Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli – One Pan

Easy garlic butter chicken broccoli one pan recipe transforms your hectic weeknight into a delicious victory with golden chicken pieces and tender broccoli ready in just 15 minutes. I discovered this lifesaver during one of those crazy weeks when everyone needed dinner fast, and it’s become our family’s go-to rescue meal.

There’s something magical about the way this dish comes together in one skillet – the chicken gets beautifully golden while the broccoli steams to perfection, then everything gets tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce that makes even my pickiest eater ask for seconds. The best part is watching the broccoli soak up all those savory, buttery flavors while you use just one pan for the entire meal. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli One Pan Recipe

This recipe has saved countless weeknight dinners in my kitchen, combining the comfort of garlic butter chicken with the convenience of one-pan cooking that busy families desperately need. It’s inspired by those classic skillet dinners that bring maximum flavor with minimal effort – exactly what American home cooking is all about.

• Ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish, perfect for hectic weekday schedules
• One-pan cooking means virtually no cleanup – just one skillet to wash
• Golden chicken pieces develop a beautiful sear while staying tender and juicy
• Fresh broccoli florets steam perfectly and absorb all the garlicky butter goodness
• Rich garlic butter sauce brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen
• Naturally balanced meal with protein and vegetables in every bite
• Kid-friendly recipe that even picky eaters request on repeat

This easy garlic butter chicken broccoli one pan recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated – it just needs to be made with love and smart techniques.

Ingredient Note List

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I always cut these into even, bite-sized pieces so they cook uniformly and stay tender throughout the quick cooking process.

Fresh broccoli florets: Look for bright green heads with tight florets and no yellowing – fresh broccoli steams beautifully and holds its vibrant color in this recipe.

Unsalted butter: Real butter creates the rich, luxurious base for our garlic sauce and gives this easy garlic butter chicken broccoli one pan dish its signature comfort food flavor.

Olive oil: I use extra virgin olive oil to start the cooking process because it handles the medium-high heat well and adds a subtle depth of flavor.

Fresh garlic cloves: Make sure your garlic is firm and plump without any green sprouts – fresh minced garlic creates the aromatic foundation that makes this recipe so irresistible.

Soy sauce: Choose a naturally brewed soy sauce for clean, umami-rich flavor that balances perfectly with the butter and lemon.

Fresh lemon juice: The bright acidity cuts through the richness and adds a fresh note that keeps this dish from feeling too heavy.

Red pepper flakes: These are completely optional, but I love adding just a pinch for a gentle warmth that complements the garlic beautifully.

How to Cook Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli One Pan Recipe

Step 1. I always start by cutting my chicken breasts into evenly sized, bite-sized pieces so they cook at the same rate and stay tender throughout the process.

Step 2. Heat olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken pieces in a single layer and season generously with salt and pepper – don’t overcrowd the pan or the chicken will steam instead of getting golden.

Step 3. My grandmother always taught me to be patient with the searing process, so let the chicken cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping occasionally until every side gets beautifully golden brown, then remove and set aside.

Step 4. Pour ¼ cup water into the same pan and add your broccoli florets, then cover with a lid or large plate to create steam – I’ve found that 2-3 minutes gives you perfectly bright green, tender-crisp broccoli.

Step 5. Once you drain any leftover water, lower the heat to medium-low and melt the butter directly in the pan, watching carefully as it starts to bubble and foam.

Step 6. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant – I always warn my family that this is when the kitchen starts smelling absolutely amazing, but be careful not to let the garlic brown.

Step 7. Stir in the soy sauce, fresh lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them, creating a tangy, savory base that brings all the flavors together beautifully.

How to Store & Reheat

I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure the dish cools completely before sealing to maintain the best texture and prevent condensation.

In my experience, this recipe is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture, but the leftovers still taste wonderful when reheated properly. The garlic butter sauce may separate slightly during storage, but it comes back together beautifully when warmed.

For best results, I recommend reheating gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to the pan to restore moisture and keep everything saucy. You can also use the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each heating to ensure even warming throughout.

What to Serve With Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli One Pan

Fluffy White Rice: The grains soak up that incredible garlic butter sauce perfectly, making every bite even more satisfying and turning this into a complete, filling meal.

Cauliflower Rice: For a lighter option, cauliflower rice provides the same sauce-absorbing qualities while keeping the meal naturally low-carb and veggie-packed.

Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp salad with simple vinaigrette adds refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery flavors and brings beautiful color to your dinner plate.

Crusty French Bread: In my kitchen, we love having warm bread on the side to soak up every last drop of that amazing garlic butter sauce – it’s too good to waste.

Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fragrant, slightly sticky texture of jasmine rice pairs beautifully with this dish and makes the meal feel more substantial for hungry families.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness complements the savory garlic flavors while adding extra nutrients and gorgeous orange color to your dinner spread.

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