Cozy Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli: A Heartwarming Weeknight Delight
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, nothing feels quite as comforting as a warm skillet filled with Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli. This dish brings together golden, tender chicken pieces infused with the rich aroma of garlic and buttery goodness, perfectly complemented by vibrant, crisp broccoli florets.
Growing up, my fondest memories around the dinner table always included my family gathering to savor simple yet soulful meals like this. The laughter, the stories, and the delightful smells wafting from the kitchen made every meal feel special. This Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli is inspired by those cozy evenings and is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend feast.
You’ll want to pin this recipe for later; trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will warm your heart and fill your belly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have much time.
- Family-Friendly: With its mild flavors and vibrant colors, even picky eaters will love this dish!
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to relax after dinner.
- Healthful Ingredients: Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a wholesome meal you can feel good about.
- Customizable: This recipe invites you to get creative with flavors and mix-ins, making it your own!
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to make your Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli shine:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (optional)
Let’s Make It Together
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is golden and thoroughly cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add 1/4 cup water and the broccoli florets. Cover and steam for 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender. Discard any excess water.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and melt the butter in the pan. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Add soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir to fully combine.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Gently fold in the steamed broccoli until evenly mixed and well-coated with the sauce.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped parsley, if using. Serve warm as is or with rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Add More Veggies: Toss in some bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for an extra color burst and crunch.
- Zesty Twist: Substitute lime juice for lemon for a refreshing change that brightens up the dish.
- Creamy Delight: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end for a richer sauce.
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different take that’s just as cozy!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Advice: You can marinate the chicken in the soy sauce, lemon juice, and garlic mixture a few hours before cooking for even deeper flavors.
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to switch out the broccoli for any seasonal veggies you have on hand. Asparagus and green beans work beautifully!
- Slicing Tricks: Cut your chicken breasts into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Leftovers Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the skillet with a splash of water to bring back the freshness.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: About 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 34g
- Sodium: 520mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Yes, you can prepare the chicken and broccoli ahead of time and quickly sauté them when ready to serve.
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to tailor the recipe with your favorite meats or seasonal vegetables.
- How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- How long does it last? Enjoy it fresh for the best flavor, but leftovers reheat beautifully in the stovetop or microwave.
A Cozy Closing Note
This Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate that brings memories of family dinners and cozy evenings home. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s ready for you when the craving strikes for something heartwarming. Happy cooking!
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Cozy Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A heartwarming and easy weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken and vibrant broccoli in a rich garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5-6 minutes until golden and thoroughly cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add 1/4 cup water and broccoli florets. Cover and steam for 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Discard excess water.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and melt the butter in the pan. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Add soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir to combine.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- Fold in steamed broccoli until evenly mixed and well-coated with the sauce.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and parsley if using. Serve warm as is or with rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice.
Notes
Feel free to customize with different vegetables or proteins. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: chicken, garlic butter, broccoli, quick dinner, family-friendly