the fast-paced world of professional culinary arts, we rely on dishes that deliver immense flavour and satisfaction without demanding hours of labour. This recipe for Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli is exactly that—a weeknight champion we call a ‘back pocket recipe.’ It transforms standard pantry staples into a rich, complex, and incredibly delicious Healthy Chicken Dinner in under 30 minutes. Its genius lies in its simplicity, proving that sophisticated cooking isn't about complexity, but rather about maximizing the impact of high-quality ingredients.

Harnessing the Power of the One-Pan Method

The foundation of this quick meal relies entirely on the successful execution of the one-pan method. By searing the protein first, we create deep, browned bits—known as fonds —on the bottom of the skillet. These caramelized juices hold concentrated flavour, which is later lifted and incorporated into the sauce through deglazing. This process ensures that every component, from the tender Chicken Breast And Broccoli Recipes to the final glaze, shares a cohesive, deep, and integrated flavour profile, minimizing both cook time and cleanup.

Maximum Flavour Return on Minimum Time Investment

The beautiful depth of flavour achieved in this garlic butter chicken and broccoli recipe comes from the precise combination of heat and acidity. The high heat searing quickly seals the juices in the chicken pieces, while the subsequent creation of the rich garlic butter sauce provides an aromatic base. We then finish the sauce with a necessary squeeze of fresh lemon juice, which not only brightens the dish but also perfectly cuts through the richness of the butter, elevating this far beyond a standard set of Chicken And Broccoli Recipes .

Back Pocket Recipes: The Professional Chef's Go-To

Every home cook needs a rotation of dependable, fast meals that still feel special. This preparation of Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli fits the bill perfectly. It is the definition of efficiency: a complete, protein-rich meal that requires minimal knife work and boasts a near-guaranteed success rate, making it a stellar choice for your library of reliable Health Dinner Recipes .

The Anatomy of Flavour: Required Ingredients and Substitutions

To create the luxurious pan sauce that coats the chicken and greens, fresh, quality ingredients are paramount. We begin with 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure rapid cooking. The vegetable component calls for four packed cups of broccoli florets, which provide essential texture and vibrant colour. For the signature sauce, you will need four tablespoons of unsalted butter and four to five cloves of finely minced fresh garlic—skip the jarred stuff here, as the potency of the fresh bulb is non-negotiable for true garlic sauce chicken and broccoli . Should you require a substitution for the chicken breast, boneless skinless thighs work beautifully, although they need an extra minute or two on the sear. If broccoli isn't your preference, cauliflower florets or asparagus spears can easily be incorporated, adjusting the steaming time accordingly.

The Essential Equipment: Choosing Your Champion Skillet

The most important tool for achieving success with this one-pan approach is a high-quality, heavy-bottomed skillet, preferably a 12-inch cast iron or stainless steel model. Avoid non-stick pans if possible, as they inhibit the formation of the crucial brown fonds necessary for building the sauce's depth. A robust skillet retains heat consistently, which is essential for searing the meat quickly without lowering the overall temperature of the cooking surface.

Selecting the Optimal Cut of Chicken for Fast Cooking

While using whole chicken cutlets can work, dicing the chicken breast into even 1-inch garlic butter chicken bites with broccoli is the secret to the dish’s 15-minute cook time. Uniform pieces not only sear faster, achieving that desired deep golden crust but also ensure that the meat is perfectly cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165° F) simultaneously with the broccoli finishing its steam.

Sourcing the Best Broccoli Florets for Crisp Results

For the freshest and crispest results, aim for about four cups of broccoli florets that are cut into roughly bite-sized pieces. Consistency in size is key here, as it allows the broccoli to cook evenly in the steam created by the small addition of low-sodium chicken stock (about a quarter cup). A slightly crisp-tender, or al dente , texture provides a welcome contrast to the succulent chicken and rich sauce.

The Unsung Hero: Why Quality Butter Matters

The butter is the star of the sauce, acting as both a cooking fat and the essential emufier. We use four tablespoons of cold, unsalted butter, cut into small pieces. Using cold butter helps it melt evenly and prevents separation when combined with the liquid (chicken stock and lemon juice) during the deglazing process. The higher fat content of quality dairy butter results in a silkier, more stable garlic butter sauce chicken and broccoli that clings beautifully to every ingredient.

Quick Checklist: Prepping for Zero-Stress Cooking

Before the heat even goes on, dedicate 15 minutes to thorough mise en place . Dice the 1.5 pounds of chicken, mince the four to five cloves of garlic, and cut the four cups of broccoli into florets. Season the chicken pieces lightly with half a teaspoon of kosher salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. Having the four tablespoons of cold butter ready and the quarter cup of stock measured out ensures that once you start cooking, the process flows rapidly without frantic searching or burning ingredients.

Mastering the Art of Speedy Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli

The cooking sequence begins by introducing two tablespoons of olive oil to the hot skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, the seasoned chicken is added. Remember the golden rule: sear, do not steam. This means cooking the chicken in a single layer, likely requiring two separate batches, to ensure a deep golden-brown crust forms on the exterior in three to four minutes per side. Once cooked through and gorgeously browned, the chicken is removed with a slotted spoon to a clean bowl, preserving the pan drippings for the next critical phase: sauce building.

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Finishing Strong: Bringing Together the Skillet Components

Step 1: Achieving the Deep Golden Crust on Your Chicken

The initial sear is perhaps the most important technical step. High heat quickly creates a flavorful, dark exterior on the cubed chicken. Removing the chicken promptly once seared, even if not fully cooked through, prevents it from drying out. Its final cooking will happen in the sauce, ensuring the chicken pieces remain moist while absorbing the fragrant garlic butter.

Step 2: Introducing the Greens Without Losing the Crispness

With the chicken removed, reduce the heat to medium. Add the cold butter, followed by the minced garlic and dried Italian herbs. Sauté for a brief 60 to 90 seconds until the garlic is aromatic—watch carefully, as burnt garlic ruins the entire dish! Next, deglaze the pan by pouring in the quarter cup of chicken stock and one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, scraping up all those browned fonds . Add the four cups of broccoli florets, stir to coat in the sauce, and cover the pan. The steam trapped under the lid gently cooks the broccoli to that perfect crisp-tender stage in three to four minutes.

Troubleshooting: Dealing with Undercooked Broccoli or Dry Chicken

If your broccoli is too hard after four minutes of steaming, simply add another tablespoon or two of stock and cover it for an additional minute. If you find the chicken dry upon tasting, it means the initial sear time was too long. For the juiciest results, rely on a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken hits 165° F ( 74° C) during the final coating phase, not the initial sear.

Step 3: Glazing and Coating Every Piece Evenly

Once the broccoli is cooked, return the seared chicken—along with any juices that accumulated in the resting bowl—to the skillet. Stir gently but thoroughly, ensuring every piece of chicken and every floret is completely enveloped in the creamy, zesty garlic butter sauce chicken and broccoli . Allow the mixture to simmer, uncovered, for about one to two minutes.

The Crucial Resting Period for Juicier Results

Although this is a speedy meal, allowing a brief rest before serving is essential. Once the dish is plated, stir in the two tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley, remove the pan from the heat, and let it stand for just 30 seconds. This allows the residual heat to redistribute the juices within the chicken and helps the beautiful pan sauce thicken slightly and cling effectively.

Beyond the Skillet: Expert Serving Suggestions

Given the incredible richness and flavour of the Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli , the serving suggestion should focus on something that can effectively capture the remaining sauce. Fluffy Basmati or Jasmine rice is the classic companion, eagerly soaking up the creamy butter base. For those seeking a heartier complement, thick slices of warm, crusty baguette are non-negotiable—they act as the perfect tool for mopping the pan clean, ensuring not a drop of that exquisite sauce goes to waste.

Extending the Shelf Life: Storage and Reheating Best Practices

This is a fantastic meal prep recipe, yielding four generous servings. Leftovers should be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated within two hours of cooking, where they will keep safely for three to four days. The high protein and low carbohydrate content make it a superb option for planned meals throughout the week.

Customizing Your Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli Experience

This recipe is highly adaptable. While we favour the standard garlic-lemon profile, you can easily shift the flavour dynamic.

Perfect Carbs: Side Dishes That Absorb the Butter Sauce

Beyond simple rice or bread, consider serving the garlic butter chicken and broccoli over a bed of creamy polenta or even mashed potatoes. These sides offer a luxurious texture and serve as ideal sponges for the rich sauce.

Low-Carb Complements for the Meal

If you are strictly following low-carb Health Dinner Recipes , replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice. Alternatively, for those who prefer the deep flavour achieved by cooking methods outside the skillet, complement the meal with a side of truly flavourful garlic butter chicken with roasted broccoli .

Safely Storing Leftover Chicken and Broccoli

To maintain the best quality, always store the chicken and broccoli together in the same container. The sauce will continue to tenderize the chicken slightly, locking in moisture. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent any flavour transfer in the refrigerator.

How to Prevent Mushy Broccoli When Reheating

The primary challenge when reheating this dish is preventing the broccoli from becoming soft or mushy. The best method is to reheat the leftovers in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat with a tablespoon of fresh water or stock, stirring gently until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible, or use a very low power setting for short bursts.

Flavor Variations: Adding Cheese or Sun-Dried Tomatoes

For an Italian twist, stir in a quarter cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with the parsley for a sharper, saltier garlic butter chicken and broccoli finish. You can also experiment with a sweetness balance by substituting some of the lemon juice with a drizzle of honey, transforming the flavour profile into a delicious honey garlic butter chicken and broccoli . For heat, a half teaspoon of red pepper flakes added with the garlic provides a lovely warmth.

Quick Reference: Nutritional Profile and Macros

As an estimate based on the ingredients (1.5 lbs chicken breast, 4 Tbsp butter, 4 cups broccoli), this recipe provides an excellent macro breakdown perfect for a Healthy Chicken Dinner . Each of the four servings contains approximately 410–450 calories, delivering a massive protein punch of around 45 grams, coupled with roughly 25 grams of fat and just 10 grams of carbohydrates.