Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli Skillet is a quick one-pan chicken dinner made with juicy chicken breast, tender broccoli, garlic, and butter. It is high in protein, low in carbs, ready in 20 minutes.
Chicken breast and broccoli are often associated with healthy eating plans, but they do not always get the attention they deserve as genuinely delicious ingredients. This recipe changes that with one simple addition: rich garlic butter.
As the chicken cooks, it develops rich browned edges that add depth and flavor.
The broccoli cooks directly in the skillet, absorbing some of the juices from the chicken while becoming tender without turning mushy.
The finishing touch is a mixture of melted butter and garlic that coats everything in a glossy, flavorful sauce.
We love serving it alongside some air fryer roasted potatoes for a full meal - but it's also great with rice or noodles.
The broccoli really acts like little sponges and soaks up that flavourful garlic butter!
Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a high-protein meal prep option, or an easy one-pan recipe to add to your collection, this garlic butter chicken and broccoli skillet deserves a closer look.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Dinner can be on the table in about 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Garlic butter adds rich flavor without requiring a long ingredient list.
- Chicken breast provides plenty of protein for a satisfying meal.
- Broccoli cooks directly in the skillet, reducing dishes and cleanup.
- The recipe naturally fits many low-carb eating plans.
- Simple ingredients are available in most grocery stores.Leftovers reheat well for lunches and meal prep.The cooking method helps develop flavor through browning rather than relying on heavy sauces.The recipe is easy to customize with different vegetables and seasonings.One skillet means less time cleaning after dinner.
Ingredients
You only need simple pantry ingredients for this recipe!
- Chicken Breasts - The main protein in the recipe. Boneless skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and develop a nice golden exterior when cubed. Chicken thighs can be substituted if you prefer darker meat.
- Broccoli Florets- Bring freshness, texture, and color to the skillet. Cauliflower can be substituted if desired.
- Oil - Used to help brown the chicken and prevent sticking. Any neutral cooking oil works well.
- Butter - Creates the rich sauce that coats the chicken and broccoli. Unsalted butter offers the most control over seasoning.
- Garlic - Provides the signature flavor of the dish. Fresh garlic is recommended for the best aroma and taste.
- Salt & Pepper - Enhances the flavor of both the chicken and broccoli. Adjust according to taste.
See the recipe card for quantities and method.
How to make this recipe
Follow these step-by-step instructions, then scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.
Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the oil.
Place the chicken into the skillet and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for 8 minutes until golden on all sides.
Meanwhile, melt the butter, then stir in the garlic and set aside.
Add the broccoli to the skillet along with a small splash of water, and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
Pour in the garlic butter, stir and heat for 1 minute.
Tip: Cut the broccoli into small florets so it cooks quickly.
Scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.
Variations
- Add sliced mushrooms for extra savory flavor.
- Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast.
- Add red pepper flakes for heat.
- Include sliced zucchini.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add lemon zest and lemon juice.
- Toss in asparagus pieces.
- Use cauliflower instead of broccoli.
- Add spinach during the final minute of cooking.
- Mix in cherry tomatoes.
- Include bell peppers for sweetness.
- Add Italian seasoning.
- Finish with fresh parsley.
- Add a splash of chicken broth for extra sauce.
- Stir in cooked bacon pieces.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed white rice or Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice (copycat).
- Spoon over mashed potatoes.
- Serve with roasted potatoes or Crispy Air Fryer Diced Potatoes
- Enjoy alongside garlic bread or Outback Steakhouse Bread copycat.
- Serve over buttered noodles.
- Add to meal prep containers.
- Spoon into lettuce wraps.
- Serve with a side salad.
Storage
Storage: Allow the chicken and broccoli to cool before refrigerating. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Freezing: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The broccoli may soften slightly after freezing, but the flavor remains good.
More Skillet Recipes
Recipe Tips
- Cut the chicken into evenly sized cubes for consistent cooking.
- Let the skillet heat before adding the chicken.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Use fresh garlic whenever possible.
- Cut broccoli into small florets so it cooks quickly.
- Stir the broccoli frequently to ensure even cooking.
- If the skillet becomes dry, add a small splash of water.
- Use an instant-read thermometer if you want precise doneness.
- Allow the chicken to brown before stirring too often.
- Add the garlic butter near the end to preserve its flavor.
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📖 Recipe
Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli Skillet
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the oil.
- Place the chicken into the skillet and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for 8 minutes until golden on all sides.
- Meanwhile, melt the butter, then stir in the garlic and set aside.
- Add the broccoli to the skillet along with a small splash of water, and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Pour in the garlic butter, stir and heat for 1 minute.
- Tip: Cut the broccoli into small florets so it cooks quickly.
Notes
- Cut the chicken into evenly sized cubes for consistent cooking.
- Let the skillet heat before adding the chicken.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Use fresh garlic whenever possible.
- Cut broccoli into small florets so it cooks quickly.
- Stir the broccoli frequently to ensure even cooking.
- If the skillet becomes dry, add a small splash of water.
- Use an instant-read thermometer if you want precise doneness.
- Allow the chicken to brown before stirring too often.
- Add the garlic butter near the end to preserve its flavor.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
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