Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli: 1 Dish Perfection

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Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli has truly become my go-to for a satisfying weeknight meal. I remember the first time I tried making this easy garlic butter chicken broccoli; the aroma of sizzling garlic and butter filled my kitchen, instantly making it feel cozy. It’s just so incredibly simple, yet the flavor is so rich and comforting, making it a perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli Dinner. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, delivering tender chicken and perfectly crisp broccoli coated in a luscious sauce. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli

The taste is absolutely divine – rich, savory garlic butter coats everything!
It’s incredibly easy Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli, perfect for busy evenings.
You can have this delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
It’s a surprisingly healthy option, packed with protein and veggies.
This recipe is budget-friendly, using simple, common ingredients.
It’s a family-favorite that even picky eaters will devour.
This easy Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli is a lifesaver for weeknights.
Enjoy a restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss or extra cost.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli

Gathering your Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli Ingredients is the first step to this amazing dish. I always opt for fresh ingredients, as they really make a difference in the final flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 pound chicken breasts, diced – I like to cut mine into about 1-inch pieces so they cook evenly.
2 cups fresh broccoli florets – For that perfect tender-crisp texture, make sure they’re bite-sized.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter – This is the base of our luscious sauce, so good quality butter is key!
4 cloves garlic, minced – Don’t be shy with the garlic; it’s the star of the show here.
Salt, to taste – Just a pinch to enhance all those wonderful flavors.
Pepper, to taste – Freshly ground black pepper adds a nice little kick.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional) – This little addition brings a lovely herbaceous note.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – For a pop of color and freshness at the end.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli

Let’s get this simple and delicious meal started! Making this Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli Skillet is incredibly straightforward, perfect for any night of the week.

Step 1: Begin by prepping your ingredients. Dice about 1 pound of chicken breasts into uniform, bite-sized pieces. Trim and chop your fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets. Having everything ready makes the cooking process so much smoother.
Step 2: Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt and start to sizzle – that’s the sound of deliciousness beginning!
Step 3: Carefully add the diced chicken to the hot skillet. Season generously with salt and pepper. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for a few minutes to get a nice golden-brown sear. Then, stir and continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes total. You want it golden on the outside and no longer pink inside.
Step 4: Now for the magic ingredient: add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Stir it around and cook for about 1 minute until it becomes incredibly fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, or it can turn bitter.
Step 5: Toss in the prepared broccoli florets. Give everything a good stir to combine the chicken, garlic, and broccoli in the skillet.
Step 6: Cover the skillet with a lid. Let the broccoli steam for approximately 3-4 minutes. You want it to become bright green and perfectly tender-crisp, not mushy. Check it after 3 minutes.
Step 7: Uncover the skillet and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the Italian seasoning, if you’re using it. Stir everything together until the chicken and broccoli are beautifully coated in that luscious, melted garlic butter sauce. This step really brings the whole Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli Skillet together.
Step 8: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 9: Remove the Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli from the heat. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately straight from the skillet for a rustic, appealing presentation.

Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli

I’ve made this dish countless times, and these little tips really elevate it from good to absolutely fantastic. They ensure you get the perfect flavor and texture every single time.

Don’t overcrowd the skillet! Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure it sears nicely instead of steaming. This is a crucial step for that lovely golden-brown crust.
Use fresh garlic, not pre-minced from a jar. The flavor difference is truly remarkable and worth the extra minute of chopping.
For extra tender broccoli, you can blanch it for 30 seconds in boiling water before adding it to the skillet. This helps guarantee it’s perfectly cooked through.
Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end. Sometimes the chicken needs a little more salt or pepper, depending on what you used.

What’s the secret to perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli?

The real secret lies in not overcooking the broccoli and ensuring you get a good sear on the chicken. Following these Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli cooking tips, especially about not overcrowding the pan, makes all the difference in achieving that perfect texture and flavor.

Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! For effective Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli Meal Prep, you can dice the chicken and chop the broccoli a day in advance and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Cook the dish fresh for the best results, but prepping ahead saves even more time on busy nights.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli?

The most common pitfalls are overcooking the broccoli until it’s mushy or burning the garlic. To avoid this, keep a close eye on the broccoli during the steaming phase and only cook the garlic for about a minute until fragrant.

Best Ways to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli

This versatile Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli is a dream to pair with so many things! For a classic and satisfying meal, I often serve it over fluffy white rice. The rice soaks up all that incredible garlic butter sauce beautifully, making it a complete and comforting experience. If you’re craving something a bit heartier, it’s also fantastic spooned over al dente pasta. The tender chicken and crisp broccoli create a wonderful texture contrast with the noodles. Seriously, no matter how you serve it, this dish is a winner!

Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli Nutritional Information

This Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli recipe is a fantastic choice for a healthy and satisfying dinner. Each serving is packed with protein to keep you full and satisfied.

Calories: 380 kcal
Fat: 25g
Protein: 30g

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli

Properly storing your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli Dinner ensures you can enjoy those amazing flavors for days to come. Once the dish has cooled slightly, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s wrapped securely to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating is just as simple! For refrigerated leftovers, you can gently warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to revive the sauce. Alternatively, a quick stint in the microwave works wonders. Frozen portions should be thawed in the refrigerator overnight before reheating using either of these methods for the best texture. Enjoy your convenient and tasty meal!

Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli

What is Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli?

Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli is a simple, flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender pieces of chicken and crisp-tender broccoli florets coated in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce. It’s a popular weeknight meal because it’s quick to prepare and uses common ingredients, offering a satisfying and delicious experience.

Is Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli healthy?

Yes, this Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli Healthy meal is quite nutritious. It’s packed with lean protein from the chicken and essential vitamins and fiber from the broccoli. While it uses butter for that delicious flavor, you can control the amount and portion size to fit your dietary needs, making it a balanced choice.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative and can even make the dish more flavorful and moist due to their higher fat content. Just make sure to dice them similarly to the chicken breasts and cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

What if I don’t have fresh broccoli?

If fresh broccoli isn’t available, frozen broccoli works well too. You’ll want to use about the same amount, but be mindful of the cooking time. Frozen broccoli tends to cook faster, so add it to the skillet and cook for just 2-3 minutes, or until heated through and tender-crisp, to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Variations of Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli You Can Try

I love how versatile this dish is! You can easily customize it to fit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to shake things up:

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli: For an extra decadent touch, stir in a quarter cup of heavy cream or half-and-half along with the last bit of butter. This creates a wonderfully rich and creamy sauce that’s pure comfort food.
Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli Low Carb: Skip the rice or pasta and serve this as is, or over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. It makes for a fantastic low-carb meal that still packs a punch of flavor and is perfect for a keto diet.
Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic. You can also serve it with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli: Brighten up the flavors by adding the zest and juice of half a lemon in the last minute of cooking. It adds a lovely citrusy note that complements the garlic and butter perfectly.