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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and black pepper - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish When I make Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli, I love using fresh ingredients. The chicken gives protein and flavor. Broccoli adds color and nutrients. Butter makes everything rich and tasty. Garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika bring warmth and depth. I use salt and black pepper to enhance all the flavors. The lemon adds a bright touch. The zest gives a fresh aroma, while the juice adds tang. Fresh parsley makes the dish look vibrant and fresh. These ingredients mix well and create a simple, delicious meal. You can easily find them at any grocery store. Each part of this dish plays a key role. Together, they make Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli a meal you will love. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly. In a medium bowl, season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Mix well so each piece is coated in the spices. This step brings out the best flavors in the chicken. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Wait until the butter melts and sizzles. Then, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Sauté the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown. Once done, carefully remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. When it melts, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring often. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can taste bitter. After the garlic is fragrant, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes until the broccoli is tender and bright green. Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the lemon juice and zest. Stir everything together to blend the flavors. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Let the chicken and broccoli cook together for an extra 2 to 3 minutes. Stir gently so the flavors mix well. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and flavor before serving. Enjoy your meal! - Ensuring chicken is cooked through: Always cut your chicken into small pieces. This helps it cook faster and more evenly. Cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes until it's golden brown and no longer pink inside. A meat thermometer can help. Aim for 165°F (75°C) for safety. - Avoiding burnt garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, so keep an eye on it. Sauté it for just one minute until fragrant. Stir it often. If it turns brown too fast, lower the heat. You want the flavor, not the bitterness. - Presentation ideas: For a great look, serve your Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli on a large platter. Arrange the chicken and broccoli nicely. Add lemon wedges on the side for a touch of color and sparkle. - Pairing with sides: This dish pairs well with rice or quinoa. You can also serve it with crusty bread. These sides soak up the tasty garlic butter sauce. - Adjusting seasoning after cooking: Always taste your dish before serving. If you think it needs more, add salt and pepper. You can also squeeze in more lemon juice for extra brightness. - Recommended additional ingredients: To kick up the flavor, try adding red pepper flakes for heat. You can also toss in some cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and taste. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers a brighter and more robust flavor compared to pre-minced varieties. Always opt for fresh for the best taste! Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Keep the broccoli vibrant and crisp by sautéing it just until tender. You want it to maintain its beautiful color and nutrients. Adjust Seasoning to Taste: After mixing in the lemon juice and zest, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. Every palate is different, so make it your own! Garnish for Presentation: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh flavor. Sprinkle it on just before serving for a beautiful presentation. {{image_4}} You can easily swap out the main ingredients in Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli. Here are some ideas: - Alternatives for chicken: Try turkey breast or tofu for a different taste. Both work well with garlic and butter. - Different vegetables to use: Instead of broccoli, use green beans, asparagus, or bell peppers. Each option brings its own flavor and color. If you like heat, add some spice to your dish. Here’s how: - Adding chili flakes or sriracha: Mix in a pinch of chili flakes to the garlic while it cooks. For a bolder kick, drizzle sriracha on top before serving. - Incorporating spicy seasonings: Use cayenne pepper or a spicy seasoning blend. This will add warmth and make the dish exciting. For a rich, creamy version, try this approach: - Making a creamy sauce with cream or Parmesan: Stir in heavy cream or grated Parmesan after cooking the chicken. This will create a luscious sauce that coats everything. - Adjusted cooking methods for creaminess: Lower the heat after adding cream. Let it simmer gently to thicken without curdling. This keeps the sauce smooth and delicious. To keep your Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli fresh, store it in airtight containers. This helps seal in flavor and moisture. Make sure to let the dish cool before sealing. In the fridge, it stays good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing might be a better choice. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. The best way is to use a skillet. Heat it over low to medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often to make sure everything warms evenly. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps keep the chicken tender and the broccoli bright. If you want to freeze your leftovers, it’s easy! Place the cooled dish in airtight containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as food expands when frozen. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove or microwave. This way, you’ll enjoy a tasty meal again! To make Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli, follow these simple steps: 1. Cut 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. 2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. 3. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. 4. Sauté the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. 5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. 6. In the same skillet, add 2 more tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. 7. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. 8. Add 2 cups of broccoli florets and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. 9. Return the chicken to the skillet and add lemon juice and zest. 10. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring gently. 11. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. It is quick and easy. However, fresh broccoli has a better texture and taste. If using frozen, thaw it first to avoid sogginess. Cook it a little longer in the skillet to ensure it heats through. You have many tasty options. Here are a few ideas: - Garlic bread for some crunch. - Rice or quinoa to soak up the sauce. - A simple salad for freshness. - Mashed potatoes for a comfort food touch. Leftovers will last for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store the chicken and broccoli in an airtight container. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. You can use olive oil instead of butter. It will change the flavor slightly, making it a bit lighter. Olive oil won’t give the same rich taste, but it is a healthier option. If you want that buttery flavor, try a mix of both. In this blog, we explored a tasty Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli recipe. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips for perfect results. Remember, you can customize this dish with various ingredients for your taste. Whether you want spicy or creamy options, there's a version for everyone. Storing leftovers properly ensures they stay fresh. Now, you can enjoy a healthy meal that's easy to make. Dive in and try it today!

Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli

A delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken and vibrant broccoli in a garlic butter sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 piece lemon, zested and juiced
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning, ensuring they are well-coated.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and sizzling, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Sauté them for approximately 6 to 8 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Carefully remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once it has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until it's fragrant. Take care not to let the garlic burn, as it can become bitter.
  • Next, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Sauté the broccoli for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until it is tender yet retains its vibrant green color, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  • Once the broccoli is cooked, return the seared chicken to the skillet. Pour in the lemon juice and add the zest, stirring everything together to incorporate the flavors thoroughly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  • Allow the chicken and broccoli to cook together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stirring gently, so the flavors meld beautifully.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor before serving.

Notes

Serve with lemon wedges for added brightness.
Keyword broccoli, chicken, easy recipe, garlic butter