If youโre like me and love the idea of a one-pan meal thatโs as simple as it is delicious, this One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner is about to become your go-to. This dish is packed with juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and just the right balance of savory seasonings thatโll have everyone asking for seconds. And letโs be real, who doesnโt love a dinner that you can whip up in just one pan? Trust me, youโre going to love this!
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Why Youโll Love One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner
This recipe isnโt just about the ingredientsโitโs about creating moments. Whether youโre cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Hereโs why itโs a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. Itโs perfect for when youโre trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If youโre someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. Itโs designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Itโs always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Hereโs the magic of this one-skillet dinnerโitโs made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Letโs break it down:
Chicken Breasts: The star of the show. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts become melt-in-your-mouth tender as they soak up all those dreamy flavors.
Broccoli Florets: Fresh, crisp, and nutritious, theyโre the perfect sidekick to the chicken, adding color, crunch, and a dose of healthy green goodness.
Olive Oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection and giving everything a lovely base of richness.
Garlic: Aromatic and savory, garlic makes this dish sing with flavor from the very first step.
Chicken Broth: A splash of chicken broth adds depth and moisture to the dish, keeping the chicken juicy and the broccoli tender.
Lemon Juice: A bright splash of citrus brings a zesty freshness that really ties all the flavors together.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Letโs dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
1. Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your skillet over medium heat. This ensures even cooking and gives your dish the right texture.
2. Sear the Chicken: Drizzle olive oil in the skillet and place the chicken breasts in, cooking for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. This creates that crispy, flavorful exterior that makes each bite irresistible.
3. Add Garlic and Broccoli: Once the chicken is browned, toss in the garlic and broccoli. Stir everything together for about 2 minutes, letting those flavors combine.
4. Pour in Chicken Broth: Add the chicken broth to the pan, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom to mix all the delicious flavors together.
5. Let Everything Simmer: Cover the pan and let everything simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the broccoli is perfectly tender.
6. Add Lemon Juice: Once everything is cooked, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish to brighten up the flavors. Give it a final stir, and itโs ready to serve!
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the chicken and broccoli straight from the skillet for a beautiful, rustic meal. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with a side of rice or mashed potatoes, itโs going to be a hit!
Nutrition Facts Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the dishโs rich flavors.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauces or juices. Garlic bread or a simple baguette works wonderfully.
Creamy Accompaniments: Add a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a creamy dip to complement the dishโs flavor profile.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables, like carrots, zucchini, or asparagus, are excellent pairings that add color and nutrients to the meal.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Simply garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a finishing touch.
Presentation matters too! Serving the dish in a beautifully arranged platter can elevate the dining experience. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for that extra pop.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: Save time by chopping and measuring ingredients the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Spice It Up: Experiment with spices like cumin, turmeric, or chili flakes to give the dish a unique twist.
Dietary Adjustments: If youโre catering to specific dietary needs, swap ingredients like regular flour for gluten-free alternatives or dairy products for plant-based options.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to [time duration]. Reheat gently to preserve the dishโs texture and flavor.
Double the Batch: This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch. Having a homemade meal ready in the freezer can be a lifesaver on busy days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this recipe. Theyโll add a little extra juiciness, so keep an eye on cooking time to ensure they donโt overcook.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, itโs a great make-ahead recipe. Prepare it and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it just before serving.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the oven to maintain texture.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When youโre ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q5: Whatโs the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350ยฐF for about 15 minutes or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Of course! Just make sure you have a large enough skillet or cook in batches if needed.
Q7: Can I add more vegetables to the dish?
A7: Definitely! Feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even some spinach for an extra boost of nutrition and flavor.
Q8: How can I make this dish spicier?
A8: You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne, or some chopped jalapeรฑos to kick up the heat.
Q9: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
A9: Yes! Frozen broccoli works just as well. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before cooking.
Q10: Can I make this dish without the chicken broth?
A10: You can! If you donโt have chicken broth, try using water or vegetable broth as a substitute.
Conclusion
This One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner is proof that great things come in simple packages. Itโs the perfect meal for when youโre short on time but donโt want to compromise on flavor. Itโs got everythingโtender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a deliciously savory sauce. Give it a try, and youโll see why itโs going to be a new favorite in your dinner rotation!
PrintOne-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Universal
Description
This One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner is a wholesome, flavor-packed meal perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and a savory sauce come together in just one pan for easy cleanup and maximum flavor. A great option for healthy recipes dinner ideas, simple high protein meals, and quick high protein meals that donโt compromise on taste. This is one of those healthy recipes to try when you want something satisfying and low-stress!
Ingredients
Main Dish:
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1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
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12 to 18 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into large bite-sized pieces
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2 cups broccoli florets
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped
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1/2 cup celery, sliced
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1/4 cup chicken broth or water
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1/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce:
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1/4 cup coconut aminos (or tamari/lite soy sauce)
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2 tablespoons vegetable Sriracha
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for about 8 minutes, browning on all sides. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, sautรฉ broccoli until slightly tender, then remove and set aside.
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Add onion and celery to the skillet and cook for 5โ8 minutes until soft. Add garlic and sautรฉ for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Return chicken and broccoli to the skillet. Add broth or water, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 5 more minutes, or until chicken is heated through.
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Whisk together sauce ingredients and pour into the skillet during the last minute of cooking. Mix to coat, then serve warm.
Notes
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Use tamari for a gluten-free version or soy sauce for a classic flavor.
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Add extra veggies like snap peas or bell peppers for more color and crunch.
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Great for meal prepโstore leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg