One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner is a wholesome, quick-cooking meal that brings together tender chicken breast, crisp-tender broccoli, and a light savory sauce—all in one pan. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that’s both healthy and satisfying without the mess of multiple pots and pans.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup fast and easy.
- Nutritious: Lean protein and green vegetables provide a balanced and healthy meal.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with different vegetables, sauces, or seasonings.
- Family-Friendly: A simple, flavorful dish everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 6–7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside. -
Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. -
Steam the Broccoli
Add broccoli and chicken broth to the skillet. Cover with a lid and steam for 4–5 minutes, until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp. -
Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to heat through and blend flavors. -
Serve
Serve hot, with additional cheese or red pepper flakes if desired. Pairs well with rice, pasta, or on its own.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Add Carbs: Serve over rice, pasta, quinoa, or mashed potatoes for a more filling meal.
- Try Other Veggies: Use cauliflower, green beans, bell peppers, or carrots in place of or in addition to broccoli.
- Cheese Swap: Try shredded mozzarella or a sprinkle of feta for a different flavor.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or a spoonful of cream cheese for a richer sauce.
- Add Heat: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce gives it a spicy kick.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until hot.
- Freezing: Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw it first and drain any excess water before adding it to the skillet.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and offer a slightly richer flavor.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese substitute.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use a large enough skillet to avoid overcrowding the pan.
What can I serve with this dish?
It’s great with rice, couscous, roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep. Store in meal containers for easy lunches or dinners.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
You can use water with a pinch of salt or vegetable broth as a substitute.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes, just ensure that your chicken broth and cheese are certified gluten-free.
Can I add sauce to make it richer?
A splash of soy sauce, lemon juice, or a touch of cream can add extra depth.
How do I keep the broccoli from overcooking?
Steam it just until bright green and tender-crisp, and avoid over-simmering after combining.
Conclusion
One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner is a healthy, easy-to-make dish that’s full of flavor and ideal for any night of the week. Whether you enjoy it as is or serve it with a side of your choice, it’s a dependable, go-to recipe for wholesome eating with minimal effort.
Print
One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, One-Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dinner is a fast, healthy meal made with juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and a savory garlic-butter sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a family-friendly, low-carb dinner you’ll want to make on repeat!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add broccoli. Stir for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, cover, and steam broccoli for 4–5 minutes until tender.
- Add butter and lemon juice. Stir in the cooked chicken and simmer for another 2 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Swap broccoli for green beans or asparagus for variety.
- Great over rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~310 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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