Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli

Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli is the weeknight dinner I come back to again and again when I need something fast, satisfying, and packed with real flavor. Tender chicken pieces coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with crisp broccoli that still has a little snap to it. It feels like it took effort, but it really did not.

I still remember the first time I threw this together on a Tuesday night with nothing but a skillet, two chicken breasts, and a head of broccoli sitting in the fridge that needed to be used up soon. The moment garlic hit that melted butter, the whole kitchen smelled incredible and my family showed up before I even called them. That is what this garlic butter chicken broccoli recipe does every single time. It is a simple, cozy, one-pan chicken and broccoli dinner that comes together with ingredients you probably already have.

Everything You Need for This Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli

I always keep these ingredients stocked because this recipe comes together on even the most hectic evenings. Pro tip: use fresh broccoli over frozen here. It holds its texture, color, and that satisfying crunch so much better in the skillet.

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (always go fresh, never jarred, for the boldest flavor)
• 1/4 cup butter, unsalted preferred so you control the salt level
• 1/4 cup chicken broth, low-sodium works great
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional (leave out for kids or sensitive eaters)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 head of broccoli, cut into uniform florets for even cooking
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Pro tip: Pat your chicken pieces completely dry with a paper towel before seasoning. This one step is the difference between a golden seared crust and pale, steamed chicken.

Step-by-Step: How to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli

I recommend reading through all the steps once before heating the pan. This garlic butter chicken broccoli recipe moves quickly and everything happens in one skillet, so being prepped and ready makes the whole process smooth.

Step 1: Season the chicken pieces evenly with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme on all sides.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Do not crowd the pan. If your skillet is on the smaller side, cook in two batches. Crowding causes the chicken to steam and you lose that golden crust. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the outside is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Remove the chicken and rest it on a plate.

Step 3: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter. You will see browned bits stuck to the pan from the chicken. Do not discard those. They carry enormous flavor. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant. Watch closely here because garlic burns quickly and turns bitter.

Step 4: Add the broccoli florets and toss well to coat in the garlic butter. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the broccoli bright green and crisp-tender with a little bite still in it. If it turns dull olive green or mushy, it has cooked too long.

Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a light simmer, scraping up any remaining bits from the pan.

Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce has slightly thickened and the chicken is heated through. For a thicker sauce, stir in 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons of cold water and cook for one more minute.

Step 7: Taste and adjust salt and pepper. A small squeeze of fresh lemon juice at this stage brightens the whole dish noticeably.

Step 8: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Perfect Pairings for Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli

This dish pairs best with simple, hearty bases that soak up the garlic butter sauce. Here are the best sides for garlic butter chicken broccoli dinners.

Steamed White or Brown Rice: The fluffy grains absorb every drop of that garlicky butter sauce. Brown rice adds extra fiber for a more filling, nutritious meal.

Egg Noodles or Pasta: The wide surface area of egg noodles catches the sauce beautifully. This pairing feels a little heartier and more comforting on cold evenings.

Quinoa: A high-protein, gluten-free option with a slightly nutty flavor that complements the garlic butter sauce without competing with it.

Garlic Bread: If you want something simple and crowd-pleasing, thick slices of crusty garlic bread alongside this chicken broccoli skillet make a dinner the whole family will request again.

Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the butter and adds freshness to every bite.

More One-Pan Dinners You Will Love

This garlic butter chicken broccoli pairs perfectly with other easy chicken skillet recipes that bring bold flavors to the table with minimal cleanup. For another rich and satisfying chicken dinner, try the Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken or the crowd-pleasing Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac and Cheese for a heartier twist on garlic butter flavors.

If you love serving chicken over a base that soaks up every drop of sauce, the Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta and the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta are fantastic next recipes to try. Both keep the same cozy, garlicky comfort food spirit while changing up the texture and presentation beautifully.

Keeping and Reheating Your Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli

Leftovers store well and make this an excellent option for meal prep. Transfer fully cooled leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To reheat, I recommend using a skillet over medium-low heat with a small splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. This keeps the chicken moist and prevents the broccoli from turning rubbery. The microwave works in a pinch. Heat in 60-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.

Pro tip: Freezing is not recommended for this recipe. The broccoli becomes watery and soft after thawing, which changes the texture of the entire dish. Keep it in the fridge and enjoy it fresh within 3 days for the best results.

Common Questions About Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli

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