If you’ve been searching for a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal that feels like a warm hug, then this Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. Imagine tender chicken breasts infused with the rich aroma of garlic, paired with vibrant, perfectly steamed broccoli, all brought together with a savory soy and chicken broth glaze. This dish strikes an incredible balance between wholesome ingredients and mouthwatering taste, ready to satisfy your cravings any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to making this Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe shine. Each component not only adds to the flavor but also contributes essential texture and color that make this dish feel as good as it tastes.
- 4 chicken breasts, sliced: Choose fresh chicken breasts for tender, juicy meat that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps brown the chicken perfectly.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Packs an aromatic punch and enriches the dish with its savory depth.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Provides a satisfying crunch and vibrant green color, plus essential nutrients.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Creates a flavorful base for steaming, keeping everything moist and tasty.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Brings a gentle umami boost balancing the garlic and chicken.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that highlight and elevate the natural flavors.
How to Make Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
Start by warming your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This is the foundation for a beautifully seared chicken with a slight crisp on the edges, locking in those juicy flavors.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add the sliced chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes. You’ll want a golden brown color on the outside with the chicken cooked through but still tender inside.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Next, toss in the minced garlic and stir it around for about a minute until it releases that irresistible fragrant aroma. This quick sauté enhances the garlic without burning it, keeping the flavor mellow and fresh.
Step 4: Add the Broth and Soy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce, giving everything a good stir. These liquids will create a light sauce that infuses the chicken with savory goodness while preparing the skillet for broccoli steaming.
Step 5: Steam the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet, cover it tightly, and let everything steam together for 5 to 7 minutes. The broccoli will turn bright green and tender, soaking up all those rich flavors.
Step 6: Season to Perfection
Finally, sprinkle salt and pepper to your liking. This simple seasoning step ensures that every bite is perfectly balanced and full of flavor.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Garlic Chicken with Broccoli hot, either on its own or over a bed of rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. It’s comfort food that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
How to Serve Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Try sprinkling some toasted sesame seeds or a handful of chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for an added pop of color and texture. These simple garnishes bring extra freshness and visual appeal to your dish.
Side Dishes
This recipe always shines alongside fluffy jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up all the garlicky sauce, but feel free to pair it with noodles or even quinoa for a whole new texture experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken and broccoli in lettuce cups for a hands-on, low-carb meal. You can also plate it over cauliflower rice with a drizzle of sriracha or your favorite chili sauce for a spicy kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Garlic Chicken with Broccoli in an airtight container and refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. It’s best eaten within 3 to 4 days to enjoy fresh flavor and texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, especially if you want to prepare meals ahead. Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to remove excess air. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or broth can help keep the broccoli tender and the sauce moist. Microwave reheating works, too, but cover the dish to trap steam.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer richer flavor and stay juicy longer, making them an excellent substitute. Just adjust cooking time slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The base recipe contains soy sauce which typically has gluten. For a gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free alternative without compromising taste.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to toss in sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra crunch and color. Just be mindful of the cooking time so everything finishes tender and crisp.
How spicy is this Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe?
This recipe is mild and focuses on garlic’s savory flavor. If you love a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil during cooking or as a garnish.
Can I make this recipe in advance for meal prep?
Definitely. It reheats well and stays delicious after a day or two in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe is pure comfort on a plate, bursting with flavor and easy enough to whip up any night of the week. Once you try it, you’ll see how versatile this dish is—whether you’re feeding a family or treating yourself to a nourishing meal. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and enjoy every garlicky, tender bite.
Print
Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and flavorful Garlic Chicken with Broccoli recipe that combines tender chicken breasts sautéed with garlic and fresh broccoli florets steamed in a savory chicken broth and soy sauce mixture. Perfect for a healthy weeknight meal ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 1 cup broccoli florets
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat, preparing the pan for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Add the sliced chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, enhancing the flavor of the dish.
- Deglaze and season: Pour the chicken broth and soy sauce into the skillet and stir well to combine, loosening any browned bits from the pan for a flavorful sauce.
- Steam the broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet, cover with a lid, and let steam for 5 to 7 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still crisp.
- Season final dish: Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to taste, adjusting as needed.
- Serve: Plate the garlic chicken and broccoli as is or serve over your choice of rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless thighs for a juicier option.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
- Broccoli can be replaced or mixed with other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas.
- Make sure not to overcook the broccoli to retain its vibrant color and crunch.
