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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced - 2 cups broccoli florets - 4 tablespoons butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) To make Minute Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli, ensure you measure each ingredient accurately. This helps with flavor and texture. Use a kitchen scale for the chicken if you want exact weights. A standard measuring cup works well for the broccoli and butter. Minced garlic should be measured with a teaspoon for best results. If you're low on ingredients or want to mix things up, try these swaps: - Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter option. - Swap chicken for turkey or tofu for a different protein. - If you don't have fresh parsley, try basil or cilantro for garnish. - Lemon juice can be replaced with lime juice for a zesty twist. - For heat, use cayenne pepper instead of red pepper flakes. These substitutions keep the dish delicious while making it your own! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by taking the chicken breasts. Thinly slice them to help them cook faster. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. This step gives the chicken a nice flavor as it cooks. Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter. Wait for it to melt and sizzle. Carefully add the seasoned chicken slices. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Turn the chicken occasionally. Look for a golden-brown color and make sure it is fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate to keep warm. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt. Then, add 2 cups of broccoli florets. Sauté the broccoli for 3 to 4 minutes. Stir it occasionally. You want the florets to turn bright green and be tender-crisp. Now, stir in 4 cloves of minced garlic with the broccoli. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. Watch the garlic closely so it gets fragrant but does not burn. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the broccoli. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice over everything. If you like heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Gently toss the mixture to combine the flavors. Heat everything for another minute until warm. To get the best chicken, start with thin slices. Thin pieces cook faster and stay juicy. Salt and pepper both sides well. This step adds flavor as the chicken cooks. Use medium-high heat to sear the chicken. This gives it a nice golden color. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to flip it halfway for even cooking. Once done, keep it warm on a plate. For tender-crisp broccoli, don’t overcook it. After adding the florets to the skillet, sauté for only 3-4 minutes. This keeps the bright green color and crunch. Stir often to ensure even cooking. Once you add the garlic, keep a close watch. Garlic cooks fast and can burn easily. You want it fragrant, not burnt. This adds flavor without bitterness. When serving, plate the chicken and broccoli together. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. This adds color and a fresh taste. Serve with lemon wedges on the side. This lets guests add more zing if they like. You can also pair this dish with rice or quinoa for extra carbs. Enjoy your meal, it’s a delight! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and parsley can significantly enhance the flavors of your dish. Opt for fresh over dried whenever possible. Perfectly Cooked Broccoli: To retain the vibrant green color and crisp texture of broccoli, avoid overcooking it. Aim for a tender-crisp finish. Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference. You can also add a pinch of cayenne for extra kick! Lemon Zest Boost: For an extra layer of citrus flavor, add some lemon zest along with the juice. It brightens up the dish beautifully. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Try using shrimp instead of chicken. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice flavor. You can also use thinly sliced pork or tofu for a vegetarian twist. Each option brings its own taste and texture to the meal. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. For shrimp, just sauté for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink. This dish is easy to make gluten-free. All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your butter and any additional seasonings are gluten-free. You can also use a gluten-free soy sauce if you want to add a splash of umami. Serve it over rice or quinoa for a hearty meal that's safe for gluten-sensitive friends. If you're watching carbs, this dish fits right in. The chicken and broccoli are low in carbs. You can skip the butter if you're cutting calories, or use olive oil instead. For added texture, toss in some cauliflower rice. It adds volume and keeps the dish satisfying. Enjoy this meal guilt-free while sticking to your diet plan! To store leftovers, place the chicken and broccoli in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing it. This helps keep the food fresh. You can store the leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. When you are ready to eat, you can reheat the chicken and broccoli in several ways. The microwave is quick; just place it in a bowl and cover it. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until warm. You can also reheat it on the stove. Add a bit of butter to a skillet, then warm the dish over medium heat. This method keeps the flavors bright. For freezing, first, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Press out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to two months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as mentioned above. This makes meal prep easy and tasty! It takes about 10 minutes to prep your ingredients. Cooking time adds another 10 minutes. So, the whole dish is ready in just 20 minutes. This fast pace makes it perfect for busy nights. You’ll have a tasty meal on the table in no time. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and broccoli, then store them in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, just reheat it in a skillet. This makes it great for meal prep! A few sides go well with garlic butter chicken and broccoli. Here are some tasty options: - Rice: White, brown, or jasmine rice works well. - Quinoa: This adds a nutty flavor and is healthy. - Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes balance the dish nicely. - Salad: A fresh green salad adds crunch and color. These sides will complete your meal and impress your guests. Enjoy mixing and matching! This post covered all the key steps to make a great garlic butter chicken and broccoli dish. We discussed ingredients, cooking methods, and helpful tips for perfect results. You can easily swap ingredients to fit your needs and store leftovers for later. I hope these ideas inspire you in the kitchen. Cooking can be fun, and with practice, you’ll create meals that you love. Enjoy every bite!

Minute Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli

A quick and flavorful dish featuring sautéed chicken and broccoli in a garlic butter sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Chicken: Begin by seasoning both sides of the thinly sliced chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This step infuses flavor into the chicken as it cooks.
  • Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, carefully add the seasoned chicken slices to the skillet. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and has developed a beautiful golden-brown color. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate, keeping it warm.
  • Sauté the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow it to melt, then add the broccoli florets. Sauté the broccoli for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the florets turn bright green and are tender-crisp.
  • Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic with the broccoli, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on the garlic to ensure it becomes fragrant but does not burn.
  • Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the sautéed broccoli. Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the mixture, and if you like a bit of spice, sprinkle the red pepper flakes on top. Gently toss everything together to combine the flavors. Heat everything through for another minute until warmed well.
  • Serve: Plate the garlic butter chicken and broccoli, ensuring a good mix on each plate. To add a fresh finish, garnish with the finely chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve with lemon wedges for extra flavor and garnish with parsley for visual appeal.
Keyword broccoli, chicken, garlic butter, quick meal