Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli
When I think about a dish that checks all the boxes, garlic butter chicken broccoli leaps to mind. Balancing protein, veggies, and incredible flavors, this meal feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4
Calories 364 kcal
- 3 –4 fresh garlic cloves finely minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a little heat
- ¼ cup unsalted butter divided into portions
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese for extra savory depth
- 3 –4 cups fresh broccoli florets or tender broccolini
- 1 teaspoon classic Italian herb seasoning
- 1 teaspoon EACH sea salt garlic powder, and dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or juice of ½ lemon
- ½ teaspoon EACH ground black pepper and mild chili powder
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth or water if preferred
- 2 medium chicken breasts about 1 pound total
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before the cooking starts, it’s beneficial to prep everything. Mince your garlic and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Get your seasonings lined up. This process makes actual cooking much smoother. Plus, who doesn’t love the enchanting aroma of garlic wafting through the kitchen?
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. While it's warming, season both sides of your chicken breasts with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. This adds a superb layer of taste.
Once the oil is shimmering, place the chicken in the pan. Let it sizzle for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer for precision; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 3: Build the Flavor
After removing the chicken from the skillet, cover it with foil to keep it warm. Now comes the exciting part! In the same skillet, melt half of the butter over medium-low heat. Toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. You want to cook it just enough to release those garlicky flavors, and trust me, your kitchen will start to feel like an Italian trattoria.
Step 4: Add Broccoli and Chicken Broth
Step 5: Finish Strong
After the broccoli has cooked, remove the lid and return the chicken to the skillet. Pour in the remaining butter, adding Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Let it all mingle for another couple of minutes until the cheese is melty and the chicken is heated through. Season to taste and get ready for a culinary masterpiece.
- Garlic: Always opt for fresh garlic. The pungent taste and aroma will elevate your dish tremendously.
- Chicken: You can slice the chicken breasts for quicker cooking. Bonus points if you marinate it ahead of time.
- Broccoli: Feel free to swap it with asparagus or cauliflower if you fancy something different.
- Butter: The unsalted variety allows you to control the salt levels but feel free to use salted if that’s what you have.
- Cheese: Parmesan adds a delightful savory touch. Grating it fresh not only tastes better but melts beautifully.
- Spices: Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preference for heat. This recipe invites experimentation!
- Garlic: Always opt for fresh garlic. The pungent taste and aroma will elevate your dish tremendously.
- Chicken: You can slice the chicken breasts for quicker cooking. Bonus points if you marinate it ahead of time.
- Broccoli: Feel free to swap it with asparagus or cauliflower if you fancy something different.
- Butter: The unsalted variety allows you to control the salt levels but feel free to use salted if that’s what you have.
- Cheese: Parmesan adds a delightful savory touch. Grating it fresh not only tastes better but melts beautifully.
- Spices: Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preference for heat. This recipe invites experimentation!
Serving: 228gCalories: 364kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 33gFat: 23.6gSaturated Fat: 9.3gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 111mgSodium: 181mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g
Keyword Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli