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Garlic butter chicken broccoli in a skillet with golden chicken bites, crisp broccoli, and a glossy garlic butter sauce

Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli

Juicy chicken bites and crisp broccoli cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with soy sauce and lemon. A quick, healthy, and low-carb one-pan dinner ready in 20 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cup fresh broccoli florets cut into similar sizes for even cooking
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce low sodium recommended
  • 1 tsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 0.25 tsp sesame seeds optional, for garnish
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F internally. Cook in batches if needed to avoid crowding. Remove to a plate.
  2. Add 1/4 cup of water and the broccoli florets to the same pan over medium-high heat. Cover with a lid and steam for 2 to 3 minutes until bright green and just tender but still crisp. Remove the lid and pour off any remaining water.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter to the pan. Once melted and foaming, add the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  4. Add soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir and let the sauce bubble gently for 30 seconds.
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for 1 to 2 more minutes until the chicken is heated through.
  6. Add the broccoli back in and toss gently until evenly coated. Remove from heat immediately. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh parsley if using. Serve right away.

Notes

Use unsalted butter to control saltiness since soy sauce already adds seasoning. Do not crowd the pan when searing chicken — cook in batches for a proper golden crust. Watch the garlic closely and stir constantly to prevent burning. For frozen broccoli, steam for 3 to 4 minutes and pat dry before adding to the sauce. Chicken thighs can be substituted for a juicier result with 1 to 2 extra minutes of cook time.