Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli

Some dinners are elaborate. They require marinating, blending, layering, resting. And then there are dinners like this Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli — simple, direct, and almost shockingly satisfying for how little effort they demand. It’s one skillet. Real ingredients. Big flavor. And somehow it tastes like you did more than you actually did.

This is the kind of recipe that saves weeknights. Juicy, golden-seared chicken bites coated in rich garlic butter. Bright green broccoli that stays tender but not mushy. A light pan sauce that clings to everything. It’s comforting without being heavy. Healthy-ish without feeling like diet food. And fast. Very fast.

If you’ve been looking for easy chicken and broccoli recipes, quick garlic butter dinners, healthy one-pan meals, or low-carb weeknight ideas, this one belongs in your back pocket. You’ll make it once. Then again. And then probably without the recipe.

Because it’s that intuitive.

Why Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli Works

The combination sounds basic. Chicken. Broccoli. Butter. Garlic. But sometimes the simplest pairings are the most reliable.

Garlic butter adds depth and richness without overpowering the natural flavors. Chicken breast (or thighs, if you prefer) sear beautifully and stay juicy when cooked properly. Broccoli absorbs flavor while adding texture and freshness.

There’s contrast here. Crispy edges on the chicken. Tender-crisp broccoli. Savory butter balanced by a squeeze of lemon if you choose to add it.

It’s balanced without trying too hard.

Ingredients

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 cups broccoli florets
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
Optional: red pepper flakes, lemon juice, chopped parsley

Nothing fancy. Nothing complicated.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes so it develops a golden crust. Flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets. If needed, add a splash of water and cover for 2 minutes to help them steam slightly. Then remove the lid and let any moisture evaporate. You want them tender but still bright green.

Lower the heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.

Return the chicken to the skillet and toss everything together in the garlic butter sauce. Let it cook for another minute so the flavors combine.

Optional: finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or chopped parsley.

Serve immediately.

Flavor and Texture Expectations

The chicken should be juicy with lightly crisp edges. The broccoli should remain vibrant and slightly firm. The garlic butter coats everything without pooling at the bottom of the pan.

It’s savory. Slightly rich. Fresh if you add lemon. Comforting without feeling greasy.

It tastes like more than the sum of its parts.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over steamed rice for a complete meal. Or keep it low-carb and enjoy it as is. It also pairs well with quinoa, mashed potatoes, or even pasta if you want something heartier.

For extra indulgence, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan on top just before serving.

Make It Your Own

Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Add mushrooms for deeper flavor.
Use asparagus instead of broccoli.
Stir in a spoonful of cream for a richer sauce.
Add soy sauce for a subtle umami twist.

The base recipe is flexible.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

This recipe works well for meal prep. Portion it with rice or cauliflower rice for ready-to-go lunches.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli is one of those dependable meals that quietly becomes a staple. It’s quick. It’s flavorful. It feels satisfying without being complicated.

No fancy ingredients. No long prep. Just a hot skillet and a handful of simple components working together.

Sometimes that’s exactly what dinner needs to be.