There’s something comforting about Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli the way warm garlic and melted butter scent the air, the tender bite of chicken, and broccoli that still snaps. It feels like a small, everyday celebration. Clara promises: this is the kind of dish you can cook on a busy night and still feel proud of. If you like simple, honest food that moves quickly from pan to plate, you are in the right place. For a fun side idea that pairs beautifully, try a warm roll from this buttery garlic rolls recipe while your chicken finishes.
Why You’ll Love Making This Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli
This recipe is fast, forgiving, and shows up like a winner at the table. It cooks in one skillet, so cleanup is easy. The flavors are familiar and craveable: garlicky butter wrapping around juicy chicken and bright broccoli. It is a weeknight hero and also good enough for a low-key weekend dinner.
You will love it because:
- It’s quick. From cutting board to dinner in about 20 minutes.
- It’s flexible. Swap sides, use different herbs, or adjust heat.
- It feels homemade and thoughtful without fuss.
This recipe teaches a few simple techniques that pay off every time. You will learn how to brown chicken for flavor, steam broccoli just enough to keep its color and texture, and finish everything in a buttery garlic sauce that ties it all together.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli
“Cooking isn’t about perfection. It’s about enjoying every delicious step.”
Overview: This is a one-skillet recipe with three short parts. First, brown the chicken to build flavor. Next, steam the broccoli quickly so it stays crisp and green. Finally, melt butter, add garlic and simple seasonings, then bring everything together. Read through the ingredients and steps once, then move confidently through the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (Trim excess fat so pieces cook evenly)
2 cups fresh broccoli florets (Choose firm, bright green florets for best texture)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (Use real butter for rich flavor)
1 tablespoon olive oil (Helps the chicken brown without burning)
4 cloves garlic, minced (Fresh garlic gives the best aroma and bite)
1 tablespoon soy sauce (Adds savory depth)
1 teaspoon lemon juice (Brightens the sauce)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) (Add a little heat if you like)
Salt, to taste (Sea salt or kosher salt seasons more gently)
Black pepper, to taste (Freshly cracked for the best flavor)
1/4 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional) (Adds a subtle nutty finish and texture)
1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (optional) (Fresh herbs make all the difference)
Directions: Cooking with Confidence
- Prepare your ingredients before you start. Cut the chicken into even bite-sized pieces so they cook at the same rate. Trim and cut broccoli into similar-sized florets. Mince the garlic so it cooks quickly and evenly.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and let it shimmer for a few seconds. This small wait stops the chicken from sticking and helps build a golden crust.
- Add the chicken pieces to the hot skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Let the chicken sit for about 2 minutes before moving it so it gets a nice sear. Sauté for 5-6 minutes in total, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden on the outside and cooked through. You should see no pink in the center. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add 1/4 cup water and the broccoli florets. Cover the pan with a lid and steam the broccoli for 2-3 minutes until it is bright green and crisp-tender. The broccoli should be cooked but still have bite. Discard any excess water from the pan.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the 3 tablespoons of butter to the pan and let it melt slowly. Watch for a gentle sizzle. When the butter is melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until aromatic. Do not let the garlic brown or burn; it goes from fragrant to bitter quickly.
- Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes if you like a small kick. Stir to fully combine the sauce with the garlic and butter. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss the chicken in the garlic butter sauce so each piece is well coated. Cook for 1-2 minutes to let the flavors infuse and the chicken warm through. This short step helps the soy and lemon cling to the chicken.
- Gently fold the steamed broccoli into the skillet until everything is evenly mixed and well coated with the sauce. The broccoli will pick up the buttery garlic flavors and keep its vibrant color.
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon sesame seeds and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, if using, for a fresh finish. Serve warm as is or alongside rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice.
- If you serve over rice or pasta, spoon a little extra sauce from the pan over the top for a glossy finish. Taste one last time for salt and pepper before you bring the pan to the table.
Notes on technique:
- Use a roomy skillet so pieces have space to brown. Crowding the pan leads to steaming instead of searing.
- If your chicken pieces are thicker, pound them lightly to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
- For garlic, mince fine. If you prefer a milder garlic presence, sauté the garlic a little less, or add half toward the end.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli and Make It Shine
Serve this dish in a shallow bowl so the sauce can collect and flavor every bite. It pairs beautifully with plain steamed rice to soak up the garlic butter. For a low-carb option, spoon it over cauliflower rice or a bed of sautéed spinach.
If you want to dress it up for guests, arrange rice in a ring on a plate and pile the chicken and broccoli in the center. Garnish with chopped parsley and a wedge of lemon on the side for a bright finish.
For comfort food night, toss the chicken and broccoli with cooked pasta and finish with a little extra butter for a creamy feel. A crisp green salad on the side keeps the meal balanced and fresh.
Try a simple side: roasted potatoes, garlic rolls, or a crisp cucumber salad. For a cozy family meal, offer plain steamed rice and let everyone add sauce as they like. For a quicker weeknight fix, serve straight from the skillet and encourage everyone to dig in.
In the same spirit of easy, creamy dinners, you may enjoy trying a rich pasta variation like this creamy garlic butter pasta with ground beef as another weeknight option.
How to Store Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli for Later
Cool the dish to room temperature for no more than an hour before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For best texture, consume within 48 hours.
To freeze: Spread cooled chicken and broccoli in a shallow airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating tips:
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to bring the sauce back to life and prevent drying.
- If using a microwave, heat in short 30-second bursts, stirring between each burst, to avoid overcooking the chicken.
- If the broccoli softens too much upon reheating, a quick flash in a hot skillet for 30-60 seconds can reintroduce texture.
Leftover use ideas:
- Toss leftovers into a warm tortilla for a quick wrap.
- Chop and fold into an omelet or frittata for a garlicky breakfast.
- Stir into cooked grains and finish with a squeeze of lemon for a nutritious bowl lunch.
Clara’s Tips for Success
- Brown the chicken well. Let it sit undisturbed for 2 minutes at a time so a golden crust forms. That crust adds flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Keep the broccoli slightly undercooked when steaming. It will finish cooking a little in the sauce and stay bright and crisp.
- Cook garlic over medium-low heat when it’s in butter. Butter browns faster than oil, and garlic burns quickly. If the garlic smells sharp and bitter, it has cooked too long.
- Taste as you go. A little extra salt or lemon can change the whole dish. Adjust slowly and sample small bites.
- If you want more sauce, add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water at the end. It will loosen the sauce and help it coat the chicken and broccoli evenly.
For another chicken-focused comfort idea with a garlic-forward sauce, give this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta a try on a night you want something richer.
Simple Variations to Try
- Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli: Increase red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon and add a dash of smoked paprika for warmth.
- Lemon-Herb Version: Add the zest of one lemon and 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or dill for a brighter, herb-forward finish.
- Mushroom Addition: Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms with the chicken for an earthy note. Remove and add back with the broccoli.
- Honey-Soy Twist: Add 1 teaspoon honey to the soy sauce for a slightly sweet glaze that caramelizes on the chicken.
- Creamy Option: Stir in 2 tablespoons heavy cream at the end for a silky sauce that clings to pasta or rice.
- Keto Plate: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep carbs low.
Small swaps that work well:
- Swap chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier bite. Thighs take a bit longer but handle heat well.
- Use ghee instead of butter for a higher smoke point and nutty flavor.
- Replace soy sauce with tamari for gluten-free cooking or reduced-sodium soy sauce to cut salt.
Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare your ingredients: Cut the chicken into even bite-sized pieces. Trim and cut broccoli into similar-sized florets. Mince the garlic.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and let shimmer.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper.
- Let the chicken sit for about 2 minutes before moving it to get a nice sear. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the pan 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 any excess water from the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, add the butter, and melt slowly.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Add soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir to combine and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Fold in the steamed broccoli until evenly mixed.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped parsley, if using.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs About Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Cook the dish fully, cool it, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. Fresh broccoli may soften a bit when reheated, but the flavor holds up well.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
You can. Use frozen broccoli florets and steam them for a little longer to remove excess water before finishing in the sauce. Pat them dry as much as possible so they do not water down the sauce.
How do I prevent garlic from burning?
Cook garlic over medium-low heat once you add it to butter. Watch it closely and stir constantly for the 30 seconds to a minute it needs. If garlic browns, it will taste bitter. Add garlic after reducing the heat to give yourself control.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes. Keep or omit the red pepper flakes to control heat. Cut chicken into small, familiar bites and serve with a favorite side like rice or mashed potatoes.
Can I double the recipe?
You can, but use a larger pan or do it in batches for the chicken. Crowding the pan will steam the meat instead of browning it. For sauce, double the butter, garlic, and seasonings proportionally.
How can I add more vegetables?
Bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or shredded carrots all work well. Add vegetables that take longer to cook earlier in the process, and quick-cooking ones later.
Conclusion
You’ve just learned a straightforward, flavorful way to make Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli that feels special and is kind to a busy schedule. With little prep, clear steps, and a few small tricks from Clara’s kitchen, you can make a meal that feels homemade and satisfying. If you want a similar skillet-style take with a focus on a quick garlic butter finish, check out this recipe for Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli (20 Minutes!) to compare techniques and timings. For a low-carb, skillet-friendly variation that keeps the garlic butter theme, see this Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli Skillet – The Best Keto Recipes for ideas.
I hope this Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli helps you discover how simple and rewarding homemade cooking can be. You’ve got this.
