Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli (20 Minutes!)
User Reviews
4.8
Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli (20 Minutes!)
Description
The recipe begins by halving chicken breasts to create evenly sized pieces for fast, even cooking. They are seasoned with a blend of salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and chili powder before searing in olive oil and butter to develop a golden crust. After the chicken is cooked through, it is removed, and additional butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed pepper flakes are sautéed to form a fragrant base.
Broccoli florets and a small amount of liquid (water or chicken stock) are then added to the pan, cooking quickly to just tender without losing their bright green color and texture. Lemon juice adds acidity that cuts through the richness and enhances flavors. The chicken is returned to warm through, and optional fresh herbs or lemon garnish brighten the final presentation.
This dish is straightforward and relies on the balance of rich garlic butter, herbal notes, and fresh lemon. It pairs well with simple sides or can serve as a main protein-vegetable plate. Substitutes for broccoli can be used to vary the texture and flavor, and the quick overall cooking time makes it suited for weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup butter divided
- 3-4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed black pepper
- 3-4 cups broccoli or broccolini, florets
- ¼ cup water or chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or juice of ½ lemon
For the chicken
- 2 medium chicken breast or 1 pound
- 1 teaspoon salt garlic powder, or oregano
- 1 /2 teaspoon black pepper chili powder, EACH
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts in half horizontally (to make 4 pieces total). Season both sides of chicken breasts with salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and chili powder.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter along with the chicken breasts. Cook chicken breasts 4-5 minutes per side or until browned and cooked through.
- Remove chicken breasts from the pan and add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed pepper flakes. Stir for 1 minute or until garlic is fragrant and add the broccoli, water, and lemon juice to the pan. Cook broccoli 2-3 minutes or just until cooked.
- Return chicken to the pan and garnish with parsley, cilantro, or lemon if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Broccoli can be substituted with zucchini, asparagus, brussels sprouts, green beans, or steamed potatoes to vary the vegetable component.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 295 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 11/4th recipe | |
| Calories | 295kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 26g | 52% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 103mg | 34% |
| Sodium | 787mg | 33% |
| Potassium | 643mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 814IU | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 64mg | 71% |
| Calcium | 53mg | 5% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.