Name: Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes; 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or lightly steamed frozen); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional); Chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish

There’s something deeply comforting about a skillet of sizzling garlic butter chicken paired with vibrant green broccoli. I made this recipe on a weeknight when time was tight and energy was low—and it completely turned my evening around. The garlic is bold and aromatic, the butter adds that rich, silky finish, and the broccoli brings in freshness and crunch. It’s the kind of meal that feels like you put in way more effort than you actually did.

The balance in this dish is what really makes it stand out for me. You’ve got juicy chunks of chicken seared to golden perfection, tossed in a luscious garlic butter sauce that clings to every bite. The broccoli doesn’t just tag along—it holds its own, soaking up all those flavors while still staying slightly crisp. It’s quick, it’s nourishing, and it’s definitely going into my regular dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli

One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes, less stress. This entire dish comes together in just one skillet.
Quick & Easy: From start to finish, you’re looking at 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Deliciously Balanced: Rich and garlicky with the freshness of broccoli to lighten things up.
Customizable: Whether you like it spicy, low-carb, or with extra sauce, it’s easy to tweak.
Kid-Friendly: Mild enough for little taste buds, but bold enough to satisfy grown-ups.
Meal Prep Approved: Makes great leftovers, so double it and thank yourself later.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli?

For this recipe, I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breast because it cooks quickly, stays juicy when seared properly, and takes on the garlic butter flavor beautifully. But if you’re craving even more tenderness and richness, boneless chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative. They’re a little more forgiving if you overcook them slightly and offer a deeper, meatier taste.

Cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces is key—it ensures every piece gets perfectly coated in that garlicky, buttery glaze, and makes the dish more fork-friendly.

Options for Substitutions

No worries if you’re missing an ingredient—this dish is super flexible:

Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts: Juicier and more flavorful. A bit fattier, but oh-so-good.
Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh: Just steam it lightly beforehand so it doesn’t water down the sauce.
Vegan Butter + Tofu: For a plant-based spin, swap the chicken for firm tofu and use a vegan butter alternative.
Add Carrots or Bell Peppers: Want extra color and texture? Sliced carrots or red peppers stir in beautifully.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: If you’re watching salt, this cuts back without sacrificing umami.
Add Heat with Chili Flakes: Like it spicy? Sprinkle in crushed red pepper for a little kick.
Gluten-Free Option: Make sure your soy sauce or substitute is gluten-free, and you’re set.

Ingredients for This Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli

Each ingredient in this dish plays a role in building that crave-worthy, garlicky depth of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need—and why:

Chicken Breast: Lean, protein-packed, and soaks up all the buttery garlic flavor. Cut into small chunks for fast, even cooking.
Broccoli Florets: Adds crunch, color, and freshness. The slight bitterness of broccoli balances the rich, buttery sauce perfectly.
Butter: The heart of the sauce. It brings creaminess, a velvety mouthfeel, and helps mellow out the garlic.
Garlic (minced): The star. Sharp, aromatic, and deeply savory—it’s what makes this dish truly pop.
Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken and keep the butter from burning. It also adds a subtle earthy depth.
Soy Sauce: A splash of umami to round out the flavor profile. It enhances the garlic and deepens the savory tones.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors into harmony.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a bit of heat and contrast, if you’re in the mood for spice.
Sesame Seeds (optional): Adds a toasty crunch and a little visual flair.
Fresh Parsley or Green Onions (for garnish): Just a sprinkle to brighten things up right before serving.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Broccoli

Start by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes—this helps them cook evenly and quickly. Season them lightly with salt and black pepper. Meanwhile, cut your broccoli into small florets. If using fresh broccoli, give it a quick rinse and pat dry.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for a few minutes until golden, then stir occasionally until all sides are browned and cooked through—about 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant—don’t let it brown. The garlic should soften and release its aroma into the butter.

Step 4: Add the Broccoli

Toss in the broccoli florets and stir to coat them in the garlic butter. Add a splash of water (about 2 tablespoons) to help steam the broccoli slightly while it cooks. Cover and let it cook for 3–4 minutes, until the broccoli is tender-crisp and bright green.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the seared chicken to the pan and add soy sauce and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything well so the sauce coats the chicken and broccoli evenly. Let it cook together for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped parsley or green onions. Serve hot—either on its own, over rice, or with noodles.

How Long to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli

This recipe is weeknight gold because it comes together fast. Here’s the general timing:

Chicken: About 6–8 minutes in a hot skillet until browned and fully cooked (internal temp should hit 165°F / 74°C).
Garlic Sauté: Just 30 seconds to 1 minute—enough to release that delicious aroma without burning.
Broccoli: Around 3–4 minutes once added to the garlic butter, until it’s tender but still crisp.
Final Simmer: After everything is combined, let it cook for another 2 minutes to soak in all that flavor.

Total cooking time: ~15 minutes, plus a few for prep. Dinner’s done in about 25 minutes max.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli

Pat the Chicken Dry: This ensures a proper sear—excess moisture leads to steaming, not browning.
Don’t Burn the Garlic: Keep the heat at medium and stir continuously once it hits the pan. Burnt garlic turns bitter fast.
Use Fresh Broccoli When Possible: It holds up better and gives you that ideal tender-crisp texture.
Butter + Oil Combo: The oil raises the smoke point, so your butter doesn’t scorch.
Deglaze for Extra Flavor: Add a splash of water or chicken broth after searing the chicken to lift all that tasty browned goodness from the pan.
Let the Sauce Thicken Slightly: After combining everything, don’t rush. A short simmer lets the sauce coat every bite.
Garnish Just Before Serving: Herbs and sesame seeds are best added right at the end so they stay fresh and vibrant.
Taste and Adjust: Don’t forget to taste before serving—you might want an extra pinch of salt or splash of soy sauce.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple dish like Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli can go sideways with a few small missteps. Here’s what to avoid:

Overcrowding the Pan: If the chicken pieces are too close together, they’ll steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
Cooking Garlic on High Heat: Garlic is delicate—too much heat and it goes from fragrant to burnt in seconds.
Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breast dries out quickly. Pull it from the pan once it’s just cooked through.
Using Too Much Water with Broccoli: A splash helps steam it, but too much will water down the garlic butter sauce.
Skipping the Seasoning: Even though soy sauce adds saltiness, you still need to season the chicken from the start.
Forgetting to Stir the Garlic: Garlic can stick to the pan bottom and burn—keep it moving in that melted butter.
Serving Immediately After Mixing: Give everything a couple of minutes in the pan to allow flavors to come together.
Not Tasting Before Serving: Always take a final taste—you may want to tweak salt, pepper, or spice.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli?

If you’re looking to round out your meal, these sides and add-ons pair beautifully:

Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice

The fluffy texture and mild flavor are perfect for soaking up that buttery garlic sauce.

Garlic Noodles

Double down on the garlic theme with a bed of saucy, savory noodles.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Their natural sweetness contrasts beautifully with the savory chicken and broccoli.

Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread

Great for scooping up all the buttery bits left in the pan.

Simple Green Salad

Keep it fresh with crisp greens, cucumbers, and a light lemon vinaigrette.

Lemon Quinoa

Adds a zesty, nutty bite that complements the rich garlic butter.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Earthy, meaty mushrooms add a delicious extra dimension and soak up flavor like a sponge.

A Light White Wine

If you’re pairing with a drink, go for a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio—both cut through the richness perfectly.

Storage Instructions

Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli stores like a dream, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day leftovers.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Let it cool completely before sealing to avoid excess moisture inside the container.
Freezer: You can freeze it, though the texture of broccoli may soften a bit. Use a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth.
Reheating: For best results, reheat gently in a covered skillet or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and avoid drying out the chicken.

Pro tip: Store rice separately if you’re serving this with grains. That way everything stays fresh and reheats better.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Here’s a general nutritional estimate, assuming the recipe serves four:

Calories: ~360 kcal
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Sugars: 2g
Fiber: 3g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 540mg

Note: These numbers can vary depending on portion size, exact ingredients used, and if extras like rice or bread are served alongside.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Use medium-high heat and avoid overcooking. Sear just until the chicken is golden and no longer pink inside—typically around 6–8 minutes. Thighs are also a juicier alternative to breasts.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes! Just steam or microwave it slightly before adding to the pan. This prevents it from releasing too much water into the sauce.

What can I use instead of soy sauce?

Tamari is a great gluten-free option. Coconut aminos also work well for a slightly sweeter, less salty alternative.

Is this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly?

Absolutely. As-is, it’s low in carbs. Just skip any starchy sides like rice or bread and you’re good to go.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Swap the butter for a dairy-free or vegan alternative—just choose one that can handle some heat without breaking down.

How can I make this spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or toss in some sriracha or chili oil at the end. Adjust to your spice comfort level.

What protein can I use instead of chicken?

Shrimp, tofu, or even thinly sliced beef all work beautifully. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.

Can I meal prep this in advance?

Definitely. It keeps well for several days and reheats easily. Just store portions in airtight containers and keep grains (if using) separate for best texture.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli is the kind of recipe I turn to when I want something fast, flavorful, and completely satisfying without a lot of fuss. It’s rich without being heavy, and balanced enough that it works for lunch, dinner, or even a quick meal prep session on Sunday. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just need a no-fail weeknight dinner, this dish absolutely delivers.