Imagine a mouthwatering dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with crisp, vibrant broccoli in just 30 minutes - sounds too good to be true? Our Chicken and Broccoli Skillet is about to become your new favorite go-to recipe that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for a quick meal, or simply craving a nutritious and delicious dinner, this American-style skillet recipe will have you falling in love with cooking all over again!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing the chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes, ensuring even cooking. Wash and cut broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces.
- Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, allowing the oil to become hot but not smoking.
- Add minced garlic to the hot skillet and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release its aromatic flavor.
- Add seasoned chicken cubes to the skillet, spreading them in a single layer to promote even browning and prevent overcrowding.
- Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and nearly cooked through with no pink remaining.
- Add broccoli florets to the skillet and pour in chicken broth, which will help steam and soften the vegetables.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes (if using) over the mixture for added heat and complexity.
- Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing broccoli to become tender-crisp and chicken to finish cooking completely.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes before serving hot, allowing flavors to meld together.
Tips
- Cut chicken and broccoli into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Use high-quality olive oil and fresh garlic for the most aromatic base flavor.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet - this ensures proper browning and prevents steaming instead of searing.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese before serving.
- Let the dish rest for 2 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and juices to redistribute.
- For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- If you like extra heat, don't shy away from those red pepper flakes - they add a fantastic kick!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 266kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 94mg
