Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli delivers a 15min Dinner.

Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli is my fast-track dinner solution. It proves you can deliver restaurant-quality flavor in a 15-minute skillet. I’m a chef who loves precise technique and practical kitchen hacks. I designed this recipe to fit busy weeknights. Juicy chicken, crisp broccoli, and a glossy garlic butter sauce come together fast. Naturally gluten-free and family-friendly, it’s a dependable crowd-pleaser in one pan. In this guide you’ll find a clear, step-by-step plan to pull it off. Plus substitutions, make-ahead tips, and serving ideas that fit a professional schedule. Read on to unlock the full recipe and pro tips for vibrant bites.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

what make this Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli special

Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli is more than a quick weeknight fix. I know the clock can feel brutal after a long day. That’s why I designed this one-pan skillet.

Juicy chicken, crisp broccoli, and a glossy garlic butter sauce come together quickly. It’s naturally gluten-free and family-friendly, so it fits almost any busy household. It also keeps cleanup simple, which matters after a long day.

In this guide you’ll find a clear, step-by-step plan to pull it off. Plus substitutions, make-ahead tips, and serving ideas that fit a professional schedule.

Why Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli shines in 15 minutes

Speed matters when life runs on a tight schedule, and this dish respects that cadence.

It uses a single skillet, so cleanup is quick and the kitchen stays calm.

Chicken browns fast, broccoli hits that perfect crisp-tender bite, and the garlic butter delivers shine.

In under 15 minutes, you get a cohesive, restaurant-worthy skillet.

Flavor profile you can trust

Garlic, butter, and paprika mingle like old friends at a kitchen reunion.

Paprika adds warmth without overpowering, while a squeeze of lemon and parsley brings brightness.

That glossy sauce clings to every bite, making simple pieces feel special.

A gluten-free, kid-friendly skillet that scales

Gluten-free by nature and gentle for picky eaters, this dish adapts with ease.

Substitute thigh meat for more juiciness, or swap in shrimp for a seafood twist.

It still cooks in minutes and feeds a family without drama.

Ingredients Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli

Here’s the exact lineup for Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli. Exact quantities are listed below and printable for your convenience.

Each ingredient plays a part in creating juicy chicken, crisp broccoli, and that glossy garlic butter sauce.

Ingredient List

• 450 g boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional: lemon wedges or fresh parsley for serving

Substitutions and tips

• Swap chicken breast for chicken thighs for extra juiciness; they still cook quickly in a skillet
• Use olive oil or a neutral cooking oil if you need dairy-free options
• Finish with a squeeze of lemon and chopped parsley for brightness
• Adjust garlic to taste; more garlic for a stronger sauce

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli

Here’s how I pull this 15-minute skillet together. Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli shines when timing and heat are in sync. I start with a hot pan and a plan, then let the ingredients do the talking. This method keeps weeknights calm and dinner on the table fast.

Step 1: Sear the chicken

I pat the chicken dry and cut it into uniform bite-size pieces. I want even browning, so I don’t crowd the pan. I season with paprika, salt, and pepper for a gentle kick.

I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the chicken in a single layer and let it sear. Leave it undisturbed for about two minutes to form a crust. Turn the pieces until the other side browns and is cooked through.

Transfer to a plate and rest briefly before the sauce. If your pan is crowded, cook in batches to maintain heat. That initial browning locks moisture and builds flavor for Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli.

Step 2: Prepare the garlic butter

I add the remaining butter to the same pan. When it melts, I swirl in minced garlic for aroma. Cook briefly until the kitchen smells amazing.

Garlic can burn fast, so I watch closely and adjust heat. Lower the heat if needed to keep the butter from browning. Stir the garlic until fragrant, then slide in a splash of water to prevent scorching.

Let the butter take on a glossy shine, then remove from heat momentarily. A bright squeeze of lemon finishes this base nicely. This garlic butter is the heart of the weeknight magic for Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli.

Step 3: Cook the broccoli to tender-crisp

I add broccoli florets to the pan and toss them to coat in garlic butter. Keep the heat medium so the garlic stays bright. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the color is vibrant.

Make sure the stems are crisp but not raw. You want a slight bite that holds up to chicken. Season with a pinch of salt and a quick grind of pepper. For a lighter finish, cover the pan for a minute to steam a touch.

Uncover and check, then remove when they reach tender-crisp. Tip: if you prefer softer broccoli, cook another minute. This step ensures the broccoli stays green, not gray, and still takes on flavor from the butter.

Step 4: Return the chicken and finish in the pan

Slide the chicken back into the skillet. Stir to coat every piece with the garlicky butter. Let everything mingle for a minute to marry flavors. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking.

Add a touch more paprika if you want warmth. A quick squeeze of lemon brightens the whole dish. If you like herbs, scatter parsley at the end. This step makes the sauce cling to chicken and broccoli for a glossy finish.

For a deeper gloss, simmer gently just a bit longer. This is the moment Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli feels restaurant-worthy in your own kitchen. The pan does most of the heavy lifting here, so you can relax and get dinner on the table fast.

Step 5: Serve with a bright finish

Turn off the heat and plate the skillet dinner. An extra lemon wedge at the side looks pretty. A sprinkle of parsley adds color and freshness.

Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. If you eat with kids, offer extra lemon for dipping. Pair with a simple side for a complete meal, like brown rice or quinoa.

That’s it—simple, speedy, and satisfying. Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli comes together in minutes, with layers of flavor that keep weeknights calm and meals memorable. Enjoy the shine, the balance, and that home-cooked hug in every bite.

Tips for Success

Quick-fire kitchen hacks

• I pre-measure spices for instant seasoning.
• I pat chicken dry to promote browning.
• I keep garlic minced and ready.
• I cook in a hot skillet; I don’t crowd the pan.

Flavor balance tips

• Taste as you go; salt can intensify with butter.
• Brighten with lemon; parsley adds freshness.
• Add garlic in stages to avoid bitterness.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper to preference.

Make-ahead and meal-prep ideas

• Slice chicken and chop broccoli ahead of time.
• Keep butter ready and garlic minced in fridge.
• Store components separately for quick assembly.

Equipment Needed

Essential tools

• Large skillet or wide sauté pan (heavy bottom)
• Spatula for turning and tossing
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board or stable surface
• Sharp knife or kitchen shears

Practical substitutions

• Skillet substitute: large nonstick pan or two pans
• Spatula substitute: wooden spoon or tongs
• Measuring tools: kitchen scale or rough spoon measures
• Cutting surface substitute: clean tray on a stable surface
• Knife substitute: sharp kitchen shears for trimming

Variations

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  Dairy-free version of Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli

  
  

  I swap butter for a dairy-free substitute. I use olive oil as the base fat. I love tweaking this with dairy-free butter substitutes.

  
  

  In Step 1, replace 1 tablespoon butter with the dairy-free substitute. In Step 2, replace the remaining 2 tablespoons.

  
  

  Choose a plant-based butter that melts smoothly. The sauce stays glossy and tasty.

  
  
• 
  

  Added heat, extra greens, or different textures in Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli

  
  

  Spice lovers can add red pepper flakes or a whisper of chili paste.

  
  

  Include bell peppers or snap peas for color and crunch.

  
  

  Stir in spinach at the end for extra greens without overcooking.

  
  
• 
  

  Protein swaps for Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli

  
  

  Chicken thighs stay juicy and brown nicely in the pan.

  
  

  Shrimp cooks quickly; add near the end to avoid overcooking.

  
  

  Turkey cutlets offer a lean option with similar cook times.

  
  

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli

I love how Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli fits my life as a busy home cook.
In minutes, I get juicy chicken, crisp broccoli, and a glossy garlic butter sauce that tastes like I spent an hour in the kitchen.
It’s easy to scale for family dinners or date nights at home, and forgiving if a kid rocks a picky appetite. The aroma alone makes weeknights feel calmer and happier.

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli

Quick sides that pair well

• Light salad with citrus vinaigrette
• Quinoa or brown rice

Light, refreshing drinks

• Sparkling water with lemon
• A crisp white wine, if you enjoy it

Presentation tips

• Serve family-style in the skillet
• Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley

Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli: A Weeknight Hero

Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli is my weeknight hero. It proves flavor doesn’t have to suffer with a chaotic schedule and a tight timeline. I rely on Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli for quick, satisfying meals that feel homemade.

On Sundays I prep components for a batch dinner, saving precious weeknight minutes. Chicken and broccoli can be cooked in advance and reheated gently, not ruined. Store in airtight containers, then reheat in the skillet with a splash of water.

If you double the recipe, you save time on busy weeknights and weekends. Add lemon and parsley after reheating to refresh flavors and brighten the dish. This method reduces last-minute chaos and keeps meals calm, satisfying hungry families.

Give it a spin this week and feel the kitchen calm wash over you. I love when simple food becomes a reliable family favorite on busy nights. Share your tweaks, from chili to extra greens, and I’ll cheer you on.

FAQs

FAQ 1: Is this dish gluten-free and dairy-friendly, and can it fit strict diets?

Yes, Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli is naturally gluten-free. It relies on simple ingredients like chicken, broccoli, and a butter-based sauce. Butter adds dairy, so it isn’t dairy-free by default.

To fit dairy-free diets, swap the butter for a dairy-free substitute or use olive oil. Keep the sauce glossy with a splash of water or stock as needed. The texture may be a touch lighter, but the flavor stays bright.

For strict gluten-free or dairy-free plans, check labels on any substitutes to ensure no hidden gluten. With the right swaps, Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli stays comforting and delicious. It remains a weeknight favorite even on tighter menus.

FAQ 2: Can I use chicken thighs or shrimp for a different texture?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs stay juicy and brown nicely in the pan, giving more depth to Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli. They do take a minute longer to cook, so slice them a bit smaller for quick browning. If you want the fastest option, stick with chicken breast but watch the pieces closely.

Shrimp can work beautifully too. Add shrimp near the end and cook just 1-2 minutes until pink. This keeps the texture delicate and prevents overcooking in the sauce.

Whatever you choose, you’ll keep that glossy garlic butter coating and bright broccoli. The dish stays friendly to weeknights and busy schedules. It’s a flexible skillet that adapts to your pantry.

FAQ 3: How do I reheat leftovers without drying out the chicken?

Reheat gently to keep leftovers juicy. Warm the skillet over low to medium heat with a splash of water or broth. Toss and stir until heated through.

Or use the microwave with a damp paper towel to add moisture. Check and stir halfway through. Finish with a quick squeeze of lemon or parsley if you like.

These little tricks keep Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli tasting fresh. A gentle reheat preserves texture and flavor. You’ll feel confident serving seconds without the fuss.

FAQ 4: Can I meal-prep this for the week?

Yes, Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli plays well with batch cooking. Cook components ahead: chicken and broccoli separately, then combine when reheating. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze cooked chicken, but broccoli quality may decline after freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a skillet with a splash of water. Refresh with lemon and parsley after reheating.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli is more than dinner; it’s a tiny celebration.
It’s my little kitchen victory on my busiest weeknights.
Juicy chicken, bright broccoli, and that glossy sauce calm the chaos around us.

The skillet does the heavy lifting, while cleanup stays surprisingly simple.
I love meals that scale for two or a crowd with ease.
Weeknights feel calmer when flavor leads with confidence and smiles.

Give it a try tonight and taste the easy shine.
Swap in thighs or shrimp for a new texture, no fuss.
This garlic butter skillet makes weeknights feel doable, and delicious for the whole family.

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