This Garlic Butter Chicken with Broccoli is a delightful one-pan meal that combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with vibrant, crisp-tender broccoli, all enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce. The golden sear on the chicken adds a beautiful texture and color contrast to the bright green of the broccoli, making for an inviting and wholesome plate.
Perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a comforting yet nutritious dinner, this dish is quick to prepare and sure to become a family favorite. The garlic butter sauce infuses every bite with warmth and depth of flavor, while the steamed broccoli adds freshness and balance.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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4 cups broccoli florets
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme on both sides.
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Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Add broccoli florets and stir to coat in garlic butter. Pour in chicken broth and cover the skillet. Let broccoli steam for 4-5 minutes until tender but still crisp.
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Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some garlic butter sauce over the top, and cook together for another 2 minutes.
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Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal per serving
Servings: 4 servings
When it comes to creating meals that are both satisfying and nourishing, Garlic Butter Chicken with Broccoli stands tall among the greats. A timeless one-pan dish, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal fuss, making it ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prepping. It’s where wholesome meets indulgent—lean chicken breast meets the vibrant crunch of broccoli, all brought together with an irresistible garlic butter sauce.
Let’s dive into the deeper elements of this culinary gem—what makes it special, how you can customize it to suit your preferences, and why it should become a staple in your weekly meal plan.
The Allure of Simplicity in One-Pan Cooking
One of the biggest appeals of this dish is its simplicity. The entire recipe can be made in just one skillet, which significantly reduces cleanup time and keeps the cooking process streamlined. The order of operations—searing the chicken, then cooking the broccoli in the same pan—allows every ingredient to soak up the flavor-rich garlic butter base.
Cooking everything in one pan isn’t just convenient; it enhances flavor. The fond (the caramelized bits left at the bottom of the pan after searing meat) adds a deep umami character to the garlic butter sauce, making each bite taste more complex than the ingredients might suggest.
Why Garlic Butter Always Wins
Garlic and butter—two ingredients with centuries of culinary history. Together, they create a powerful, savory, and aromatic base that instantly elevates even the most basic of dishes.
In this recipe, garlic is not just a seasoning—it’s the star. As it sizzles in melted butter, it releases a fragrance that signals something truly delicious is in the works. Butter contributes a creamy richness that coats the chicken and broccoli, making them irresistibly savory without needing any heavy cream or artificial ingredients.
For health-conscious cooks, you can control the amount of butter while still getting maximum flavor, and opt for grass-fed or clarified butter (ghee) for added nutritional benefits.
A Nutritional Powerhouse in Disguise
Despite tasting indulgent, this dish is surprisingly healthy. Chicken breast is a lean source of protein, low in saturated fat, and packed with essential nutrients like B vitamins and selenium. Meanwhile, broccoli is often hailed as one of the healthiest vegetables—it’s high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that promote heart and immune health.
Together, they form a balanced meal that provides:
- High protein for muscle repair and satiety
- Fiber and micronutrients for digestive and immune health
- Low carbs, making it suitable for keto or low-carb diets
- A naturally gluten-free profile, perfect for those with sensitivities
And because the recipe doesn’t require any flour-based sauces or starch-heavy sides, it’s a great fit for paleo and Whole30 diets too.
Customizing the Dish to Your Taste
Another reason this dish is such a crowd-pleaser is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ways you can adapt the recipe to suit your preferences or use up what you have in the fridge:
Add Extra Vegetables
While broccoli is the classic choice, you can include bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or asparagus. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times so everything is cooked to tender-crisp perfection.
Spice It Up
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne if you like a little heat. You could also stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a tangy twist or sprinkle in some Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean touch.
Make It Creamy
If you prefer a creamier version, add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese to the sauce at the end of cooking. This variation works particularly well served over cauliflower mash or low-carb pasta.
Use Chicken Thighs
For those who love richer, juicier meat, boneless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute for breasts. Just keep in mind they may need a few extra minutes to cook through.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Every Time
Even a simple recipe benefits from good technique. Here are some tried-and-true tips to make sure your Garlic Butter Chicken with Broccoli is perfect every time:
- Pound chicken breasts evenly for consistent cooking. Uneven thickness leads to dryness on one end and undercooking on the other.
- Use medium-high heat to get a good sear on the chicken without burning the garlic.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If your skillet is small, cook the chicken in batches to get that golden crust instead of steaming it.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, white wine, or even lemon juice to lift the flavor-rich bits off the pan and incorporate them into the sauce.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing. This helps lock in juices and keeps the meat tender.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
While this dish is complete on its own, it can be paired with simple sides to round out the meal. Here are a few ideas:
- Cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower for a low-carb accompaniment
- Steamed jasmine or brown rice for a heartier, gluten-free option
- Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes if you’re not watching carbs
- Garlic bread or crusty sourdough for dipping into the luscious garlic butter sauce
A light salad with vinaigrette or a tangy coleslaw also contrasts beautifully with the richness of the main dish.
Ideal for Meal Prep
This recipe stores beautifully, making it a great choice for meal prepping. Simply cook as directed, then portion into airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days and reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop. To maintain the crisp texture of the broccoli, reheat gently and avoid overcooking.
It’s also freezer-friendly. Just be sure to cool completely before storing, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Recipe for Every Home Cook
Garlic Butter Chicken with Broccoli isn’t just a recipe—it’s a lifestyle solution. It checks every box: quick to make, easy to clean up, full of flavor, and nourishing for the whole family. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro looking for a reliable go-to meal, this dish won’t disappoint.
Its rich garlic butter sauce transforms basic ingredients into something truly special, while the combination of protein and fiber keeps you full and satisfied without weighing you down. It’s adaptable, accessible, and always a hit around the dinner table.
Add this recipe to your rotation and enjoy a delicious balance of comfort, nutrition, and ease—without spending hours in the kitchen. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s one of those recipes that never goes out of style.