Alright, my friend, lean in close because I have a secret to share. Are you ready? The absolute, hands-down, no-contest winner for a weeknight dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl is right here: chicken breast with broccoli. I’m not just saying that! This isn’t some bland, sad diet food. This is a flavor explosion waiting to happen on your plate, and I am OBSESSED with getting you to make it.
[my_recipe_card template=”dark” title=”chicken breast with broccoli Recipe” summary=”Make chicken breast with broccoli Recipe with simple ingredients and clear steps. Prep, cook, and enjoy—perfect for cozy evenings.” image_id=”5936″ author=”[email protected]” prep_time=”PT10M” cook_time=”PT20M” total_time=”PT30M” servings=”None” category=”Main Course” cuisine=”American (Easy & Delicious!)” ingredients=”2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)|1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets|3 cloves garlic, minced|1/4 cup olive oil|2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)|1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice|1 teaspoon paprika|1/2 teaspoon onion powder|1/2 teaspoon black pepper|1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)|Optional for serving: Grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes” instructions=”Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is our first step to crispy, golden perfection.|While the oven heats up, pat your chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This is a non-negotiable step for a beautiful sear! Then, slice each breast in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This makes them cook faster and more evenly.|In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This is our magical, flavor-packed marinade and sauce all in one!|Place the chicken cutlets and broccoli florets in a large mixing bowl. Pour about two-thirds of the sauce over them. Use your hands (the best tools!) to toss everything until it’s beautifully and evenly coated.|Transfer the chicken and broccoli to a large, rimmed baking sheet, spreading everything out in a single layer. You want them to have their personal space to get nice and roasty, not steam.|Pop that baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and the broccoli to have some delicious, slightly charred edges.|Take the pan out of the oven—carefully, it’s hot! Drizzle the remaining sauce over the top for an extra burst of fresh flavor. Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This keeps all those juicy flavors locked in.”]
We’ve all been there. It’s 6 PM, your stomach is growling, and the thought of spending an hour in the kitchen makes you want to just order a pizza. I get it, I’ve been there more times than I care to admit. But trust me, this dish is your knight in shining armor. It’s so incredibly simple, uses ingredients you probably already have, and comes together faster than you can decide what to watch on TV tonight. If you’re looking for another quick and delicious option, you should definitely try our fluffy pancake mini muffins for breakfast on-the-go. Let’s do this!
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American (Easy & Delicious!)
- Category: Main Course
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 happy people
Do You Love This Recipe Too?
I have to tell you why this dish has a permanent spot in my dinner rotation. It all started on a particularly chaotic Tuesday. My day had been a whirlwind, and the last thing I wanted to do was cook. I stared into the abyss of my fridge, and there they were: a pack of chicken breasts and a lonely head of broccoli. In a moment of “what the heck” inspiration, I threw them together with a few pantry staples. The result? Pure magic. My family went silent, which is the highest compliment they can pay. It was tender, flavorful, and satisfying. This recipe saved my Tuesday, and it can save yours, too!
My Shopping List for This Recipe
Before we get our hands dirty, let’s talk ingredients. I’m a big believer in keeping things simple, so this list is short, sweet, and to the point. Here’s what I always grab for this superstar meal.
Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready
Okay, chef! Grab your cutting board and a big bowl. Let’s line everything up. Having your mise en place ready is the secret to a stress-free cooking experience, I promise!
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Optional for serving: Grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes
PREPARATION
Here we go! The fun part. Put on some good music, and let’s turn these simple ingredients into a masterpiece. Follow these steps, and you really can’t go wrong. If you’re a fan of creamy, savory dips, you’ll absolutely adore our famous Marry Me Chicken Dip for your next gathering.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is our first step to crispy, golden perfection.
- While the oven heats up, pat your chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This is a non-negotiable step for a beautiful sear! Then, slice each breast in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This makes them cook faster and more evenly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This is our magical, flavor-packed marinade and sauce all in one!
- Place the chicken cutlets and broccoli florets in a large mixing bowl. Pour about two-thirds of the sauce over them. Use your hands (the best tools!) to toss everything until it’s beautifully and evenly coated.
- Transfer the chicken and broccoli to a large, rimmed baking sheet, spreading everything out in a single layer. You want them to have their personal space to get nice and roasty, not steam.
- Pop that baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and the broccoli to have some delicious, slightly charred edges.
- Take the pan out of the oven—carefully, it’s hot! Drizzle the remaining sauce over the top for an extra burst of fresh flavor. Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This keeps all those juicy flavors locked in.
Fun Variations to Try Next Time
Once you’ve mastered the basic version, feel free to get creative! This recipe is like a blank canvas for your culinary dreams.
- Cheesy Goodness: In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle a generous handful of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese over the chicken and broccoli. Let it melt into gooey perfection.
- Spice It Up: Love a little heat? Add a teaspoon of chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper to your sauce mixture. Serving it with red pepper flakes on the side is also a fantastic idea.
- Creamy Dreamy: For a richer, creamier sauce, whisk a couple of tablespoons of Greek yogurt or heavy cream into the sauce before you toss it with the chicken and broccoli.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
Got leftovers? No problem! This dish is fantastic for meal prep. Here’s how to keep it tasting amazing.
chicken breast with broccoli Recipe
Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready
PREPARATION
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
Notes
Enjoy your homemade chicken breast with broccoli Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- Store: Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze this for up to 2 months. I recommend storing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. The texture of the broccoli might soften a bit upon thawing, but the flavor will still be great.
- Reheat: The best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in a skillet over medium heat. You can use the microwave, but it might make the broccoli a little mushy.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: ~315
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
If you’re craving something sweet after this savory meal, you’ll love our moist and delicious pumpkin banana bread bars for dessert!
A Quick Q&A on This Recipe
I get a lot of questions about this recipe, so I thought I’d answer a few of the most common ones right here!
Can I use frozen broccoli?
You totally can! No need to thaw it first. Just toss it in frozen, but know that it might release a bit more water as it cooks, so your broccoli won’t get *quite* as crispy. It’ll still be delicious, though!
My chicken always comes out dry. What am I doing wrong?
Ah, the classic chicken dilemma! The two biggest culprits are overcooking and not slicing the breasts. By cutting them into thinner cutlets, they cook faster and more evenly, staying super juicy. And always, always use a meat thermometer! Pull it out at 165°F, and let it rest. Game changer, I swear.
What should I serve with this?
Oh, the possibilities! It’s fantastic all on its own, but it also loves company. I love it over a bed of fluffy white rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to soak up all that yummy sauce. A simple side salad or some crusty bread to mop your plate clean is also a winning move.
And there you have it! My go-to, never-fail, always-delicious chicken and broccoli recipe. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a superstar in the kitchen without any of the stress. It’s healthy, it’s filling, and it’s packed with flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
I am so genuinely excited for you to try this. It has brought so much joy and ease to my own kitchen, and I really hope it does the same for yours. Now, I need to hear all about your cooking adventure! Did you add cheese? Did your family love it? I live for this stuff! Please, please, please leave a comment and a rating below to let me know what you think! Happy cooking!
