Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that’s quick, flavorful, and simply irresistible, this Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe is about to become your new weeknight favorite. The tender chicken breasts soak up that rich garlic aroma, while the vibrant broccoli adds a nice crunch and a boost of freshness, all brought together with a savory blend of chicken broth and soy sauce. It’s a perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color that feels both comforting and exciting every single time you make it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step to creating this Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role, from the juicy chicken breasts offering protein, to the bright green broccoli that delivers crunch and nutrition, and not to forget, the garlic that gives this dish its unforgettable aroma and flavor.
- 4 chicken breasts, sliced: Using thinly sliced chicken helps it cook evenly and absorb the garlicky sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a smooth, fruity base for sautéing and helps brown the chicken nicely.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The star ingredient that infuses every bite with a robust, savory punch.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli offers a lovely pop of green and a satisfying crunch.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Creates a flavorful sauce that keeps the chicken moist and tender.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Brings a subtle umami depth and a touch of saltiness to the dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the sliced chicken breasts. Cooking them for 5 to 6 minutes allows the meat to brown perfectly on the outside while staying juicy inside. This step is crucial because the slightly caramelized chicken base lets all the garlic sauce flavors cling better to each piece.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about one minute. The aroma of garlic filling your kitchen at this moment is one of those simple joys in cooking. Be careful not to burn the garlic — just enough heat to release its fragrance and infuse the chicken with flavor.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce, stirring them into your skillet to combine every bit of goodness with the chicken. This mixture will simmer gently, creating a flavorful sauce that makes every bite rich and moist.
Step 4: Steam the Broccoli
Add your broccoli florets right on top of the chicken and cover the skillet. Let this steam for 5 to 7 minutes until the broccoli turns bright green and tender without being mushy. This steaming method locks in freshness and nutrients while mingling broccoli’s crunchiness with the softness of the chicken.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Finally, season everything with salt and pepper to your preference. Give it a gentle stir to mix the flavors and you’re ready to serve up a delicious plate of Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe that’s balanced, nutritious, and packed with flavor.
How to Serve Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the top to add a burst of color and a hint of freshness. A light drizzle of toasted sesame oil can also enhance the aroma and give a subtle nutty note that’s just irresistible.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe pairs beautifully with a simple bed of steamed jasmine rice or fluffy cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried noodles for a more filling, comforting meal that the whole family will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken and broccoli in warmed lettuce cups for a refreshing, handheld version. Or, turn this into a satisfying bowl meal by layering it over quinoa or your favorite grain and topping it with crunchy roasted peanuts for added texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen even more overnight, making the next day’s meal just as delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and broccoli in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving at high power to keep the chicken tender and the broccoli crunchy, warming everything evenly.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?
Absolutely! Snap peas, bell peppers, or green beans all make fantastic substitutes. Just adjust the steaming time as needed so they stay crisp-tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Everything else in the Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How do I keep the chicken moist without overcooking?
Slicing the chicken thinly and cooking it just until it’s no longer pink helps retain moisture. Also, steaming the broccoli covered helps keep the whole dish juicy and tender.
Can I prepare this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
For a vegetarian version, try replacing the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and your preferred soy sauce, and the same garlic-rich flavor will carry through beautifully.
What can I add for extra flavor or heat?
If you love a bit of spice, toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle a little chili oil before serving. Fresh ginger grated alongside the garlic also adds a lovely zing.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe, it will quickly become one of those dishes you return to time and again because it’s just that good. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with wholesome ingredients that make both your taste buds and your body happy. So don’t wait—grab those fresh ingredients and treat yourself to this delicious, garlicky meal tonight!
Print
Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Chicken with Broccoli recipe is a quick and healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are sautéed with fragrant garlic, then simmered with broccoli in a savory chicken broth and soy sauce mixture. The dish is simple to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a great option to serve on its own or over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.
Ingredients
Protein
- 4 chicken breasts, sliced
Vegetables
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Add sliced chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, enhancing the flavor of the dish.
- Deglaze and season: Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce, stirring well to combine and deglaze the pan, releasing any flavorful bits stuck to the skillet.
- Steam the broccoli: Add the broccoli florets, cover the skillet with a lid, and steam for 5–7 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green.
- Season to taste: Season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Serve: Serve the garlic chicken and broccoli hot, either on its own or over a bed of rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are sliced evenly for uniform cooking.
- Adjust cooking times if broccoli florets are larger or smaller to avoid under or overcooking.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control salt content if desired.
- Can be customized by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
